Cancel

    Open app

    Search

    Bernard's

    4.3 (88 reviews)
    Closed 5:00 pm - 2:00 am (Next day)
    Updated a few days ago

    Bernard's Photos

    BERNARD'S ATMOSPHERE

    What's the vibe?
    Quiet
    Intimate
    Romantic
    Classy

    Recommended Reviews - Bernard's

    Your trust is our priority, so businesses can't pay to alter or remove their reviews. Learn more about reviews.
    Yelp app icon
    Browse more easily on the app
    Review Feed Illustration

    Reviews With Photos

    Old serrano
    Shikha A.

    Classy vibes with thrilling cocktails. I was in Chicago for a few days and grabbed drinks with a friend. Our host, arif, recommended some great cocktails which lined up with yelp assistant's picks. We got the no. 5 and the old serrano and both drinks were beautifully presented. Old serrano was more spirit forward and smoky, while no. 5 was sweeter with a rose flavor. Nice spot for a satisfying cocktail.

    Bar area
    Joee L.

    Top notch experience inside a quaint cozy speakeasy vibe lounge. The service was exceptional and the drinks were fantastic. This lounge is located on the 2nd floor in the Waldorf Astoria which is a beautiful hotel in the Gold Coast. The drinks range from $30 and up for a price point so keep that in mind if choosing to experience Bernard's.

    Some of the whiskeys
    Cassandra B.

    This is my favorite speak easy in Chicago now. The drinks were so delicious and the service was top tier. I just wanted to try everything but knew I couldn't because I would be drunk lol. I ordered a no 9. Inspired by Chanel. A treasure chest and an old Serrano. I recommend all of these!!!! Please give them a try if you're in Chicago

    Brian H.

    As good as it gets when it comes to bars. Excellent atmosphere and service. Drinks are high and above as good as it gets. A++ 5 stars and two thumbs up!

    Tricia G.

    This speakeasy cocktail bar located in the Waldorf Astoria is a special place. Quaint, cool and swanky! There was a tremendous selection of cocktails and spirits. It's a nice deviation for the hustle and bustle of the Chicago streets. Give it a try, would be a great late night spot to finish the evening.

    Inside
    Rahima J.

    One of my new favorite bars. The charm and elegance is impeccable. The intimate vibes are unbeatable. Cannot wait to come back and enjoy the space again

    John P.

    Bernard's is a quaint, upscale hotel bar in the Waldorf Astoria in Chicago. It's a beautiful space that is easy to see the exceptional attention to detail. The design and aesthetic is inspired by the men in Coco Chanel's life. French design was the inspiration behind the latest renovation of the Waldorf and Coco Chanel was positioned as their muse. It's dark and warm steeped in refinement everywhere you look. The staff is well-trained and they treat you like they've been waiting for you all day. The attention and engagement we received from the bartenders made it a memorable experience. They welcomed discussing their craft and made sure you enjoyed any of the creative cocktails in their program or anything you preferred off menu. It is definitely an elevated spot, but not pretentious. Bernard's understand service and I guarantee you will enjoy it. It is one of the hidden gems in the Gold Coast neighborhood. Check them out next time you're in Chicago. Salute

    Yvonne I.

    Bernard's is located on the 2nd floor of the Waldorf Astoria Hotel in the Gold Coast neighborhood of Chicago. The atmosphere at this bar is classy and dark. They brought a complimentary light snack to the table while we reviewed the menu. Most of the cocktails are in the $20-$30 range. The Old Serrano cocktail was well-balanced and interesting. This was the perfect cocktail to slowly sip on. All of the staff were really kind. I would visit here again in the future.

    Bar area
    Lafayette B.

    Nice, quick service. Perfect for a quick nightcap drink and small eats. We were staying at the Waldorf Astoria, so this was a nice laid back place with a speak easy kind of vibe.

    Sara G.

    Bernard's is sophistication, darkness and seduction with an equestrian twist. Stepping into this landmark cocktail lounge, you're immediately part of the history. The Japanese whiskey Old Fashioned stands out as a delightful twist on a classic, highlighting the creativity of the mixologists. Bernard's is more than just a destination for fashion-inspired cocktails. Named after Bernard Heerey, a Chicago philanthropist who left a mark on the city. This spot pays homage to its namesake through its commitment to charitable causes.

    Blake W.

    Seating is strange and the drinks are ok at best. For the price you can find much better. You are for sure paying for convenience being in the hotel. But $50 for 2 ok drinks is crazy. I will pay a premium for a great drink but these were mediocre to say the least. Service is ok but it could've been great but hard to tell since you can barely hear anything due to music and terrible acoustics. I wouldn't go back simply for cost/quality.

    Mayuri A.

    Swung by Bernanrd's to try out their popular 'The Treasure' cocktail. We entered Waldorf Astoria and had to walk around a bit before we could find the entrance for this place. The hostess was welcoming and immediately seated us. The ambience is elegant but definitely dated. The service was fast though. The treasure cocktail came in a small treasure chest. When we opened it, it spewed out smoke to reveal the beautiful cocktail. It was even adorned with a plantain dipped in dark chocolate and covered in gold which was pretty cool. The cocktail was delicious and strong. We also got a side of chips and olives with the cocktails. Loved my experience here and the treasure cocktail is a must try. One thing to note is that the price point is on the higher side but the experience is well worth it.

    Santa's door old fashioned
    Sandeep C.

    Cozy bar tucked away at the Waldorf....never knew this existed! Just happen to find it as we looked for a nearby bar on Yelp. You certainly won't walk by it as it's concealed on the second floor of the Waldorf Astoria Hotel. As the setting would imply...yes it's expensive. Probably best as a stop for a drink or two. It's a square room that probably seats around 40. Very welcoming host and delicious drinks. A nice small menu if you are a bit hungrier. All in all...perfect lounge vibes for good drinks and long conversations.

    See all

    15 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    15 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    15 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    12 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    17 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    12 years ago

    Helpful 2
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Jen H.
    0
    11
    0

    13 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Mary G.
    15
    23
    0

    14 years ago

    best place to nightcap (or start....?) a great date.

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    Page 3 of 3

    Ask the Community - Bernard's

    Review Highlights - Bernard's

    Came to Bernards while staying at the Waldorf Astoria Chicago after the recommendation from the front desk.

    Mentioned in 17 reviews

    Read more highlights

    Geja's Cafe

    Geja's Cafe

    3.9(1.7k reviews)
    1.4 miLincoln Park
    $$$

    Step off the streets of Chicago into a beautifully dimly lit fondue experience is so cozy inside…read morewith the music of a live Spanish guitar that really create a private magical experience. All the premier dinners come with salad, cheese, fondue, and the chocolate fondue - You are just choosing what protein you would like. The Prince Geja combination has a little bit of everything. However, we most liked the seafood which includes lobster and the scallops were to die for! Also the beef also cooks well. Favorite dipping sauce included the pimento mayo, chimichurri, and garlic butter. The cheese fondue is quite rich and the bread is quite filling so maybe get as much cheese as you can on each piece of bread. The chocolate fondue, I think is actually the best course as the Belgium chocolate melts so well and has a decadent but not overly sweet flavor. It pairs well with all that is provided for dipping, which includes poundcake, rice Krispies, strawberries. They also have some liquor that they light on fire at first so you can roast the marshmallows. It is such a well thought out experience. Service flows very well from two waiters who take your order set up your fondue pots for each course, but be prepared to spend at least 2 hours on this experience. Check out the Groupon but also I read a review that they just tack on the extra $50 so it's not really too much of a savings. Not sure if this is true.

    Had a fantastic evening at this classic spot!…read more Food was super tasty and fresh! The seafood was probably my favorite! The full dinner with chocolate and cheese was perfect! Also appreciated that they were accommodating for the vegetarian in our party. Everything except the cheese course can be made vegan friendly as well. The service was top notch! Appreciated that they called me ahead of time to confirm our reservation and ask about food allergies. All the staff was incredibly helpful and attentive. They were quick to refill items and answer any questions we had. The location is classic fondue restaurant, cozy and romantic. However, also perfect for catching up with a friend. I love the history in this place and really enjoyed the mood lighting. Pricing was fantastic for the quality of service, food, and drinks! Look forward to many happy returns!

    Photos
    Geja's Cafe
    Geja's Cafe
    Geja's Cafe

    See all

    Gemini - Crispy Shrimp Spring Rolls

    Gemini

    4.0(771 reviews)
    1.6 miLincoln Park
    $$

    As a Gemini celebrating my birthday season with other Geminis, it only felt right to celebrate at…read moreGemini! When we arrived, I was a bit concerned because we hadn't received our menus. And that's because the menus were being printed with a personalized birthday message! Our server was attentive, knowledgeable, and struck the perfect balance of checking in without being overbearing. The mussels (provençal-style) were delicious and enough to share among three people. The truffle-parmesan fries: We couldn't tell if they were too salty or just salty enough, but somehow we couldn't stop eating them! I ordered the baby wedge salad with chicken, and while the chicken looked small at first, it ended up being a large enough portion to last the salad. We were also surprised with complimentary desserts: the Chocolate Chunk Cookie Skillet and Buck Russell's Cake. Though I'm not a sweet person, my dining companions thoroughly enjoyed them.

    Over all this place was okay, and when I say okay it was mediocre…read more How ever I would like to point out that the staff and I repeat the staff was very friendly not to mention very welcoming. I came here with three others and we all ordered different things from the brunch menu along with a few drinks. The atmosphere here is open, modern, and pretty eye catching, we all heard a few negative comments about brunch here and rather than just taking words of advice we came anyways. To be honest we should've went elsewhere, the only thing about the food that actually seemed to have any flavor was the fries and even they were a little salty like my wallet when we left LOL The Jumbo (not so much) Lump Crab Benedict at $25 was honestly boring lacking any flavor also it didn't even come with potatoes I ended up sharing my Lincoln Park Turkey Club that was good but even it was pretty basic at $21, the Burger at $21 literally looked like something off the kids menu the bun was bigger than the patty LOL and the Blackened Chicken Caesar at $19 was more like an appetizer size and the chicken at least it was juicy not dry. Other reviews about brunch here seem to be about the same and honestly I think it's funny they don't even try to elevate their food when so many say about the same things. I think the only reason why people come to this place is 1. It's located in Lincoln Park and 2. that makes it a trendy spot to eat. So why bother fixing anything when it's just trendy and flavorless Their brunch is mediocre but apparently dinner is where it's at. However after the experience with brunch I'm not even sure I would even go back. Come here for the staff eat at your own expense maybe your food will have flavor or not but honestly do what you want and keep it trendy

    Photos
    Gemini - Nice view inside restaurant

    Nice view inside restaurant

    Gemini - Avocado Toast + Lincoln Park Turkey Club

    Avocado Toast + Lincoln Park Turkey Club

    Gemini - Burrata crostini

    See all

    Burrata crostini

    Esme

    Esme

    4.0(154 reviews)
    1.6 miLincoln Park
    $$$$
    Fine dining
    Private events

    My rating of a 3 is specifically for the Restaurant Week menu though I'll say it definitely didn't…read moreinspire me to come back. I really wanted to like it; this was a nine-year anniversary dinner. Service was really attentive and friendly and I did appreciate that they brought out specific utensils for me as a left-handed person, never saw that before! The restaurant felt a bit bare and sterile, I think I was maybe expecting a little more decor on the table for a Michelin star restaurant. To echo several of the reviews below, the salad was awkward to share and scanty, the soup was good but the bread served with it felt like an afterthought, the sturgeon wasn't anything special though the sauce was quite good, and we are pretty sure the cut of beef was not wagyu or if it was it was not cooked the right way. The beef was the most disappointing part, I couldn't even chew through all of it. The add-ons were the best part - pasta was great and our dessert was delicious. But the rest of the meal was unfortunately mediocre. Hoping that others have a different experience with the regular menu!

    This review is for Restaurant Week!…read more I really like Esmes vibe overall. It's chic and minimalist. I love that the tables are widely spaced out so you don't feel like you're on top of another party. I loved the bowls everything was served in, and the silverware was unique. And the service was great. I appreciate when they left everyone finish before they clear the table. While I thought all the food was good, I think it overwhelming fell flat flavor wise. I don't think anything blew me away like I was expecting which was disappointing. We had the caviar supplement, which they accidentally gave us two of (amazing), which was good but also didn't blow me away. I wasn't the biggest fan of the flavors of the soup but that's probably a personal problem. The sturgeon and wagyu were alright. I wish I left being amazed but I left thinking I wouldn't come back, not even for RW again. I think my favorite bite of the night was the sticky date cake. I think it was the most flavorful but it wasn't the best dessert I've ever had. It lacked SOMETHING but I couldn't tell you what.

    Photos
    Esme
    Esme
    Esme

    See all

    Dearly Beloved - A SHEEP IN WOLF'S CLOTHING - the miracle berry pixi stick transforms sour into sweet.

    Dearly Beloved

    4.3(132 reviews)
    0.4 miNear North Side
    $$$

    Genesis was our server and she was absolutely amazing and attentive. She offered great suggestions…read morewhich we adhered to. Smash burger was . Caesar salad+ shrimp was a hit too. Fried chicken was crunchy and good. A touch sweet for my liking but very good. Truffle fries were a big hit. Also had warm crab dip wish had quite a few shells/cartilage but flavor was good. The drinks were all very good too. Music was nice. You good hear it a vibe to it but it was too loud. We didn't have to yell or talk loudly. We were were celebrating all 4 of our upcoming June/July birthdays and she treats us like rock stars. Great job Genesis

    I'm not quite sure why this place has pretty good reviews. Overall, it's pretty average. We came…read morefor happy hour and sat outside. While the table was on the sidewalk it was slightly set off and not on a busy street, so that was nice. While I only went inside to use the restroom, the vibes are interesting... I had their aperol spritz and it was okay. It was strong which was good. Then a pornstar martini. I thought the pornstar martini was really good and the best item of the evening. We shared oysters, the crab dip, and tuna tartare. The oysters were alright. The crab dip was funky. It was a bit fishy and maybe too heavy on the dill? I'm not sure but something was a bit off. The tuna tartare tasted fresh and was a good combination of flavors. It would be the only food item I'd reorder from the happy hour menu.

    Photos
    Dearly Beloved - Interior

    Interior

    Dearly Beloved - Bubbles

    Bubbles

    Dearly Beloved - Life of the party

    See all

    Life of the party

    Bernard's - cocktailbars - Updated August 2026

    Loading...
    Loading...
    Loading...