50 Best Cocktail Bars near Skokie

“You won’t ever get a watered down drink from Take Flight!

My wife and I have had tons of mini-dates here (I suggest Village Inn Pizza next door), we’ve shown up for game nights, and on weeknights I’ve gone solo just to have a few drink and get some work done too.

Whatever the occasion, if you’re looking for quality drinks and a comfortable place to sit for a while, this is it!

Also, you should order their pretzels.“

“The appetizers were amazingly delicious, and a meal in itself... We ordered three appetizers and a couple of drinks each. We left there feeling completely satisfied. A dark... yet wonderful environment. Nice place for a romantic dinner date.“

“We went to Hampton Social for my sister’s bachelorette in Nashville, and it was an unforgettable experience! The atmosphere is super cute and fun, with a laid-back yet vibrant vibe. The cocktails were delicious, and the staff made it extra special by bringing my sister some shots with a sparkler for her bachelorette. Since her bridal party was small and the guitar shots were too much for our group, this thoughtful gesture made the day even more memorable. Highly recommend if you’re looking for great drinks and a fun atmosphere!“

“Delicious food and a vibrant atmosphere. I had the pleasure of dining recently with friends, and every dish, from the Octopus to the Sea Bass was cooked to perfection. The cocktails sent our experience over the top, long with the amazing wait service. Anytime I am back in Chicago, Bar Siena will most certainly be a mandatory stop!“

“Foodie and gals it’s are addictive. Warning!! 💕💕💕💕“

“Great food and interesting menu to say the least. 10/10 would eat and drink again!“

“So much fun. Creative cocktails that look amazing and taste even better.“

“This place is the coolest bar I have been to in a long time, hip and fun but not pretentious. They paid attention to every detail when building and designing. The white marbel bar has clean lines and looks fresh. All of the hardware finishes look sharp and clean. The patio is large and inviting with a fire place and plenty of tables to sit at. The drink menu is creative and refreshing and the staff is kind and welcoming. I cannot say enough good things about this gem of a bar. I am excited to hang out this fall on the patio by the fireplace with good drink in My hand.“

“Adoro l'arredamento vintage. I tarocchi sono divertenti.“

“I really appreciate the owner reaching out after my initial experience. Although it was disappointing at the time, they went out of their way to make arrangements for us, including offering a table and drinks to ensure we had a better experience. It means a lot when a business takes accountability and genuinely works to make things right. I’m looking forward to coming back and giving it another try.“

“It’s the best. Great Bartenders and excellent cocktails“

“my best friend and I just had the BEST experience at the whale! Our waitress taylor was incredible and the manager (so sorry but we never got his name because he was just being so nice to us) was incredible as well. We will definitely return with friends and recommend anyone to try it out! classy, but not snobby, cool decor, warm kind and accommodating staff, and great food and cocktails are just the cherry on top! try the carrot cake after your meal :) Thank you again to taylor and the manager again <3“

“Awesome place! Their happy hour menu is fantastic but the normal menu is also very reasonable. Love seeing highballs getting the spotlight. Staff was friendly and attentive.
I don't usually eat when I'm out drinking but the burger was so well reviewed I had to try it and was not disappointed.“

“I had a fun evening at the Meadowlark. A cute spot for a date with tasty cocktails.

Perhaps much more importantly, I had feedback for the Meadowlark that was received and taken very seriously by the management team. They reached out directly to me as a follow-up. I appreciated their communication and willingness to hear my concerns. That really sets them apart as a business who cares and want to be integrated within the community.“

“Cosmic and Carnal Cocktails, Phenomenal Food and Stupendous Staff Members! 10’s Across The Board! Oh, the sound system and curated DJ Sets will have even the deceased DANCING 🕺“

“Ever-changing menu of unique cocktails that are always complex, inventive, and well-balanced. That carries over into their non-alcoholic options as well, which includes coffee and tea lattes and alcohol-free cocktails. Super chill and comfy space to work during the day or have an intimate drink with friends at night.“

“Great vibe, great staff, well made and designed cocktails 🍸“

“I went to Indienne with friends to celebrate 50th birthdays. The experience did not disappoint. Indienne delivered an exceptional dining experience with its tasting menu. The food was truly phenomenal—beautifully presented, thoughtful, and layered with bold yet refined flavors that felt both creative and rooted in tradition. Each course was memorable with different takes on recognizable dishes. While the drinks were just okay and didn’t quite rise to the same level as the food, they also didn’t detract from the overall experience. The tasting menu alone makes Indienne well worth the visit, especially for anyone who appreciates inventive, high-quality cuisine.“

“I am late writing my review but I had to write it !! I visited provare chicago On july 8th !! From start to finish this restaurant gets 5 starts . The decor was nice and set a perfect atmosphere for a great night . We were greeted immediately upon arrival and seated within 5 minutes of being there . Once seated the wait staff began their introduction's on drinks and popular menu item's. After my party ordered drinks and appetizers a gentleman came over (not sure if he was the manager) and introduce himself and made sure we were having a great experience. Appetizers were amazing!! We couldn't wait for dinner!! Our entrées we just as good if not better ! Everything was cooked and seasoned to perfection! When we didn't think the night could get even better the entire wait staff and the gentleman that came over before stopped and recognized my friend for her birthday and brought over a birthday surprise!! I live 307 miles and this place was definitely worth the drive !!!“

“Have you ever gone into a restaurant with a group of people and just asked the server to take care of you? We did, and Noah did not disappoint! The hospitality was warm and welcoming, the drinks were perfect, we definitely recommend the spicy marg or the PS I kinda like you. For food we can’t recommend the burger enough we also loved the duck fried rice and definitely get the tiger fries!! 10/10 we’ll be back!“

“I love the diversity of the people who come here. Just an amazing atmosphere of unique individuals that bring so much to the place whenever I'm here. And some of the best bartenders in the city!“

“Been here several times, always a blast and great drinks. Last visit was weird. Kinda stuffy. Bartender was uninterested and ok with letting customers wait along time before taking order. I hope things are not changing.“

“We were in town for NYE and settled in the Whiskey Girl Tavern to bring in the New Year as there was a Moulin Rouge show included! When we went to buy the tickets, the highest package ticket was the only one available for $30 but it was never explicit what that entailed. When we got there, we were able to get a table. Live singer and guitarist were great. Loved loved loved to see the LGBT community in a safe, authentic, expressive environment. Glad we were able to enjoy our drinks and a bite to eat before the show. We ordered the white pizza, I don’t think that is what we got. It seemed like any other cheese pizza. It was okay but wouldn’t order again. We were very much looking forward to the burlesque show but to be honest it was just alright. DJ was pretty good, just wished the show was actually a show. We could barely see or hear anything from a table with what should have been clear sight. Overall, the NYE experience was just okay but we want to come back and give it a second chance to catch a game next time we’re in town.“

“Very nice and friendly bartenders. They are very good at making any kind of drinks.“

“My visit to Cara Cara Club was great! Between two of us we had 6 different cocktails, they were all delicious, my favorite was the Baccanalia. Didn’t have much of an appetite so I can’t say anything about the food other than it looked and smelt amazing. The vibes were great with the music and the disco balls. I’m looking forward to returning.“

“Small, cozy space with beautiful drinks. Very nice staff.“

“Always amazing cocktails! We are big fans.“

“Lovely place for a cocktail, conversation and live music. Lots of seating options so you can get as close or far to the music as you’d like. Bartenders do a great job creating original craft cocktails with seasonal options. Service was exceptional“

“Great happy hour daily 5-6pm The burgers are so good !! Always fun“

“This place is absolutely stunning! 3 separate rooms with different themes to accommodate the celebration. We had Genesis as our waitress and she gave us a phenomenal experience. First by giving great recommendations, secondly by describing and instructing us how to go about drinking our cocktails. She was so sweet and informative I could rave about her for days. Honestly I would come back for her and drinks not so much for the food. So happy with the overall experience!“

“Delicious cocktails:) I will definitely go back!“

“Like a flash back to the 70’s, before I could hold a cocktail but fancied doing so.....“

“The Sparrow on Elm Street is one of those rare Chicago gems that feels effortlessly timeless. The moment you step inside, you’re transported — the atmosphere blends vintage elegance with a cozy, intimate charm that’s hard to find anywhere else in the city. It’s the kind of place that makes you slow down, breathe a little deeper, and actually enjoy the moment.

The service is consistently attentive without ever feeling intrusive. The staff knows their craft, from the way they describe the cocktails to the way they read the room. Whether you’re there for a quiet solo drink, a date night, or a catch‑up with friends, they create a space that feels warm, welcoming, and beautifully curated.

The cocktails are the true highlight — balanced, thoughtful, and crafted with intention. Every drink feels like it was made specifically for you. The menu has personality without being pretentious, and the flavors are layered in a way that shows real skill behind the bar.

What I love most about The Sparrow is the energy. It’s sophisticated without trying too hard, intimate without feeling small, and stylish without losing its sense of comfort. It’s the kind of spot you remember long after you leave — a place that becomes part of your personal Chicago map.

If you’re looking for a bar that delivers atmosphere, craftsmanship, and a touch of old‑world charm, The Sparrow is absolutely worth the visit.“

“I was lowkey nervous about writing this review because I know this place is already popular… and part of me wants to keep it a secret.

But Valedor is easily a 10/10.

From the moment you walk in, everything just clicks — the atmosphere, the door host, the staff, and the overall level of service. It’s one of those places where you can tell the team takes pride in the experience they create.

What I really like is how versatile the space feels. It works for a birthday celebration, dinner date, or even an after-work happy hour. No matter the occasion, it fits.

If you’re thinking about checking it out, make the trip. You won’t regret it.“

“we love everything there, food, service and atmosphere.“

“Went for the Womens Month/International womens day pop up. We knew going into it, that the food would be gluten-free vegan. Not our usual fair but we'll roll with it. There wasn't a menu to at least see what was coming and I wish there was. The first plate of kinda sandwiches was pretty good. The middle tier wasn't great. I tried them all but I'm just not a fan of nut cheese. Neither of us could eat them. They just weren't good. The desserts however were great! The ambiance and decor of the place is top level beauty. There was live acoustic music behind us that worked with it.“

“Esme is truly an experience to have. We did the menu and the wine pairing and it was amazing. From the presentation to the food was unbelievable and will definitely do it again as it changes quarterly“

“Food are great And good drinks too“

“Amazing experience! The food was great…best steak that I’ve ever had!“

“Just that you will have an awesome time!“

“Great variety and unique flavors. Great vibe.“

“Favorite bar in Avondale!!“

“White Sox Bar!!!!!!!!😂!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! N n n n n n“

“Love the low key environment and drinks was 🔥🔥“

“Enjoyed the Christmas pop-up, very festive and the food is fantastic!“

“Pretty space, intimate and friendly staff.“

“The food was great. The wait staff was courteous and professional.“

“The food and staff were amazing! Such a friendly staff who were extremely welcoming and attentive. I have never ordered ‘seconds’ at a restaurant until today! The tostadas were out of this world and the shrimp taco was delicious. A must try!“

“Great staff and every thing we ordered was absolutely fantastic.“

“My friends and I hosted our friend’s 30th birthday party at Room 13 this past weekend. I couldn’t recommend this space enough! It was a great atmosphere; small enough to feel intimate but still spacious enough for everyone to spread out. The food was pretty decent and the drinks were delicious!
Joanna and Devon were SO helpful with setting up before the party and during the party. I can’t thank them and the rest of the staff enough for being so kind and helpful the entire night! Definitely looking forward to visiting again in the future!!“