50 Best Cocktail Bars near Winnetka

“Had an amazing lunch today at Spirit Elephant. Started with a delicious mushroom soup, followed by the best buffalo chicken egg rolls I’ve had. Main course was a double smash impossible burger with garlic aioli and Gouda cheese. I was stuffed, but I miss carrot cake so when I saw it on the menu I had to order it. Hands down the best carrot cake vegan or not!“

“It is so refreshing to meet an owner who is actively present in his restaurant. Mark Salmon enthusiastically and creatively arranged for my friend and I to dine outside (our request), despite the rain. We stayed dry under umbrellas and thanks to Sandra, our amazing waitress, we celebrated my birthday with fine food (impressive menu choices and food presentation) and great company! It was my first time dining at 501 Local and this restaurant met and exceeded my high standards in every way! It is a hidden gem and our new fav restaurant. Highly recommend!!“

“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.“

“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!“

“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.“

“Lovely cocktail bar with an intimate, welcoming atmosphere. I especially enjoyed the Baton Rouge along with a few other classic cocktails—each one expertly crafted. The staff is warm and attentive, and the overall vibe is perfect for a relaxed evening out. Highly recommend for fans of timeless drinks and cozy settings.“

“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.“

“Good drinks, great spot to relax. The place has comfortable seating and a quiet atmosphere, perfect if you’re looking to wind down at the end of the night with friends or family. Drinks are solid, but most definitely on the pricey side. Still, it’s a nice spot when you want something a little more laid-back. I highly recommend the Porn Star- Although a bit embarrassing to order for a dude LOL, it was tart and delicious!“

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

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

“Absolutely Wonderful Puerto Rican Dining Experience! This restaurant offers a beautiful ambiance that perfectly complements its creative, fresh, and incredibly delicious food. The portion sizes are generous, and the staff is warm and welcoming. I especially appreciate the thoughtful inclusion of vegan and vegetarian options. The Arroz Con Gandules is a standout—rich in flavor and an absolute must-try. I’ll definitely be coming back soon!“

“I stopped by here for a margarita after visiting Restoried Bookshop. The margaritas were SO GOOD! They were also having trivia and movie night. I left my books but was able to coordinate with the staff to pick them back up. They went above and beyond! I will definitely return!“

“Great food and a local gem!!! We ate out on the patio and had a lovely meal“

“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.“

“Pretty space, intimate and friendly staff.“

“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.“

“Super…Great service from Ashley!!“

“I had the mac and cheese with the steak on top absolutely divine🤍“

“Larry's is always a welcome and relaxing venue. It's a very cozy and intimate vibe.

They host a lot of fun events and activities like Wednesday night trivia and movie nights, and they always decorate for the season.

Bar staff are very friendly and welcoming and can handle a crowd.

They have a range of flavorful cocktails and beer selection and recently added some sandwich and food options from the local Uptown Deli.“

“Great spot. It's not just for summer! Very nice interior, comfortable and welcoming almost cozy decor. TVs are subtle so you don't feel like you're in a sports bar. Nice varied menu. Had the autumn salad with chicken - delish. Also very nice selection of wines though limited by the glass. Will be back again soon.“

“Amazing place and the staff are awesome“

“I had a great time with Dzika Fitness and Brunch after was delicious.“

“Our favorite spot in Park Ridge. Excellent food and wines. Very friendly to our kids during brunch and early dinners. Strongly recommend the wine club. Monthly selections have all been outstanding.“

“Made a delivery and the owners had been notified by my employer that it was my birthday. They put together a margarita to go for me and I can honestly say I’ve never had a better one. And the owners were extremely kind even though I was running late.“

“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 !“

“Such a hidden gem, this restaurant was amazing and I'm so glad we stumbled upon it. The complementary soup was so good we asked for a whole bowl, we also ordered the pulpo and the risotto special they had for the day and I cannot decide which one I liked better, they both blew my mind. Great service, amazing food, definitely a 5 star restaurant!“

“Simply fantastic with super friendly staff“

“Wonderful experience! The food was delicious and the service was excellent. Nico is an outstanding manager and was very accommodating and greeted us at our table. The ambiance is fun and lively on a Saturday night. Everything from the service, drinks, appetizers, entrees, dessert was exceptional.“

“The Best food in Chicago,delicious food,good prices,and the nicest owner in the world,Franco“

“great tacos! awesome beer listing. terrific ahi tuna bahn mi sandwich! wonderful owners and servers.“

“Excellent restaurant. Nice upbeat but calm atmosphere. Simple menu with plenty of options. Service with a smile and delicious food. We need Tavern on the Glen to be around a while. Try it !!“

“I will drive across the state for the fries with garlic aioli. Yummy!!“

“My husband and I went for the first time last night and we really enjoyed it! Our server (white, female, mid 20s dark hair) was so nice! I accidentally spilled my drink all over my dress and table. She was so patient and sweet! The bartender (guy with a beard) suggested a French martini and it was fabulous! Great atmosphere and great musicians!“

“Vincent is a wonderful place. Love the food and frequently live performers as well.“

“Nice place, nice people. It's a bar but they have pizzas which I will request to be less well done next time as I like my food closer to the raw side.... They also have the polish zapiekanki which I did not try.... Some of the karaoke singers were really good. Looks like it's not just regulars here which surprised me.“

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

“love this restaurant & have been going here for over 20 years. Always great food & service except the bread. They changed the provider and bread is not as fresh, warm & tasty like it used to be.. this is the only thing which is not up to standards thank you for listening everything else is great.“

“Hit up El Calamar for dinner last week—started with their shrimp ceviche and then dove into the carne asada tacos. Ceviche was fresh, tacos had that nice char and just the right kick. Bartender was chill and kept the margaritas comin’, though service slowed a bit during the rush. Vibe’s casual and neighborhood‑real. Solid spot, I’d come back.“

“Delicious food and awesome atmosphere and staff!“

“Good, service, atmosphere! Just the best!“

“We went to the City's Edge and were served by "Princess Allison". She makes us call her that or she won't serve us. I had the Nachos with Chicken - absolutely delicious!“

“Food was decent . Not great but not bad. Service was excellent, and the atmosphere was wonderful.
But the food was just good. Didn't like the fries but the short rib sandwich was tender. The burrata was good but not enough bread to eat it with. Did not like the sticky toffee.
I'd go back though.“

“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 :)“

“Five stars ………………………………..“

“Had the Rose burger and it was 👌🏻“

“Walter was great. Service was terrific and the food was delicious!“

“Excellent Ramen. Excellent bartender in Helen Try the Mango Tango Vegi Roll.“

“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.“

“Friday nites karaoke. Noel is great with his music and he can sing. There are many great singer and the Atmosphere is fantastic. Everyone is so friendly everyone does their best to just get along. They have great Bartenders. Everyone should come on by and check this place out.“

“Very comfortable atmosphere. Seems like there are a lot of regulars because the staff greets people (and dogs) by name. I luckily stopped in for Happy Hour. Pours were 20% off ($7.20ish a draft). I had parmesan truffle fries but the parmesan was commercial powder and I couldn't taste the truffle, but I'll try the cheese curds next time. People around me really seemed to enjoy the tacos. There are also menu items that can be made vegan. And simple plant based substitutes for vegetarian with Beyond patties and chorizo, which I appreciate and those substitutions are their own menu items, not an up-charge. Very friendly staff and kind patrons.“