50 Best Cocktail Bars near Skokie

“I stopped by on a recent Saturday evening and had a Bee's Knees cocktail and a soft-pretzel with mustard. Both were delicious. The pretzel was freshly baked, not some microwaved deal and I enjoyed my beverage and snack at a sidewalk table to enjoy the Summer night. The two folks working that night were very friendIy as well. I really hope this place finds a growing and loyal clientele because it's a great spot to have in downtown Skokie. Pop by and give them a shot; i don't think you'll be disappointed.“

“The conversation and the energy in the room was lively. The food was great. The service was wonderful. Floor manager swung by a couple of times as did the owner to see how things were going. They were packed, but the food came out in a very reasonable timeframe. We had a great meal. Sorry wasn’t trying myself far too much to take photos. Did very much like the octopus and the chicken flautas. We would definitely go back.“

“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!! 💕💕💕💕“

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

“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 🕺“

“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“

“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 !!!“

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

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

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

“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.“

“We got the vegan courses with the wine pairings and I feel like I didn’t know what wine pairings were supposed to be like until this experience. I’ve had coursed dinners with wine pairings before but I’ve never had the flavors go together that well, where each wine felt like an extension of the flavors of the dish. The service was also impeccable. It was our anniversary and it’s definitely a special occasion type of place at this price point, but it’s worth it! Updated from previous review on 2026-09-03“

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

“Couldn’t even wait to leave to leave a review! The vibes are amazing but especially the customer service. Every person I talked to has been so friendly and accommodating. 2nd time being here and both have been great experiences! Also the staff did so much for us without having to ask, genuinely some of the best customer service I’ve had. The drinks were also so good so all around I’m excited to go come 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!“

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

“This might be one of my favorite restaurants in Chicago. Not only because the food is delicious but the staff are the sweetest people in the world.

A special shoutout to Issac and the GM (I forget her name) for not only providing good service but providing it with a real heart and soul.“

“Great variety and unique flavors. Great vibe.“

“Stopped by Golden Years with a few friends and had a great time. The drinks here are legit—all four of us loved our cocktails. We split an order of onion rings that really hit the spot, but the highlight was the service. Brian was our server and he absolutely crushed it. Really cool vibe, we’ll definitely be back.“

“Absolutely a 10/10 meal AND experience! The chefs omakase coursed meal was incredible. The chef walked us through each dish that somehow was even more delectable than the last. Cocktails were wonderful and the matcha sandwich for dessert is a must!“

“I love this place - had the brisket sliders, which were some of the best I've had, and an actually excellent non-alcoholic cocktail. Service was great - atmosphere was perfect for after work drinks. Really hopping for a Tuesday - I can see why.“

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

“Great food and exceptional service“

“Excellent service and attention from the workers there. They knew the menu well and gave great recommendations. Food was delicious and it was Iike eating at my mommas house. The drinks were amazing and love the decor. It was like being in Puerto Rico. Will visit again“

“Had a phenomenal experience here. Kind and quick service, beautiful interior, all that—but goodness gracious the food?!?? The Ropa Vieja was phenomenal, lovingly stewed and seasoned beef and fresh rice and veggies gosh DARN and to say nothing of the homemade hot sauce? Delightfully smoky vinegary kick that brought it all together. Great guac, great drinks, great dinner. The highest of recommendations! Thanks for a great meal Zully and kitchen :)“

“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“

“On the evening of July 5 my wife and I tried Avaspi on Belmont Avenue in Lakeview for the first time. It will not be the last! I love lamb and am quite particular as to how is it prepared. The “lamb delight” menu item was the best lamb I have ever had in a restaurant: tender, succulent, and prepared to perfection. The side salad accompanying it was not your ordinary side salad! My wife and I both enjoyed the Mixed Meze appetizer plate. Each of the five items was quite good but the muhammara was to die for. We ended our meal with tea, baklava and kubralice. The décor and ambience were refreshing and relaxing, and the service was outstanding. The pricing was very reasonable. Please give it a try. We do not think you will be disappointed.“

“The concept for the menu is a unique trip along the Pan-American highway with stops at various Latin countries. Each dish and drink is thoughtful in its ingredients and presentation. The jicama salad was refreshing, but not at all plain. The pastel de choclo was a wonderful surprise of a warm dish. The frozen el arenal was seriously dangerous in how delicious it was, I can’t recommend it enough. The atmosphere was beautiful and the music was perfect. We are so thrilled to have this gem in the neighborhood and can’t wait to see what they do in the future!“

“The menu here rotates and has a different theme - could have read it like a book! Very moody, great date spot. While a little pricey, cocktails are worth it. Be prepared for a wait on the weekends - they prioritize those that wait in-person vs. leaving a phone number.“

“Happened upon Sparrow while shopping in the neighborhood and what a delight! The drinks were wonderful, the staff knowledgeable, and our server, Axel, was just the best.

They even have really cute merch! 10/10 can’t wait to come back to Chicago and visit again.“

“Great food 🥘 great service amazing coffee, hot or iced“

“Wonderful evening! We had an amazing dinner & dessert with attentive service with care.“

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

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

“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.“

“Food was surprisingly good. Hummus is dusted with tajin or something like that, so it has a little kick and lots of toasted chickpeas which is yummy. The buffalo chicken sliders are seriously outstanding. Service was friendly but a little bit absent at times. Atmosphere is lively. We were there for music bingo on Wednesday night and will definitely be back. It gets loud and hard to hear when it's full.“

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

“Always amazing cocktails! We are big fans.“

“Very good food. I highly recommend this place.“

“Hands down one of the best restaurants in Chicago. It’s rare to find a restaurant where every dish is so flavorful and on point but Elia does it so gracefully! Amazing atmosphere and great service - Ebrar made our dinner experience so enjoyable. Can’t wait to go back!“

“Watched the World Cup Final here with a semi-large group of friends (party of 8). I emailed asking about reservations for a table and within ~24 hours it was set. Great drinks and food. The people were super nice (both the staff and other patrons)! This place had the perfect vibes I was looking for to enjoy a big game, thank you WGT“

“We rolled in as some sleeveless thirsty travelers late night on a Thursday. We were bathed in nonchalant hospitality. The quality of a bar can stand on the legs of a Strong menu but it’s only excellent when you have exceptional staff. The Scofflaw has the sauce“

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“I am so glad I gave this place another chance. Genesis really took good care of us. She was so professional and made our experience great. I had the sweet tea chicken and my friend had the fish and chips. Everything was good. It was my friend birthday and they went out there way to make sure he felt celebrated on his day! We will definitely be back!!!“

“Love this place, sometimes they super busy especially on the weekends. On the weekdays its a pretty chill and stylish spot. The cocktails are delicious and the staff are all so kind. My friends and I really like their carrot dip thing haha, its tasty! In the morning they have the Allez cafe pop up. I recommend the cream top if you're trying out their cafe pop up (8a - 2p).“

“Nice place, wonderful burger and good bar selection. Totally disagree with the credit card surcharge, though - no restaurant with $20 burgers should charge guests the comission!“

“Great food/drinks Great service Great prices We will be back.“