💰 $15–$20 per cocktail
📍 1520 N Damen Ave, Wicker Park
🏘️ Wicker Park
📌 Google Maps →
🕐 See hours
Mon6:00 PM – 2:00 AM
Tue6:00 PM – 2:00 AM
Wed6:00 PM – 2:00 AM
Thu6:00 PM – 2:00 AM
Fri6:00 PM – 2:00 AM
Sat6:00 PM – 3:00 AM
Sun6:00 PM – 2:00 AM
What to order: The Violet Hour, located at 1520 N Damen Ave in Wicker Park, is a craft cocktail bar with a 4.6-star rating and cocktails priced between $15 and $20. The seasonal menu changes frequently — trust your bartender's recommendation. The house Old Fashioned and the rotating sour are consistently excellent.
"Violet Hour is great — amazing craft cocktails and it's a cool speakeasy/ambiance to boot." — r/chicagofood · 2024
"The fact that no one has suggested Violet Hour is shocking." — r/chicagofood · 2024
tabiji verdict: The bar that launched Chicago's craft cocktail revolution. No sign on the door, no standing room, no phone conversations. Just exceptional drinks in a space that takes cocktails as seriously as any fine dining restaurant takes food. The seasonal menu is always impeccable.
💰 $18–$25 per cocktail
📍 630 W Lake St, West Loop
🏘️ West Loop
📌 Google Maps →
🕐 See hours
MonClosed
TueClosed
Wed5:30 – 11:15 PM
Thu5:30 – 11:15 PM
Fri5:30 – 11:30 PM
Sat5:30 – 11:30 PM
Sun5:30 – 11:15 PM
What to order: Kumiko, located at 630 W Lake St in West Loop, is a Japanese cocktail bar with a 4.5-star rating and cocktails priced between $18 and $25. The omakase cocktail tasting is highly recommended — let Julia Momose's team guide you through Japanese-inspired creations using rare spirits and seasonal Japanese ingredients.
"Go to Kumiko! It's a sweet intimate place with delightful service and deeeelicious food and cocktails! It's the baby of Julia Momose and chef Noah Sandoval from Oriole." — r/chicagofood · 2022
"Kumiko was just rated #10 on the 50 best bars in North America." — r/chicagofood · 2025
tabiji verdict: Julia Momose's Japanese-inspired cocktail bar is arguably the most technically accomplished bar in Chicago. The drinks use rare Japanese spirits, house-made ingredients, and presentation that borders on art. Rated among the best bars in North America. This is a special-occasion bar.
💰 $22–$35 per cocktail
📍 955 W Fulton Market, West Loop
🏘️ West Loop / Fulton Market
📌 Google Maps →
🕐 See hours
Mon5:00 – 11:00 PM
Tue5:00 – 11:00 PM
Wed5:00 – 11:00 PM
Thu5:00 – 11:00 PM
Fri5:00 PM – 1:00 AM
Sat4:30 PM – 1:00 AM
Sun5:00 – 11:00 PM
What to order: The Aviary, located at 955 W Fulton Market in West Loop, is a molecular cocktail bar with a 4.3-star rating and cocktails priced between $22 and $35. The Kitchen Table experience is a must for a full theatrical presentation. Otherwise, the In The Rocks cocktail (served frozen inside an ice sphere you crack open) is the signature move.
"Hard to go wrong with The Aviary, or the speakeasy in their basement, The Office. The kitchen table at The Aviary is very cool." — r/chicagofood · 2022
"The Aviary is my favorite — the cocktails are literal theater." — r/chicagofood · 2024
tabiji verdict: Grant Achatz's cocktail laboratory brings Alinea-level molecular gastronomy to drinks. Cocktails arrive as science experiments — frozen spheres, smoking vessels, tableside presentations. It's expensive and theatrical, but there's nothing else like it in America. The basement speakeasy, The Office, is more intimate.
💰 $10–$14 per cocktail
📍 3281 W Armitage Ave, Logan Square
🏘️ Logan Square
📌 Google Maps →
🕐 See hours
MonClosed
Tue5:00 PM – 2:00 AM
Wed5:00 PM – 2:00 AM
Thu5:00 PM – 2:00 AM
Fri5:00 PM – 2:00 AM
Sat11:00 AM – 2:00 AM
Sun11:00 AM – 2:00 AM
What to order: Best Intentions, located at 3281 W Armitage Ave in Logan Square, is a neighborhood cocktail bar with a 4.6-star rating and cocktails priced between $10 and $14. The Wondermint Malted is a Reddit cult favorite. Their frozen drinks and the rotating seasonal menu are consistently excellent for the price.
"Best Intentions, my favorite bar, has really good cocktails priced between 10–12 bucks." — r/chicagofood · 2024
"Best Intentions. They just placed on the 50 Best though so expect it to get even busier." — r/AskChicago · 2025
tabiji verdict: The best value in Chicago's cocktail scene. World-class cocktails at neighborhood bar prices ($10–$14), which is practically unheard of. The 50 Best Bars recognition is well deserved. Logan Square's most loved bar by a wide margin.
💰 $14–$18 per cocktail
📍 2812 W Palmer St, Logan Square
🏘️ Logan Square
📌 Google Maps →
🕐 See hours
Mon5:00 PM – 1:00 AM
Tue5:00 PM – 1:00 AM
Wed5:00 PM – 1:00 AM
Thu5:00 PM – 1:00 AM
Fri5:00 PM – 1:00 AM
Sat5:00 PM – 1:00 AM
Sun5:00 PM – 1:00 AM
What to order: Meadowlark, located at 2812 W Palmer St in Logan Square, is a hidden gem with a 4.5-star rating and cocktails priced between $14 and $18. The beautiful rotating cocktail menu is a highlight — each drink is presented with a short story. The bartender recommendations are always on point.
"Meadowlark's entrance is barely marked. It's one of the best cocktail bars in the city." — r/chicagofood · 2025
"Meadowlark in Logan Square! Also just placed on the 50 best bars list." — r/AskChicago · 2025
tabiji verdict: The bar that locals don't want tourists to find. Barely marked entrance on a residential street, but inside it's one of Chicago's most sophisticated cocktail programs. Recently placed on the 50 Best Bars list, so the secret is officially out.
💰 $14–$18 per cocktail
📍 3143 W Logan Blvd, Logan Square
🏘️ Logan Square
📌 Google Maps →
🕐 See hours
Mon5:00 – 11:00 PM
Tue5:00 – 11:00 PM
Wed5:00 PM – 12:00 AM
Thu5:00 PM – 12:00 AM
Fri5:00 PM – 2:00 AM
Sat5:00 PM – 2:00 AM
Sun5:00 – 11:00 PM
What to order: Billy Sunday, located at 3143 W Logan Blvd in Logan Square, is an amaro & spirits bar with a 4.6-star rating and cocktails priced between $14 and $18. Anything amaro-forward is a great choice — their bitter spirit collection is one of the largest in America. The bar snacks are also excellent.
"Billy Sunday, Scofflaw, and Lost Lake are my favorite cocktail bars in the city." — r/chicagofood · 2022
"How has no one said Billy Sunday?" — r/chicagofood · 2024
tabiji verdict: Named after the prohibition-era temperance preacher (ironic, yes), Billy Sunday has one of America's most impressive amaro and bitter spirit collections. The cocktails lean herbaceous, complex, and spirit-forward. The Logan Square setting — high ceilings, industrial chic — matches the drinks' ambition.
💰 $15–$19 per cocktail
📍 12 W Elm St, Gold Coast
🏘️ Gold Coast
📌 Google Maps →
🕐 See hours
Mon4:00 PM – 2:00 AM
Tue4:00 PM – 2:00 AM
Wed4:00 PM – 2:00 AM
Thu4:00 PM – 2:00 AM
Fri4:00 PM – 2:00 AM
Sat4:00 PM – 3:00 AM
Sun4:00 PM – 2:00 AM
What to order: Sparrow, located at 12 W Elm St in Gold Coast, is an intimate cocktail bar with a 4.6-star rating and cocktails priced between $15 and $19. Their classic cocktail riffs are excellent — the Old Fashioned variations and the seasonal martini are both excellent. Ask the bartender what's new.
"If you want a cocktail bar that's dark, intimate, candlelit, and sexy, check out Sparrow." — r/chicagofood · 2022
"Kumiko, Estereo, Sparrow, Queen Mary, Scofflaw, Best Intentions." — r/AskChicago · 2025
tabiji verdict: The most romantic cocktail bar in Chicago. Dark, candlelit, and genuinely intimate in a neighborhood where most bars are loud and flashy. Sparrow proves that Gold Coast can do sophisticated drinking without the velvet rope attitude.
💰 $16–$20 per cocktail
📍 676 N Orleans St, River North
🏘️ River North
📌 Google Maps →
🕐 See hours
MonClosed
TueClosed
Wed5:00 PM – 2:00 AM
Thu5:00 PM – 2:00 AM
Fri5:00 PM – 2:00 AM
Sat5:00 PM – 3:00 AM
SunClosed
What to order: The Drifter, located at 676 N Orleans St in River North, is a speakeasy with a 4.4-star rating and cocktails priced between $16 and $20. Pick a card from their tarot-themed cocktail menu — each drink is tied to a card's meaning. The presentations are theatrical and surprising.
"The Drifter — cool hidden entrance, tiny space, tarot card drink menu, brief burlesque shows at the top of the hour and vintage 1920s porn projected on the walls." — r/chicagofood · 2025
"The Drifter, which is the basement of an also awesome bar called Green Door Tavern." — r/chicagofood · 2022
tabiji verdict: Hidden beneath the historic Green Door Tavern (an actual Prohibition-era bar), The Drifter is Chicago's most theatrical speakeasy. Tarot-card cocktail menu, brief burlesque performances on the hour, and vintage projections on the walls. It's tiny, so arrive early on weekends.
💰 $16–$22 per cocktail
📍 435 N Clark St, River North
🏘️ River North
📌 Google Maps →
🕐 See hours
Mon4:00 PM – 12:00 AM
Tue4:00 PM – 12:00 AM
Wed4:00 PM – 12:00 AM
Thu4:00 PM – 1:00 AM
Fri4:00 PM – 1:00 AM
Sat2:00 PM – 1:00 AM
Sun4:00 PM – 12:00 AM
What to order: Three Dots and a Dash, located at 435 N Clark St in River North, is a tiki bar with a 4.6-star rating and cocktails priced between $16 and $22. The namesake Three Dots and a Dash (rum, honey, lime, allspice, Angostura) — Morse code for 'V' for Victory — is a must-try. The treasure chest shareable is a must for groups.
"If you're looking for a tropical vibe, I've really enjoyed Three Dots and A Dash in River North. Low lit, a bit campy and really good island cocktails with fun presentations." — r/chicagofood · 2022
tabiji verdict: Chicago's best tiki bar and one of the best in America. Hidden down an alley in River North, the subterranean space is packed with tropical kitsch and serious rum cocktails. The presentations are theatrical — think flaming garnishes, skull mugs, and group-sized treasure chests. Expect a wait on weekends.
💰 $16–$20 per cocktail
📍 200 N Green St, West Loop
🏘️ West Loop
📌 Google Maps →
🕐 See hours
Mon5:00 PM – 1:00 AM
Tue5:00 PM – 1:00 AM
Wed5:00 PM – 1:00 AM
Thu5:00 PM – 1:00 AM
Fri5:00 PM – 2:00 AM
Sat5:00 PM – 1:00 AM
Sun5:00 PM – 1:00 AM
What to order: Lazy Bird, located at 200 N Green St in West Loop, is a hotel bar with a 4.5-star rating and cocktails priced between $16 and $20. The bartender's choice is always a good option — the team here is exceptionally skilled at reading your preferences and creating something perfect. The food menu is also surprisingly good.
"Check out Lazy Bird in the basement of the Hoxton Hotel in the West Loop. They have an excellent cocktail program, fantastic bartenders, and good food!" — r/chicagofood · 2022
"Bisous in West Loop is also worth looking into. And Lazy Bird." — r/AskChicago · 2025
tabiji verdict: Hidden in the basement of the Hoxton Hotel, Lazy Bird has the polished cocktail program of a world-class bar with the relaxed energy of a neighborhood spot. The bartenders are among the best in the city — knowledgeable without being pretentious. The food is also a pleasant surprise.
💰 $13–$17 per cocktail
📍 2125 W Division St, Ukrainian Village
🏘️ Ukrainian Village
📌 Google Maps →
🕐 See hours
Mon5:00 PM – 1:00 AM
Tue5:00 PM – 1:00 AM
Wed5:00 PM – 1:00 AM
Thu5:00 PM – 1:00 AM
Fri3:00 PM – 1:00 AM
Sat3:00 PM – 1:00 AM
Sun3:00 PM – 1:00 AM
What to order: Queen Mary, located at 2125 W Division St in Ukrainian Village, is a classic cocktail bar with a 4.7-star rating and cocktails priced between $13 and $17. Their classic cocktail menu is excellent — the Negroni and Manhattan variations are particularly well-executed. Great beer selection too.
"Queen Mary is also very strong for cocktails." — r/chicagofood · 2021
"Violet Hour and Dorian's are both good, but Queen Mary is my go-to." — r/AskChicago · 2025
tabiji verdict: The neighborhood cocktail bar everyone wishes they had. Queen Mary serves excellent, well-priced cocktails in a warm, inviting space that doesn't take itself too seriously. It's the kind of bar where you can have a perfect Negroni on a Tuesday without feeling like you need a reservation.
💰 $25–$50 per cocktail
📍 12 S Michigan Ave, The Loop
🏘️ The Loop
📌 Google Maps →
🕐 See hours
Wed5:00 – 11:00 PM
Thu5:00 – 11:00 PM
Fri5:00 PM – 12:00 AM
Sat5:00 PM – 12:00 AM
What to order: The Milk Room, located at 12 S Michigan Ave in The Loop, is an exclusive speakeasy with a 4.4-star rating and cocktails priced between $25 and $50. Ask for the rare spirits menu — they have bottles you won't find anywhere else in the Midwest. The bartender will guide you through tasting notes.
"Milk Room is expensive but absolutely worth it for the drinks and the atmosphere." — r/chicagofood · 2025
"Milk Room is amazing." — r/chicagofood · 2022
tabiji verdict: An eight-seat speakeasy inside the Chicago Athletic Association Hotel, serving rare and vintage spirits that most bars can't source. It's expensive, intimate, and genuinely exclusive — you need a reservation. This is where you go when you want to drink something truly special.
💰 $13–$17 per cocktail
📍 3201 W Armitage Ave, Logan Square
🏘️ Logan Square
📌 Google Maps →
🕐 See hours
Mon5:00 PM – 1:00 AM
Tue5:00 PM – 1:00 AM
Wed5:00 PM – 1:00 AM
Thu5:00 PM – 1:00 AM
Fri3:00 PM – 2:00 AM
Sat3:00 PM – 2:00 AM
Sun3:00 PM – 1:00 AM
What to order: Scofflaw, located at 3201 W Armitage Ave in Logan Square, is a gin bar with a 4.7-star rating and cocktails priced between $13 and $17. Their gin cocktails are legendary — try the house gin & tonic or any of the gin-forward seasonal specials. The backyard patio is a summer essential.
"Billy Sunday, Scofflaw, and Lost Lake are my favorite cocktail bars in the city." — r/chicagofood · 2022
"I've heard Scofflaw and Best Intentions have great drinks." — r/AskChicago · 2025
tabiji verdict: Chicago's gin temple. Scofflaw's obsession with gin has produced one of the most focused and excellent spirits programs in the city. The backyard patio is one of Chicago's best warm-weather drinking spots. It's also a great neighborhood bar — casual enough for a weeknight, good enough for a special occasion.
💰 $15–$19 per cocktail
📍 660 W Lake St, West Loop
🏘️ West Loop
📌 Google Maps →
🕐 See hours
MonClosed
Tue5:00 PM – 2:00 AM
Wed5:00 PM – 2:00 AM
Thu5:00 PM – 2:00 AM
Fri5:00 PM – 2:00 AM
Sat5:00 PM – 2:00 AM
Sun5:00 PM – 2:00 AM
What to order: Moneygun, located at 660 W Lake St in West Loop, is a classic cocktail bar with a 4.5-star rating and cocktails priced between $15 and $19. Focus on the classics — the Manhattan and Old Fashioned are impeccably made. Their take on a Paper Plane is also excellent.
"Moneygun is great for classic cocktails." — r/chicagofood · 2022
"Moneygun has always been a favorite. Focus on the classics there." — r/chicagofood · 2024
tabiji verdict: A West Loop institution that does classic cocktails exceptionally well. Moneygun doesn't try to reinvent the wheel — it just makes a perfect Manhattan and serves it in a sleek, retro-modern space. The kind of bar where you can have a quiet conversation and a properly stirred drink.
