34 Best Cocktail Bars near Wheeling

“Came here for the first time and was surprised with their food and service. Bartenders were attentive and served you with a smile. Their nachos were some of the best I’ve had, and the atmosphere puts you a drinking and dancing mood. Definitely will come back and would recommend to friends.“

“Excellent margaritas and enchiladas. The outdoor seating is great. #iraeats“

“excepcional servicio y la comida deliciosa 😋“

“First time eating at Greenwood. The food was very good. We ordered calamari, which tasted unique in a good way, with the chopped marinated veggies. The beef filet was melt in your mouth tender. The only complaint is it was too salty. Brussels sprouts were also delicious.

The old fashion and manhattan were well made. It was a nice touch that the waiter asked us what bourbon or whiskey we wanted them made with.

We reserved in the dining room and the hostess could not find our reservation. We offered to show it to her, and she said no need , then put us at the very corner of the patio which was noisy, with uncomfortable chairs. For the first 15 min there was no one on the patio of in the restaurant. We couldn’t hear each other over the street traffic.

It was nice to be able to valet.“

“Went to a reunion at 28 Mile and found the place to be really nice. The apps are good for what they served and the pizza was also good.

Cocktails: Great Bourbon they make, really smooth. Would highly recommend to come to relax and have a drink with great atmosphere.“

“First visit tonight and it was a blast! The owners are kind and ran a fun event. The space is an old kitchen furniture showroom if some kind so it has a lot of fun, unique spaces to hang out. I'll be back!Navigation tip: it's attached to the back of the Harley Davidson dealership. The GPS was very confused about where I should turn.“

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

“Super…Great service from Ashley!!“

“Elena, ryne, Matt. The staff at the pines room have an amazing vibe. The restaurant is small but that's the appeal. It's an amazing place to hang out and couldn't be a better spot as a regular bar. The drinks are very well made and the staff is very attentive and personable. 100% recommend to check out.“

“Best bowling alley in the area. Had a great time!!! Definitely a hidden jem!“

“The food, atmosphere, and service were all exceptional! Everything, down to the drink names, perfectly complemented the ambiance. This is an absolutely beautiful place to enjoy dinner and great food. The shawarma rolls, pork chops, and Moroccan tagine were all outstanding. If you enjoy sweet and refreshing cocktails, I highly recommend the 'Gotta Have Faith.' Overall, I would definitely return to try more dishes and highly recommend visiting this unique spot. It’s truly a must-visit!“

“First time here since the Rivers Casino expansion. Nice long bar with plenty of seats. Vibe and music is bumpin' as well. Ordered a Dirty Martini and was asked if I wanted dry vermouth with it. Friendly and smiley bartenders. Cute martini glass but could not really taste the alcohol. Some interesting characters at the casino in general, but more so here sitting at the bar. There are game machines on the bar top as well.“

“We had our daughter's 1st birthday there and it was perfect! Mary Pat was on top of everything from the beginning and helped plan the perfect event. Diego and Ally executed the day so everyone was taken care of. I highly recommend tavern on the point for any event!“

“This was the best night out!! We went out with friends and shared multiple dishes (and so much wine.) The food was outstanding. The wine was so flavourful and we just kept ordering more. The Black Grape Crostini was probably the best I've ever had. Go here for a cozy and welcoming atmosphere with great food and team!!!!!“

“Incredible dining experience! From the moment we stepped in, the atmosphere draws you in. The food, especially the langostinos and mehillines left us smiling throughout the meal. The staff was not only friendly but also added to the warmth of the place. A must-visit for anyone looking for fantastic food and a delightful ambiance!“

“One of the best sushi spots in the suburbs 😍“

“My Aunt Marcia Hoffman turned 90 and is a rehab center where she is confined to her room . We wanted to do something special so we call Scotty’s and the made a meal to order for pick up. It worked out great and she loved it . Thank you Scott and the entire staff for making her 90th as special as it could be under the circumstances !“

“Our first experience at this local place. I had high expectations, so I will need to visit again. The hostess seated us quickly, the place was pretty empty for a Friday at noon-ish. The busser brought us water and silver immediately. Great first impression. Step in the server? Not so impressed, a little crass and seemed “irritated” and like we were wasting his time. Maybe he was mad we came so close to closing time (2:30pm) but he never once told us his name, nor did he act like he cared. Food was good, but it was not even WARM. I ordered crepes and they were cool to the touch. Again, maybe I expected too much. I’d like to see specialty coffees (you have a FULL service bar and endless mimosas but no specialty coffees?). I’d also like to see free refills for JUICE, instead of charging $4.00 for a highball glass of cranberry. And I’d definitely like to see some ability to combo - think Egg Harbor or something - if I want I add eggs and bacon it shouldn’t all be side orders. Lastly, for a small family owned restaurant, I was expecting competitive pricing. I was surprised at how expensive it seemed. $14.00 for crepes? Breakfast shouldn’t be $115 for 4 people. It just shouldn’t. I will leave open the 1% chance that our server was just having a bad day. I will give it one more try.“

“Perfect combination of esthetic decor, unique menu and signature cocktails!“

“I haven't gone to eat in the restaurant yet but we have ordered several times and the food is so good. Definitely would recommend!“

“Stopped for dinner one night with my father. we had oysters, panini and chopped salad. enjoyable evening sitting outside, friendly staff and good food. will come again soon“

“just had dinner here for the first time, I had some business to take care of in the area and I have been craving authentic Greek chicken for a while, looked up local restaurants and this one looked authentic, I am glad I walked in here to try it, absolutely delicious! The rice, potatoes, and ambiance was spot on! I felt like I was back in Athens, this is probably the best tasting Greek chicken I have had in years! absolutely recommend it!“

“I love this restaurant and honestly surprised it's not rated higher. On the weekends this place can get packed. Highly would recommend to anyone that loves authentic mexican food.“

“Our food was delicious! We ordered the goat cheese as an app. Our dinner was the Braised short ribs with risotto, And I got the Filet Trio. So yummy!!!“

“Awesome food and service. Excellent drinks and cocktails!“

“Went there yesterday for dinner had the best nachos ever for an appetizer The guacamole was the best guacamole it was incredible really love the salsa and I would have to say that was the best chicken quesadillas I ever had at a restaurant And the waitress we had was great she was super nice and very helpful when we had questions we would be definitely coming back :)“

“Excellent margaritas and enchiladas. The outdoor seating is great. #iraeats“

“Absolutely love this place. My buddy showed it to me years ago and I haven’t gone to any other Mexican restaurant since then. The owners of the restaurant are absolutely amazing people and I always have great service whenever I’m there. Food is quick, tastes absolutely fantastic and the people are amazing.“

“Good solid breakfast establishment, service friendly and quick, but no rushing the customers to seat others.
I asked for my toast to be buttered and was told " we don't for covid concerns". I rolled my eyes, but said no more. I checked later to determine if there were any state or federal prohibitions for buttering toast, OF COURESE THERE WEREN'T!
I'M there are a few people who love hard cold butter spread on cold toast, NOT ME.
injury to insult the butter Is in tiny tiny little sealed plastic small square packs, open 3 or4 just to butter the one piece of toast, what a waste of landfill with plastic, but that isn't a consideration.
Suggedtion... butter the toast as the customer requests, get rid of the small butter packs and go to the paper foil wrapped butter for those who wish to butter there own toast.“

“This was exactly the vibe that I was looking for for a nice meal before Christmas. I’ve never been to Deer Path but I am so glad I went. The cocktails were great, the service was fantastic and the food was delicious. I loved the fireplace vibes too.“

“We picked Maevery last minute for our son's navy graduation dinner and it didn't dissapoint. They accommodated a last minute reservation and put us in a corner great table for easy catching up. Service was great (which we didn't experience in multiple fine dining restaurants downtown) and food was yummy and a good selection. .. they had awesome recommendations and treated us wonderfully! Didn't rush us and from 5-6pm we nearly had the place to ourselves before the dinner rush! Highly recommended by this out of town visiting family! Thank You (from Southern CA) We will be back if we are in Chicago again!“

“Downtown atmosphere and food right here in Mount Prospect! The menu was small and there were no specials however everything we had was terrific. The cocktails were well crafted and the atmosphere was energetic but not loud like so many restaurants without carpet can be these days. The waitress we had was pleasant and professional. I ordered a cappuccino and she told me they were having issues with the machine getting proper foam but she would try it. When it arrived the foam was kinda sad and I jokingly said I was going to include it in a review, when the check came she had taken it off the bill . I was surprised as we were just kidding around but it was a real nice touch, something that is missing from so many places these days. Hope they do well, we will definitely be returning!“

“Never judge a book by its cover. When I arrived, the empty parking lot and the restaurant being inside a hotel initially raised red flags. However, with limited options and an open mind, I decided to give it a try—and was blown away. The cuisine and customer service were exceptional! They even fresh squeezed lemonade for me!

Oaken Bar + Bistro: A Taste of Elegance in Every Bite

Beef Tenderloin Empanadas
The empanadas set the tone with their flaky crust and tender, perfectly seasoned beef filling. Accompanied by vibrant chimichurri and a zesty lemon tomato sauce, this starter balances richness and brightness with precision. Each bite feels indulgent yet fresh, leaving you eager for more.

Oaken Salad
This salad takes simplicity to an elevated level. A mix of fresh greens pairs unexpectedly well with juicy orange segments and velvety whipped ricotta. The lavender vanilla vinaigrette adds a subtle floral sweetness, tying the dish together beautifully. A sourdough crostini provides the perfect crunch, making this a standout plate for anyone craving a sophisticated yet light option.

Atlantic Salmon
A dish that seamlessly combines comforting and refined elements. The salmon, cooked to perfection, sits atop a silky potato purée that practically melts on the tongue. Earthy wild mushrooms add depth, while the buerre rouge sauce lends a rich, tangy finish. Every element works in harmony, creating a dish that’s both comforting and memorable.

And of course, my signature cappuccino…

Oaken Bar + Bistro shows its mastery in weaving together thoughtful ingredients with elevated techniques, making each plate a well-orchestrated delight.

Here’s a bit about the venue:
Oaken Bistro + Bar is a modern, upscale American bistro located in Lake Forest, Illinois. It offers all-day dining with a menu that blends elevated American classics, such as burgers and salads, with globally influenced dishes like Beef Tenderloin Empanadas and the Cubano sandwich.

The restaurant features a sleek lounge serving craft cocktails, including signature herbal-infused options, alongside an eclectic wine list and local beers. Guests can enjoy their meals in a contemporary dining room, a 25-seat outdoor patio, or opt for take-out and delivery services.

Executive Chef Christian Alejandro leads the culinary team, offering a diverse American menu with international influences from Latin America, Italy, and Creole cuisines. Chef Alejandro was recently inducted into the Disciples Escoffier organization, highlighting his culinary expertise.“

“I absolutely love this place! I live in Highland Park, so I find myself visiting often, and each time is a great experience. The service is awesome, and the staff is kind. The only thing is that the music is too loud!!!“