Cocktail bars in Chicago

Ship-themed bar with original woodwork and a wrap-around bar seating creates a cozy, warm atmosphere with dim lighting and private booths. House music energizes the space while candle-lit tables add intimacy. Patrons come for classic cocktails and a unique, historic vibe.

Feels like a lighthouse tavern with a beautiful, warm, and inviting atmosphere. Features wrap-around bar seating that lets you sit on the bartender’s side.

Inventive cocktails and magnificent martinis stand out here. The team serves exceptional beverages with spot on recommendations and good service.

Lounge offers an intimate vibe with strong cocktails like the corpse reviver and Wisconsin old fashioned. Friendly bartenders serve drinks in a laidback atmosphere enhanced by vintage decor and a cash-only policy. Enjoy the classic taste and unique charm on the immaculate patio.

An intimate, laidback spot with a beautiful interior and friendly bartenders. Cocktails are of excellent quality, and the music adds to the enjoyable atmosphere.

Strong cocktails stand out here, especially the corpse reviver and Amanda’s tears. The old fashion features a classic taste with muddled cherries and orange, all mixed with excellent skill in an unpretentious space.

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.

Cocktail offerings stand out with high quality and unique flavors. The bar balances an elevated yet unpretentious vibe, making it a notable spot in the neighborhood.

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.

Beautiful design and warm lighting create a relaxed, vibey atmosphere with unique cocktails that stand out. The space feels like a home away from home with comfortable furniture and a welcoming vibe. Music adds to the chill, inviting energy throughout the evening.

Warm lighting and a stunning bar create a welcoming atmosphere. Bartenders offer great recommendations and the owner suggests other local spots. The bar also shows games, adding to the vibe.

Drinks feature unique, refined flavors like the Ube Sour and Midnight in Mumbai. The cocktail program offers balanced, thoughtfully presented options including The Quinn and Ube Pisco Sour.

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.

A relaxed atmosphere sets the tone with unique cocktails and a small food menu. Prices stay reasonable compared to other cocktail bars, making it a comfortable spot for a casual night out.

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.

Small bar with seating for about 14 people creates an intimate atmosphere filled with tiki vibes and down-tempo jungle jazz music. Attentive bartenders craft complex rum cocktails that stand out for their uniqueness and quality. The space feels like an immersive, private lounge suited for special occasions or quiet nights.

An intimate setting defines this bar, creating a close and personal vibe. It excels as a Tiki bar with standout cocktails that impress even those who usually prefer sports bars or breweries.

Cocktails here are wonderfully complex and very unique, often featuring amazing rum in an intimate setting. Specialty drinks stand out for their satisfying flavors and picturesque presentation.

Eight retro bowling lanes with manual scoring create a classic atmosphere that feels intimate and lively without crowding. A vintage-style bar complements the space with strong, well-crafted cocktails and a cool vibe. The setting balances old school charm with a fun, low-key energy.

A diverse beer selection and a great spirit selection stand out at the bar. Staff are accommodating and attentive, creating a friendly vibe without feeling crowded.

Cocktails come at a surprisingly inexpensive price and maintain a high quality throughout. The selection is very good and consistently enjoyable.

Bar combines speakeasy style with a macabre metal theme and horror decor. Atmosphere is dark and electrifying, with loud music and warm neighborhood energy. Large patio offers outdoor space for smoking and socializing.

A clean, dark, pseudo-evil dive bar with a great neighborhood vibe run by the same folks behind a local coffee spot. It draws a friendly crowd and fits well in a rapidly growing area.

Cocktails come with a deathly twist and an excellent list. The spot offers great selections alongside beers and non-alcoholic options.

Gastropub offers cozy atmosphere with heated outdoor patio open late into fall. Close seating creates an intimate vibe, complemented by extraordinary craft cocktails and a brilliant patio space. Music and warm lighting enhance the inviting energy throughout.

A lively vibe blends a dive bar atmosphere with five-star food and excellent service. Outdoor seating with heaters adds comfort, and the bar staff offers a warm, welcoming experience.

Craft cocktails stand out with house-made syrups and juices. Signature drinks like the enchanted forest and the mule show clear creativity and deliver great flavor.

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.

A cozy, laid-back spot with great drink prices and a welcoming vibe. It features fun events like trivia nights and live performances, plus a well-maintained pool table and a friendly bar cat named MEL.

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.

Salon and cocktail lounge combine into a small, cozy space with an elegant, warm atmosphere. Intimate lighting and spectacular craft cocktails create a sophisticated vibe. The dual concept shifts from daytime salon to nighttime bar, offering a unique, chill experience.

Cocktails here are unexpectedly amazing and comparable to top city bars. The bar offers a cozy, chill vibe that works well for starting the night or relaxing after hours.

Fantastic cocktails stand out with a friendly bartender crafting drinks that match some of the best bars in the city. The spot offers a great chill vibe perfect for enjoying proper cocktails.

Cozy bar and grill with warm, inviting atmosphere and dim, sleek lighting creates a neighborhood feel. Regulars enjoy top-notch Balkan dishes like cevapi and schnitzel alongside excellent custom cocktails. The space feels like a family-owned gem with a comfortable, community vibe.

Warm and inviting atmosphere with a true neighborhood bar vibe. Offers excellent custom cocktails and comfortable seating at the bar.

Custom cocktails crafted by a skilled mixologist suit any occasion. The menu includes tasty mixed drinks and excellent beer options.

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.

Cozy atmosphere with unique cocktails and attentive staff create a welcoming vibe. The bar offers solid food standbys alongside a great drink selection.

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

Dive bar style blends with specialty cocktails and old-school tattoo decor. Ambient, calm vibe welcomes a friendly crowd with free video games always on. Quiet atmosphere offers a unique mix of relaxation and entertainment.

Dive bar vibe blends with specialty cocktails. It stands out among Northside bars for its unique mix.

Specialty cocktails stand out with a dive bar feel. Rum cocktails crafted by Josh come out amazingly tasty. Drink and Ink offers great cocktails.

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.

Cozy atmosphere with old brown painted brick walls and dark wood trim lined with books creates a historic pub vibe. The bar offers a welcoming respite from pretentious or party spots, making it a favored place when Adam is behind the bar.

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.

Art deco hotel lobby sets a stylish, cozy atmosphere with a retro-modern vibe. Music stays low, creating a chill yet classy energy ideal for unwinding or casual conversation. Well-crafted signature cocktails and a spacious bar area attract a relaxed, upscale crowd.

Stylish and cozy with a roaring 20s inspired vibe, this bar offers well-crafted cocktails and a friendly, attentive staff. The menu has a nice variety and the seating area is spacious and comfortable.

Signature cocktails stand out with expertly crafted flavors and inventive twists like a smoked old fashioned. A variety of gin cocktails and a daily special at happy hour offer creative options at good prices.

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 come beautifully crafted with a mix of classics and unique options. The bar blends a listening lounge and dance club vibe with high-fidelity speakers and great DJs, plus a sleek patio for people watching.

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.

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.

A spacious, LGBTQ-friendly bar with a talented mixologist crafting quality cocktails. Live music and a chill, welcoming vibe make it a standout spot.

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.

Small neighborhood bar offers cozy dive vibes with an intimate atmosphere and thoughtful playlist that blends seamlessly. Bartenders craft high-quality cocktails, including unique infusions, creating a relaxed spot for quiet conversation or casual hangouts.

Seating comes quickly even when busy in this cozy and intimate bar that fits about 15 people. The solid happy hour and playlist matching the vibe create a quaint, comfortable spot with dive bar energy.

Well made cocktails stand out here, crafted by a friendly bartender named Kim. The bar feels like a cute dive with some of the best drinks on this side of town.

Bar combines midcentury style with an upscale vintage store vibe, featuring curated decor for sale and warm, welcoming atmosphere. Crowd is chill and queer-friendly, with lively energy that stays comfortable. Lighting and layout create a cozy yet stylish space that feels both unique and inviting.

An elevated neighborhood bar with a well-curated eclectic collection of decor that is mostly for sale. Offers great drinks and happy hour in a comfy, queer-friendly space with fantastic lighting and spacious layout.

Craft cocktails stand out with a unique and delicious selection. Staff serve drinks with friendly smiles, creating a welcoming vibe alongside a thoughtful drink menu.

Desert-themed bar with an extensive tequila and mezcal selection offers an intimate, cozy atmosphere with outdoor patio seating and a pool table. Music features LCD Soundsystem and Talking Heads, creating a vibey, low-key backdrop. The crowd is eclectic and friendly, making it suitable for casual drinks or a relaxed night out.

This bar brings a culinary adventure to the scene with a vibe that feels fresh and lively. The atmosphere crafted by Brittany adds a memorable touch, making it stand out among others.

Tequila-based cocktails stand out with expert craftsmanship and rich flavors. Options include simple but excellent choices and notable drinks like the Angel City.

Bar inside a hotel with dim lighting and cute furniture creates a relaxed, cool vibe that feels like catching up with old friends. DJs play great music, adding to the lively atmosphere especially during special occasions. The place draws people looking for a chill brunch spot with impressive cocktails and a well-regarded menu.

An amazing bar team crafts the drinks here, with the Ay Kiwi standing out as a notable cocktail. The hotel lobby bar offers decent bar service alongside meals throughout the week.

Craft cocktails stand out with options like the Ay Kiwi. Happy hour offers drinks priced between $8-12, including draft beers, ciders, and house wines, all paired with modern American dishes.

Spacious dining area with tall glass windows and vintage decor creates a stylish, cozy atmosphere. Open garage doors blend indoor and outdoor seating, fostering a relaxed vibe with a mix of ages. Creative, well-balanced cocktails and a well-designed bar complement the inviting setting.

An incredibly busy bar runs smoothly with attentive service that avoids neglect. The space offers a gorgeous Old Town vibe and a diverse menu to enjoy while seated at the bar.

Creative and perfectly balanced cocktails stand out here. The menu includes nice specialties and consistently delicious drinks that suit a variety of tastes.

Dark, swanky interior blends with a beautiful back patio featuring heat lamps for comfort. Conversations carry easily, creating a lively yet cozy atmosphere suited for casual drinks or pre/post-theater gatherings. The place stands out with its sophisticated cocktail menu and modern decor.

Upscale cocktail lounge offers a sophisticated vibe with delicious shareable snacks. Seating at the bar encourages a social atmosphere.

An extensive cocktail menu offers a wide range from inspired original cocktails to an excellent wine and whisky selection. Drinks like the Lunar Elixir stand out for their delicious taste.