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New Yorkers 1st Choice
Top picks in River North

Lively cocktail spots

You want a cocktail bar that matches your energy and keeps the room feeling alive.

Based on 715 Opinions
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Updated April 2026
01
Electric Shuffle Chicago image 1
Electric Shuffle Chicago image 2
Electric Shuffle Chicago image 3
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Shuffleboard with high-tech tracking and immersive visuals defines the space, blending classic gameplay with modern tech. Vibrant social energy fills the stylish, throwback-decorated bar, enhanced by live DJ music and a fun, competitive vibe. Cocktails and food complement the atmosphere, making it lively yet not overcrowded.

Bartenders like Raul, Deja, and Maya craft fantastic cocktails with great attention to detail. Drinks like the โ€˜son of a peachโ€™ stand out for their quality and flavor.

People are saying

"The food and drinks here were excellent."

"The cocktails here are delicious and made by fantastic bartenders."

"It's a lively and amazing time for a great night out."

Good to know

1

Happy Hour is from 3 pm to 5 pm Monday to Friday, offering $5 beer, wine, seltzers, and all fries.

2

During Happy Hour, margaritas, ranch water, espresso martinis, and house pizza are $10.

3

The all-inclusive brunch costs $50 per person for 90 minutes of shuffleboard, a bottle of bubbly, and food.

02
VELA image 1
Mexican restaurant

Space channels sophisticated Mexican vibes with warm, vibrant design inspired by Mexico City. Music shifts from chill to loud with a live DJ mixing house, reggaeton, and hip hop, creating a lively atmosphere. Guests enjoy upscale casual energy with comfortable seating and standout cocktails.

Cocktails feature a top-tier tequila selection and include standout drinks like the Carrajillo de Olla. Staff provide superb guidance to help choose from an amazing menu during happy hour and beyond.

Energy pulses through the space with a lively atmosphere that channels Mexico City vibes. Stylish and energetic, it feels elevated without being stuffy.

People are saying

"The food here has flavor profiles that are above and beyond."

"The cocktails here are phenomenal, with recommendations that are spot-on."

"The atmosphere here is so lively, with energetic music that keeps you vibing."

Good to know

1

Happy hour offers $10 off cocktails and half-price appetizers from 4-6pm.

2

Reservations are recommended for large parties, especially on weekends.

3

The restaurant hosts a popup event with their sister restaurant every month.

03
Yasemi, A Modern Mediterranean Restaurant image 1

Spacious restaurant with modern, elegant decor and airy layout that avoids crowding. Atmosphere feels casual but chic, with loud music creating an energetic vibe. Tables require personal light to read menus due to dim lighting.

Happy Hour features unique cocktails at a very reasonable price. Drinks like the blood orange Paloma and kiwi kefi stand out for their delicious flavors and stunning presentation.

Music and ambience stay lively. Smiles and energy fill the room.

People are saying

"The Mediterranean food here is fresh and delicious, especially the hummus."

"I stopped in for happy hour and the cocktails were a great deal."

"The food here is amazing, especially the cheese pie with honey."

Good to know

1

Happy hour runs daily from 4-6pm with unique cocktails at reasonable prices.

2

Enjoy $2 oysters during happy hour, a great deal for seafood lovers.

3

The restaurant adds a 4% surcharge to all bills, so plan accordingly.

04
Kitchen + Kocktails By Kevin Kelley - Chicago image 1

Elegant restaurant with stunning windows and Instagram-worthy dรฉcor creates a warm, welcoming atmosphere filled with perfectly curated music. The vibe is lively and friendly, enhanced by attentive service and a beautiful city view. The space balances upscale soul food dining with a fun, electric energy.

Cocktails here stand out for being creative, well-balanced, and strong without overpowering. The bar offers a great selection of liquors, and the bartender is very knowledgeable and friendly.

Staff stays friendly and upbeat throughout. The atmosphere feels lively and fun with professional service.

People are saying

"The food here is delicious and full of flavor."

"The servers here are so knowledgeable and attentive for your date night."

"The cocktails here are perfectly made and the bartender is so knowledgeable."

Good to know

1

Reservations are recommended, especially for dinner service on weekends.

2

Happy hour runs until 7 pm on weekdays with discounted drinks and appetizers.

3

Valet parking is available for guests at the restaurant.

05
STK Steakhouse image 1
Steak house

Modern steakhouse blends trendy club vibe with live DJ sets and bold neon decor. Atmosphere feels lively and energetic, with music often loud enough to dominate conversations. Cocktails stand out as fresh and flavorful highlights amid the setting.

Award-winning Spiced Watermelon stands out as a showstopper. Nick and Anthony craft amazing cocktails like the Page Turner with skill and flair.

Music sets an upbeat environment with a stylish and lively atmosphere. Staff bring upbeat energy and professional timing, keeping the vibe active even on holidays.

People are saying

"The food here is delicious and high quality."

"The cocktails here are great and the service is attentive."

"The service here is so lively and attentive."

Good to know

1

Happy hour offers great deals on food and drinks from 4-7pm on weekdays.

2

Expect a one-hour wait for a table during peak dining hours.

3

Cocktails are priced at $9 during happy hour.

06
Ghost Donkey image 1

Upstairs space offers a hidden, cozy lounge with stunning decor and couch tables. Music is loud and upbeat, often featuring a DJ and dance elements like salsa lessons and bubble machines. The vibe suits date nights and lively gatherings, blending traditional Mexican influences with a modern bar atmosphere.

Unique twists like a variation of an espresso martini stand out. The menu features an excellent selection of mezcal cocktails, including a spicy and adventurous Mushroom Margarita that sparks curiosity.

A lively atmosphere fills the space with red light and upbeat songs that invite dancing. The vibe stays energetic and welcoming, blending great music with nice dรฉcor for both casual and social nights.

People are saying

"This bar has a super fun, lounge-like atmosphere."

"The cocktails here are unique and the vibe is crazy fun."

"The staff here is so welcoming and attentive, it makes the whole place feel lively."

Good to know

1

Happy hour is from Monday to Saturday 4:00 PM to 6:30 PM and all day on Sunday.

2

Tacos are priced at $2.00 during happy hour.

3

Ghost Donkey gets packed between 6:00 and 8:00 PM.

07
Ema image 1
Mediterranean restaurant

Mediterranean restaurant offers warm, modern interior with two bar areas and outdoor seating including a patio and rooftop. Atmosphere stays lively but not noisy, creating an inviting and relaxed vibe. Extensive gluten-free menu and accommodating options stand out for dietary needs.

Specialty cocktails stand out with fresh juice instead of syrup. The 'Do Not Disturb' is a notable mixed drink. Spicy pineapple cocktail adds a unique twist.

A lively ambience fills the space, especially on weeknights like Thursday. The atmosphere stays fun and upbeat without getting noisy, paired with good service that keeps the vibe cozy and enjoyable.

People are saying

"The food here is amazing, truly incredible."

"I thought the cocktails were delicious and great."

"The small plates here are amazing and delicious."

Good to know

1

Ema offers an extensive gluten-free menu with many options.

2

Reservations are recommended as the restaurant tends to fill up quickly.

3

Happy hour features generous portions but a limited list of spreads.

08
Parlay River North image 1

Sports bar offers a gorgeous rooftop bar with a beautiful view and a live DJ playing music during game breaks. Atmosphere combines great energy and vibes with multiple TVs for sports fans. Some seating areas feel crowded or poorly lit, but food includes standout items like chicken and waffles and stuffed French toast.

Speciality cocktails stand out with real alcohol and a mix of classic and adventurous options. Bartenders stay attentive to both the food and drink menus, making the drinks consistently superb.

Upbeat music creates a high-energy atmosphere that keeps the mood lively. Friendly, bubbly staff add to the fun vibe, and the crowd stays engaged and ready for a good time.

People are saying

"The food here is amazing and absolutely delicious."

"The music here is always on point, setting a lively mood."

"The cocktails here are superb and contain actual alcohol."

Good to know

1

Happy hour offers great deals on beer and wings.

2

Trivia night happens every Tuesday at 8pm.

3

Brunch includes bottomless mimosas for 90 minutes.

09
UMMO image 1
Italian restaurant

Italian restaurant offers a modern jazz inspired design with upstairs loft featuring live music and pool table. Atmosphere shifts from quiet and intimate dining to a lively late-night hangout with DJs and bands. Decor includes quirky records and stylish interiors creating a warm, upbeat vibe.

Cocktails include the Terzetto and Strawberry Cannoli, served during events like a 75-person upstairs party. Drinks pair well with pasta, wine, and dessert offerings.

Music and a DJ create a swanky jazz vibe with upbeat energy. The atmosphere feels warm and lively throughout.

People are saying

"You honestly canโ€™t go wrong with the outrageously good pasta here."

"I enjoyed the creative cocktails and delicious drinks here."

"The branzino here is perfectly cooked and juicy with salsa verde."

Good to know

1

Reservations are recommended, especially for larger groups, to ensure seating.

2

Happy hour runs from 4-7pm on weekdays with discounted drinks and appetizers.

3

The loft space converts into a club after 10pm with a DJ and dancing.

10
Fado Irish Pub image 1

Two-floor pub with old wooden ambiance and outdoor patio offers lively and relaxed areas. Live music and multiple TVs create an energetic vibe, especially during soccer games. Friendly crowd gathers around a rustic bar and dedicated fan corners, blending authentic Irish feel with sports enthusiasm.

Seasonal cocktails bring fun and festive flavors. The menu includes creative specialty cocktails priced around $12-14, paired with a wide beer selection and solid service.

An exciting atmosphere fills the space, making it clear this is a good soccer bar. Servers bring energetic service and helpful answers about beer and food.

People are saying

"The pub staff here are super friendly and helpful."

"I enjoyed their creative and seasonal cocktails."

"It's a lively environment with a cool aesthetic."

Good to know

1

Reservations are recommended on weekends due to high demand.

2

Trivia nights occur every Wednesday at 7pm with no entry fee.

3

Happy hour runs from 4-7pm on weekdays with discounted appetizers.

11
Moe's Cantina - River North image 1
Mexican restaurant

Massive Mexican restaurant with ample seating and a unique design that shifts into a nightclub on weekends. Lively atmosphere with energetic music, including reggaeton and clear TV audio for games. Outdoor seating and artistic decor add to the vibrant vibe.

Bartenders show clear pride in their craft with specialty cocktails and perfectly mixed drinks. The Diablito cocktail stands out with a fire on top as a unique touch.

Weekends bring a lively atmosphere with energetic service. The spot offers a welcoming vibe paired with good drinks and food.

People are saying

"The staff here makes the Mexican food experience so friendly and attentive."

"The nachos here are so delicious, I loved them."

"The atmosphere here is so lively and energetic, it's perfect for a night out."

Good to know

1

Expect a $20 cover charge for entry during club hours.

2

Reservations are recommended, especially for larger groups.

3

All guests must arrive together to avoid additional cover charges.

12
Bodega Bar River North image 1
Mexican restaurant

Vibrant and colorful space with a lively atmosphere and rave music that energizes the room. The bar features award-winning tequila cocktails and a mixologist crafting unique drinks. Known for amazing street tacos and a fun vibe that draws people for socializing and good times.

Award-winning tequila cocktails stand out here. Bartenders like Josh offer custom creations and know many recipes. Cocktails consistently impress with excellent quality.

A lively atmosphere fills the space with energy. Late-night DJ sets keep the vibe upbeat and inviting for hanging out and meeting new people.

People are saying

"The tacos here are amazing, especially the birria."

"The bar seating service was fast and excellent."

"You have to try Josh's amazing cocktails; he knows so many recipes."

Good to know

1

Happy hour features $3 tacos, $5 Modelos, and $10 margaritas.

2

Be aware of a 20% service charge automatically added to bills.

3

Request a paper bill to check for any extra charges before paying.

13
Howl at the Moon Chicago image 1

Rocking piano bar with live music and high energy atmosphere. Crowded seating near the stage creates an intimate vibe while the buzzing sound level keeps the energy lively. Specialty drinks come with sweet, cutesy presentations and the food offers elevated bar fare.

Cocktails come in creative options and are delicious. Drinks sometimes arrive in buckets, adding a unique touch.

Weekends bring an electric atmosphere with a fun-loving crowd. Entertainers deliver energetic performances that keep the vibe lively and interactive.

People are saying

"You'll have so much fun; the crowd is always energized."

"The music and crowd here are so lively and fun."

"The live music here is incredible and the atmosphere is great."

Good to know

1

There is a $12 cover charge to enter the venue.

2

Happy hour offers the first two drinks for $2 each.

3

Dueling piano nights are popular and feature audience requests.

14
Redhead Piano Bar image 1

Piano bar offers live piano music with a phenomenal, engaging pianist in a small, crowded space that encourages standing and dancing. An outdoor cigar lounge provides additional seating with couches and ashtrays. The atmosphere is lively and packed, creating an intense but vibrant vibe.

Great cocktails come with piano music by request. Bartenders serve drinks ideal for after-dinner or late-night enjoyment.

Warm, lively vibes fill the space, with a piano player engaging the crowd through throwback songs. Endless song requests keep the atmosphere fun and energetic all night.

People are saying

"This piano bar is the perfect spot to end your night."

"You can enjoy great cocktails and live piano music here."

"The piano player was lively and took requests."

Good to know

1

Expect large crowds on weekends, especially after 10 PM.

2

Reservations are recommended for special events or large groups.

3

Happy hour offers discounted drinks from 4 PM to 7 PM on weekdays.

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River North, Chicago

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