50 Best Cocktail Bars near Winnetka

“Vegetarians can relax and order anything off the menu – – everything will be delicious and beautifully presented. The mocktails are much appreciated with their inventive flavors and the entire environment is lovely and soothing. We had a party of seven and everyone went home happy except my giant Nebraska-raised meat-loving husband who was simply content. Well, you can’t please all the people all the time, but you sure as heck are pleasing this vegetarian who is so so tired of steak restaurant after steak restaurant where I’m desperately seeking the sides menu for something to nibble on. Now this review seems to have turned into an analysis of a modern marriage, but that’s OK because we all got to eat, right? And it’s so nice to find fellow meat avoiders on the North Shore. Keep up the great work, Spirit Elephant! We’ll be back for Mother’s Day.“

“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!!“

“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!“

“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“

“Always amazing cocktails! We are big fans.“

“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 never believed my life will change in such a manner. I saw a review on Facebook about Mrs Craig Vanessa trading skills and before then I have never risk money doing anything online with anybody because I think I was so wise and never want to be cheated but when I contacted Mrs. Craig Vanessa, she explained everything to me concerning trading and the profit I can make within a week I was convinced to give a trial and risked to invest $1,000 and I made a withdrawal profit of $9,000 within a week. I am so happy that I trusted her and she didn't fail me. You can reach her through WhatsApp via her Facebook: Mrs Craig Vanessa“

“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“

“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….“

“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.“

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

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

“This bar is awsome! But when Danny works I am made to feel so uncomfortable.

Every other member of the staff has made me feel like a valued member of our community and I think that’s what this establishment stands for. However , when Danny works, I feel objectified, disrespected, and over all disappointed with my stay.
I do not think this person speaks for the volumes of wonderful experience at Nighthawk. Others should definitely continue to support Nighthawk if you’re about supporting queer friendly / local communities and small businesses. I firmly, as a patron for a decade, do not feel this employee represents what this establishment stands for.

I am confident in the authority of establishment to remedy the situation to optimize experiences for all.“

“So awesome! Great burgers great service“

“Pretty space, intimate and friendly staff.“

“Super…Great service from Ashley!!“

“Honestly I love the red neon aesthetic, I only wish the white light from the lobby didn't bleed in as much. I will note, this place is small, like you're not gonna fit more than 20 people in here if you tried, more often than not you'll only find 4-5 people in here, but that's a vibe honestly too.

One thing I need to note is the food, omg how is the food here so good? It's ordered from across the street and some guy brings it over in a bag and it's phenomenal and well priced.

Overall good place to bring a date or for a first time causal meeting“

“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.“

“Best kept secret for cocktails and smash burgers in Park Ridge, hands down! The Detroit style pizza is also out of this world. I had the old fashioned and 10/10 will be ordering again. Very cozy and approachable atmosphere, SUPER friendly and helpful staff. Get there early! Tends to get very popular.“

“Rogers Park Social is an absolute standout neighborhood staple that perfectly captures a welcoming, vibrant, and sophisticated atmosphere. It is the ideal place to gather with friends for a craft cocktail or to enjoy a relaxing evening in a space that feels both polished and genuinely inviting. The quality of their drinks is consistently top-tier, and you can really taste the care and expertise behind everything they serve. I place an incredibly high premium on cleanliness and the overall maintenance of a venue, and I am consistently impressed by how tidy, well-organized, and immaculately kept their space is—it creates such a professional, stress-free environment that makes every visit a truly positive experience. The staff is consistently friendly, highly skilled, and does a wonderful job of ensuring that every guest feels right at home. If you are looking for a reliable, high-quality venue that prioritizes both atmosphere and professional standards, I cannot recommend Rogers Park Social highly enough!“

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

“Simply fantastic with super friendly staff“

“Amazing place and the staff are awesome“

“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.“

“Excellent experience! Service was great, from the hostess seating us to our waitress, Alex, being very attentive and accommodating with gluten free options. Food was EXCELLENT. Very tasty and perfectly cooked. You won’t be disappointed.

I don’t do valet often, but seemed a little weird that they only hold the door open for the driver, not the lady. Little awkward having them hold the door open for me, while I walked her around to the passenger side to open, then back to my door where the valet was waiting. Is this normal?? They also did not open for her when we arrived. Maybe for efficiency since it gets backed up there often?“

“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 !“

“Don't be fooled by the lack of signage and hard to find vibe.....that's part of the neighborhood gem ambiance. Friendly service and helpful waitstaff will explain the seasonings and hot spices. Main dishes are not bland! Props for the potatoes and huge applause for the ice cream sundae (gelato). Next time I will try some other dishes. Not excited about the black beans and rice...but otherwise very interesting menu! We will be back!“

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

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

“Comida rica , tragos ricos y el personal súper amables 🙂 los recomiendo mucho“

“Great italian food and good service.“

“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 :)“

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

“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 !!“

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

“This is a fantastic new spot located at the Wilmette Public Golf Course ⛳️✨ The place has been completely renovated and looks fresh and modern, which really adds to the overall vibe 😍 The menu is thoughtfully put together by an experienced manager named John, and you can tell there’s a lot of care behind it 👍 The food is great, and they also offer an impressive selection of top-shelf spirits 🍸

It’s exciting that the menu is still evolving, and I’m really looking forward to seeing how it develops over the summer ☀️ They’re planning an open-wall concept that will blend the indoor and outdoor spaces, along with a spacious patio where you can relax and enjoy drinks with friends 🍹 Definitely a place worth checking out!“

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

“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.“

“Frozen margaritas are inconsistent at most restaurants. My guava peach margarita was the best I have ever had. The staff as incredibly friendly and the beach view is exceptional. Looking forward to tasting their well-constructed menu.“

“Need a place for a party? Yanna's is a great choice. We recently celebrated my sister's birthday party at Yanna's Speakeasy for 36 people and it was absolutely outstanding. The food was delicious, beautifully displayed and enjoyed in our group. Yanna was excellent to work with. What really made the afternoon unforgettable was the use of the barbershop area for the murder mystery experience -it added such a fun and unique atmosphere. Every detail was handled perfectly, and our guests are still talking about what a memorable party it was. I highly recommend this place for a venue for any occasion.“

“Had the Rose burger and it was 👌🏻“

“Our family agreed that the atmosphere was our favorite– cozy and quaint, with wood beams and booths that feel like their own little rooms. Great for conversation! I loved the cottage pie– great flavor, and the ravioli was outstanding. The hamburgers looked great too. Perfect for a casual night or special occasions. We will be back for sure!“

“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! 🌮✨“

“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!“

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

“La Colonia Restaurant is a spirited Latin American dining destination that brings the bold, soulful flavors of two beloved culinary traditions under one roof. The restaurant’s cuisine brings together the vibrant, traditional recipes of Colombian and Ecuadorian food, creating a menu that is both deeply rooted in heritage and warmly inviting to all.“

“Delicious food and awesome atmosphere and staff!“

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

“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.“