Cocktails and nightlife in Illinois

Cocktail bar with a retro/vinyl records theme and 70’s music creates a nostalgic energy. Atmosphere stays cozy and intimate while maintaining a lively but chill vibe. Unique cocktails like highballs and tiki drinks complement satisfying food options such as burgers and onion rings.

Cocktails here are perfectly executed with unique options like a frozen slushie shot. The happy hour features classic cocktails alongside great food.

Cool cocktail lounge atmosphere offers unique cocktails and a relaxed vibe. The Cactus Club features spicy tequila and mezcal drinks alongside casual food like burgers and onion rings.

Bar combines live music with an upscale cocktail lounge vibe in a cozy, low-light setting. Space includes multiple seating areas and a patio, creating a relaxed yet lively atmosphere. Music volume balances well for both listening and conversation.

Cocktails show thoughtful creativity with a level of novelty and complexity rare even in Chicago. Drinks include a sake-based cocktail with egg white that is light and silky, all crafted with amazing attention to detail.

A lively spot with live music and a mix of classic cocktails and unique drinks. It blends a jazz club feel with chill lounge vibes and an upscale cocktail lounge atmosphere.

Bar offers speakeasy vibes with a beautifully designed interior and an upstairs lounge that feels like a living room. Atmosphere stays dark and relaxing with great music enhancing the chill environment. Regulars enjoy a wide whiskey selection and unique cocktails served by knowledgeable staff.

Handcrafted cocktails stand out for their high quality and unique flavors. The selection includes a great whiskey variety and notable drinks like the Malört cocktail.

Warm and welcoming atmosphere fills both the upstairs lounge and the downstairs main bar. The Cigar Lounge offers a great spot to enjoy cigars and chat with knowledgeable folks.

Seafood restaurant offers a quiet, sophisticated atmosphere with live jazz music enhancing the mood. Guests often enjoy private rooms and complimentary valet parking. The setting features elegant interiors highlighted by a central chandelier and fine dining touches.

Cocktails with Attitude stand out for their bold flavors. The shrimp cocktail appetizer pairs well with these drinks.

Live music in the lounge creates a pleasant atmosphere with performances by artists like Jeannie Tanner. Lounge and bar seating works on a first-come, first-served basis.

Modern restaurant offers a luxurious city vibe with top-notch interior design and a gorgeous outdoor terrace featuring a private bar and downtown views. Atmosphere feels warm and inviting, blending trendy energy with a clean, bright space. Popular spot draws lively crowds, especially on weekend evenings.

Cocktails feature a fall menu with drinks like the hayride and holiday collins. Staff use a short quiz to match guests with the most fitting cocktail, resulting in tasty, well-crafted drinks.

Upstairs lounge offers an indoor/outdoor space with a great view of downtown. It serves dinner and suits private parties well.

Hidden underground bar with soft red glow and jazzy atmosphere creates an intimate, cozy vibe. Space feels mysterious and character-rich, attracting an upbeat crowd for fun nights out or romantic dates. Creative cocktails and unique design details add to its distinct charm.

Cocktails here show a creative spin with options like a fruity fernet and an espresso martini with Parmesan. Signature drinks include the creamy, salty Reggiano and the gin-based Purple Monster, all crafted with a speakeasy vibe and a jazzy atmosphere.

A basement lounge offers dark disco vibes with a romantic, rustic atmosphere. The space feels like a speakeasy with touches of European nightlife and serves craft cocktails, Italian beer, and wine.

Cocktail bar with a 90s nostalgia and science-themed decor creates a quirky, school cafeteria atmosphere. Loud music and a rowdy crowd shift the vibe from relaxed to club-like on weekend nights. Generous pours, innovative cocktails, and playful details like menus in binders and free goldfish snacks make the experience distinctive.

Cocktails here blend 90's nostalgia with innovative, well-balanced flavors and fun presentation. Options range from classic negronis and old fashions to unexpected, immersive creations that settle smoothly on the palate.

Quirky and cool vibe shines in a lounge tucked into a golf club. Signature cocktails mix with classic drinks in a simple, colorful setting inside the country club.

Cozy space with Hollywood regency decor and mood lighting creates a speakeasy vibe. Bartenders craft exceptional cocktails, including standout Old Fashioneds and martinis. Atmosphere suits jazzy date nights and sophisticated dining with white tablecloths.

Cocktails here are bursting with fresh ingredients and come strong. The bartender crafts unique, lush drinks like excellent Old Fashioneds and helps pick great options.

An intimate supper club with a 1950s vibe offers a unique nightlife experience. The atmosphere blends old fashioned supper club charm with Hollywood nights energy.

Cocktail bar blends Italian disco theme with a speakeasy vibe and European coastal beach bar feel. Bright, breezy interior resembles a tropical library with sleek bar and communal seating. Music features vinyl-spun jazz and 80s tunes, creating a chill atmosphere with indoor and outdoor options.

Cocktails here blend Italian and French Riviera inspirations with a mix of classic and inventive drinks. The menu features complex flavors and strong, beautifully crafted cocktails that pair well with small plates.

A mix of listening bar and dance club creates a unique nightlife vibe with high-fidelity speakers and great DJs. The cocktail lounge offers inventive drinks and friendly bartenders, making it a chill spot for both weeknights and Fridays.

Cocktail bar with industrial art deco style and live jazz music creates a cozy, inclusive atmosphere where seating adjusts to the vibe. The space feels upscale but unpretentious, attracting a diverse crowd who enjoy crafty cocktails and engaging entertainment.

Crafty cocktails stand out with fun and unique flavors. The lounge offers a top tier drink menu that pairs well with live music and a welcoming vibe.

Upscale cocktail lounge offers a jazz lounge vibe with music reminiscent of Smokey lounge. Atmosphere stays true to Wicker Park's character without feeling pretentious.

Mid-century decor and comfortable seating create a cozy, inviting atmosphere with great lighting that balances liveliness and conversation. Unique, handcrafted cocktails made from an in-house distillery stand out alongside a broad menu that respects ingredients and flavors. Games and occasional live magic add a playful touch to this modern, stylish cocktail bar.

Unique cocktails feature house-made syrups and locally sourced ingredients. The menu includes standout drinks like the banana pancake old fashioned crafted with small batch distillery spirits.

A quiet lounge with a vibe that lets you carry on conversations while sipping craft cocktails. Surprisingly, kids are allowed in this space, making it a unique spot for nightlife.

Video arcade combines latest games and graphics with a full service bar and live music, creating a chill and lively atmosphere. Space feels like a friend's basement with beautiful art and gamer lighting, attracting a relaxed crowd who enjoy diverse gaming options and socializing.

Creative cocktails stand out with tasty flavors and a wonderful cocktail menu. Bartenders show clear skill and knowledge in crafting drinks.

Small size creates a personable and neighborhood vibe. Events cater to all kinds of gamers with a welcoming atmosphere.

English pub-style space combines wood paneling, snugs, and velvet lounges for a mix of casual and sophisticated vibes. Warm lighting and personable staff create a comfortable atmosphere where conversation flows easily. Multiple TVs show major European soccer leagues, making it a popular spot for sports fans.

Handcrafted cocktails shine upstairs with a signature menu and a sophisticated vibe featuring velvet chairs and warm lighting. Bartenders like Chandler craft inventive drinks, including THC options, all at reasonable prices.

Upstairs offers an old school English lounge vibe with comfy couches and a knowledgeable bar staff. The space feels cozy and intimate, perfect for date nights or small gatherings.

Small, intimate jazz club with phenomenal acoustics and a speakeasy atmosphere. Live performances happen up close, creating a relaxed and welcoming vibe. Cocktails stand out as among the best, complementing the music well.

Cocktails here are consistently excellent and very good, with the bartender crafting delightful drinks including non-alcoholic options that stand out for their flavor.

An intimate jazz venue with phenomenal acoustics and authentic atmosphere offers out of this world music and friendly service. The vibe recalls classic jazz rooms with great cocktails and talented acts.

Intimate concert venue with excellent sound system and great sight lines puts audiences just feet from performers. Cozy atmosphere supports live jazz and jam band performances with crisp, clear audio at comfortable volume. Two bar areas and well-spaced tables create a relaxed setting for music lovers.

An extensive cocktail list offers a variety of excellent drinks. The club's soulful vibe pairs well with the great cocktails and clear sight lines.

Club offers great sound and sight lines with a solid format and well-made cocktails. Door management could improve to stop cold air from entering during arrival.

Speakeasy-style cocktail bar with a hidden entrance and vaporwave aesthetic creates a unique, intimate setting. The atmosphere is lively and energetic, driven by a live DJ booth and upbeat music. Comfortable seating invites guests to relax while enjoying creative, Asian-inspired cocktails.

Paradise Lost stands out as a clarified rum cocktail that many find delicious. The menu also features other notable drinks like Paper Dragon and San Junipero, all crafted with care and offering a unique experience.

Hidden entrance creates a secret club feel. Cocktail lounge blends Chinatown-tiki vibe with a speakeasy style. Craft cocktails come with great bartenders behind the counter.

Beautiful space blends lounge and club with stylish atmosphere and awesome music. Energy shifts from chill vibes during dinner to lively nightlife with DJs. Crowd enjoys top-tier service and a unique setting unlike typical venues.

Cocktails here feature premium quality with real ingredients, not just wells. The selection includes signature drinks and a smaller but impressive wine list with options like Dom Perignon by the glass.

Vibe shifts from dinner to a lively upscale nightclub with great music and beautiful decor. Bottle service and premium cocktails add to the energetic nightlife experience.

Intimate jazz club with historic décor and excellent acoustics creates a cozy, relaxed atmosphere. Live performances feature talented musicians playing in a setting that honors jazz legends. Dim lighting and comfortable seating offer a balanced sound experience ideal for soaking in pure jazz.

Jazz and great cocktails come together here. The cocktail menu offers excellent choices, though it lacks a signature house cocktail.

Classic jazz club vibe with top flight musicians performing in an intimate venue. Offers a quintessential Chicago jazz experience with a strong, traditional program.

Neighborhood pub with eclectic decor and a laid-back vibe offers live Americana music and a well-maintained pool table. Outdoor patio provides a relaxed space often visited by a friendly cat. Atmosphere stays friendly and welcoming, attracting open-minded locals who enjoy good humor and art.

Strong cocktails come with a rotating selection that keeps choices fresh. The bartenders know how to mix drinks well, matching the excellent beer on tap.

Cozy, laid-back vibe with a small outdoor patio and an upstairs art gallery. Service stays exceptional, and the spot hosts fun events and entertainment.

Small bar with a huge outdoor patio decorated with lanterns and umbrellas creates a cozy, bohemian vibe. Conversations flow easily among a crowd that feels like old friends, supported by carefully curated music and a unique drink menu featuring wine slushies and handcrafted cocktails.

A great lineup of hand-crafted cocktails and some beers is always available. Staff are welcoming and knowledgeable, making the experience smooth and enjoyable.

A quaint lounge offers a cozy spot for evening relaxation. Monthly wine club memberships provide a way to enjoy local wines regularly.

Cocktail bar showcases edgy and classy decor with amazing sculptures behind the bar, creating a warm, inviting ambiance. Lounge and bar seating offer intimate and Instagram-worthy spaces enhanced by live jazz and DJ sets. Signature craft cocktails and unique dishes complement the visually stunning, chic atmosphere.

Cocktails here show exceptional creativity and unique presentation. The menu offers a variety of inventive drinks crafted with great attention to detail.

Specialty cocktail lounge offers intimate lounge seating and pays close attention to every detail. The space feels beautiful and cool, located near many shops, restaurants, and clubs.

Mediterranean restaurant with a rooftop bar offering spectacular city views and multiple seating options including fire pits and private couches. Live music creates a lively atmosphere that balances well with conversation. Cocktails and food receive strong praise, contributing to an overall vibrant and welcoming vibe.

Cocktails here feature a unique choice and are often described as outstanding and gorgeous. Both alcoholic and mocktail options taste really good, and service complements the drinks well.

Outdoor lounge tables by the firepit create a relaxed vibe for groups and dogs. Friendly hosts add to the welcoming atmosphere that invites easy socializing.

Cocktail lounge blends Japanese and Mexican fusion with a luxe, spacious design and captivating decor. Music features a live DJ that sets a chill, vibey atmosphere, though it can be loud. Small bites and creative cocktails complement the stylish, swanky vibe.

Cocktails here are well-balanced and unique, highlighting the alcohol without overpowering it. Happy hour offers excellent value, and the bar can make any cocktail imaginable with a creative touch.

Upscale cocktail lounge offers awesome cocktails and a small but impressive food menu. The lounge has a cute vibe and can be a spot to impress friends if you find a seat.

Rooftop lounge offers incredible 18th-floor views with a chic, modern design featuring plush seating and ambient lighting. Atmosphere stays vibrant and inviting, balancing lively music and conversation without overwhelming noise. Guests enjoy thoughtful cocktails and a mix of small plates in a stylish, energetic setting.

Cocktails come with thoughtful presentation including unique garnishes and glassware. The Yuzu Spritz stands out as a citrusy gin drink with a bright look. Some drinks feature tableside color changes that add a visual twist.

Cozy rooftop lounge with a mid-century modern design featuring leather couches, emerald green accents, and brass hardware. Atmosphere shifts from sun-soaked to chic lounge as the evening progresses.

Large space divides into distinct atmospheres with comfortable booths and a lively club room. Music features a DJ-driven sound system playing chill, high-energy tunes that shape a fun, unpretentious vibe. Patrons include stylish young crowds, but the atmosphere welcomes all ages for drinks and conversation.

Cocktails here are creatively made with an extensive drinks menu featuring unique and well-balanced options. Smokey’s Sidepiece stands out as a notable favorite among the offerings.

A club vibe kicks in from Thursday to Saturday around 10 PM with lounge electronic music setting the tone. The club room's chaos stays separate from the quieter restaurant area, keeping the space balanced.

Speak-easy bar with dim lighting and comfortable lounge seating creates an intimate, cozy atmosphere ideal for quiet conversation. Upstairs event space offers a mingle-friendly setup with leather couches and high-top tables. Outdoor patio is dog friendly and opens to the sidewalk, blending indoor and street vibes.

Amazing cocktails feature prominently with a great cocktail list offering a variety of options. Personalized recommendations lead to phenomenal drinks crafted by skilled bartenders.

Dim lighting and velvet lounge chairs create a cozy, low key vibe. Comfortable seating and quiet atmosphere make it good for talking and dates.

Bar with intimate setting and old school decor featuring bookshelves and vinyl music creates a low-key, welcoming vibe. Small tables suit quiet conversations, making it ideal for dates or casual meetups. Cocktails are thoughtfully crafted, complementing the relaxed atmosphere.

Creative and thoughtfully designed cocktails stand out here, blending unique flavors with fantastic classics. The drinks are made with passion and offer a great way to unwind after a long day.

A super swanky cocktail lounge sets the tone with a stylish vibe. It hosts book clubs, blending nightlife with a relaxed, social atmosphere.

Cozy cocktail lounge with speakeasy vibes and tasteful decor offers a romantic atmosphere and excellent cocktails. Music ranges from a great lounge playlist to occasionally loud, affecting conversation. Frequented for tranquil, refined drinking and date night rendezvous.

Impeccably crafted cocktails blend classic foundations with modern artistry. The menu offers both inventive creations and expertly made classics, including a standout Malort cocktail.

A cozy cocktail lounge with speakeasy vibes offers a quiet, refined spot for nightlife. The great music playlist adds to the intimate, lounge-style atmosphere.

Cocktail bar with dimly lit speakeasy vibe and dance floor featuring disco ball and neon lights creates a warm, lively atmosphere. Two distinct rooms separate music and dancing from intimate drink tables, while a downstairs bar offers a change in vibe. Frequent live music and outdoor seating add variety to the experience.

Crafted cocktails cost around $11 and feature unique flavors like malört. The menu includes spritz options such as a notable cucumber spritz, all served in a relaxed atmosphere.

A cocktail club stands out with a lively bar scene. Nearby, several bars and lounges add variety, though the music room may not always be open.

Modern, cozy space with classic decor and two bartending rooms creates a stylish yet relaxed vibe. Expertly made martinis draw a diverse crowd, making it easy to enjoy without the usual bar crowding. Eclectic music and welcoming atmosphere add to the inviting experience.

Creative cocktails stand out here, including a Gibson with gin and cocktail onions rarely found elsewhere. The Martini menu offers solid choices, all served with great service in a welcoming vibe.

Classic and cozy decor sets the scene for a timeless lounge experience with stellar service. The crowd leans Uptown/Edgewater, and the martinis stand out as better than most other spots.