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.“

“Ok walking up you knew it was going to be something special. You walk up to this grand outdoor double sided fireplace beautiful. Then there beautiful outside that covers the wall to the right of the fireplace in the courtyard, most likely used for outside events. Not to mention there’s a space in the back that can open its doors to the courtyard. This place has so many different things to look at and we didn’t even get inside yet. Let me just say it’s beautiful in there takes your breath away, from the crystals and velvet it’s sultry sexy dark vibe. It’s giving classy Rat pack or the Great Gatsby type of vibes, you’ll definitely understand when you’re there. The drinks,, food (Brick Oven Pizza),, the people, delish, and unforgettable….“

“Always amazing cocktails! We are big fans.“

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

“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.“

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

“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“

“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🤍“

“THE cocktail bar to go to in the neighborhood, especially if you're going to a show at Aragon or The Riv. Doesn't have a kitchen but you can BYO or have something delivered, and they also have a partnership with the deli down the street so you can order some truly delicious sammies at the bar and they'll deliver. Really great cocktail program from Luke who runs the bar, and really great staff that'll help you figure out what'll really wet your whistle. Also has a huge patio open in the summer, and lots of cozy couches and seating in the lobby.“

“Has a nice ambience when you walk in. Food is always good, it's one of the reasons we come back. Clean and nicely decorated, I appreciate coming in and seeing the Christmas decorations. We are Eastern Orthodox Christians and celebrate Christmas on the 7th so it's nice to see the decorations.“

“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.“

“Simply fantastic with super friendly staff“

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

“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 !“

“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.“

“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.“

“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.“

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

“Not a bad item on their entire menu! By far one of the best places in the Sauganash/Edgebrook neighborhood.“

“Plancha Loca offers excellent service and incredible food quality. Their shrimp tacos are the best! There’s a wide variety of options for everyone, and the customer service is outstanding. The food is absolutely delicious. I highly recommend this place!! definitely worth a visit! 🌮✨“

“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!“

“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!“

“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 :)“

“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.“

“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!“

“Had the Rose burger and it was 👌🏻“

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

“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.“

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

“One of the best breakfast/lunch establishments I have dined in! All aspects of the dining experience are top notch, whether you dine in or carry out, the food is AWESOME!! Look forward to my weekly visits to Northbrook so I can enjoy Georgie V’s!“

“La Colonia is becoming one of my neighborhood favorites, and definitely my top Colombian/Ecuadorean option in the area. Their encocado and llapingachos are quite good, and their caldo de bolon is to die for.

They also went out of their way to fix a mistake in my delivery order (seems caused by software), rushing me over my missing item ASAP. Thank you!“

“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.“

“We’re on our way to The Green Mill for a show and looking for a place to grab a bite and a beer beforehand. Nearby is the Uptown Taproom so we decided to give it a try.
Cheerful hello from the bartender when we walked in. Always a good sign.
Nice menu and beer selection. College football on both bar tvs, so husband is a happy.“