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    Best Bar

    4.3 (64 reviews)
    Closed 4:00 pm - 12:00 am (Next day)

    Best Bar Photos

    BEST BAR ATMOSPHERE

    What's the vibe?
    Classy
    Moderate noise
    Happy hour specials

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    Espresso martini
    Aaliyah L.

    I left a review a few months ago but I recently went back, and unfortunately my opinions have changed. Everything was perfect as far as the bartender, the drinks, and ambiance. However, while we were sitting at the bar, a roach emerged from behind the bar. This completely soured our experience, which sucks because this was my favorite bar in Chinatown. It just seems like the standards of cleanliness are not there.

    Ale ..

    Best bar with tabby was the best ever definitely recommend she is the best bar tender around.

    Michelle L.

    One of my favorite Chinatown bars: always has some good drinks to pass the time. The sound system def got better & ambiance is still beautiful as always. Visited with my friends (a few years ago for a birthday) and last night to chat. Bartender was super patient & kind when taking my order for the Breakfast in Japan cocktail (I ask so many questions) and even when we split a little bit of my cocktail, he was kind enough to refill the missing amount. One downfall is that when we sat near the DJ system, there was an overwhelming stink of body odor even though there was no one at the DJ station or seated near us.

    Athena B.

    Nice spot for a drink while you're waiting for a table at a nearby restaurant or as a night cap! Very comfortable vibe, almost like you're at your friends house sitting on the couch. The lychee martini wasn't really lycee forward, moreso tasted like a pink lemonade which was kind of disappointing but the other drinks were good!

    a view of a bar with a lot of tables and chairs
    Lateef A.

    Was blessed to be able to check out this bar during the soft opening. The owner was great and so welcoming. The staff was knowledgeable and showed so much passion about the food menu. We felt so welcome and definitely want to return. The space feels upscale and is going to be a hidden gem in Chinatown. By the way, the drink menu is out of the world. My favorite drink is the Champagne Cocktail. It's made with Moet, Hennessy, and grapefruit bitters. Wishing you all the best and much success!

    "...we have a problem" cocktail
    Irene C.

    I stumbled upon this bar passing by after dinner. It reminded me of a cocktail bar I used to visit frequently in Chinatown in NYC, so I doubled back and went inside. They manage to capture the essence of a Chinatown bar; that feeling of intimacy and hospitality, with a lean toward dramatic decor that is understated with more casual furniture, and it all balances out to create a perfect place to sit down for a drink or two or three. The bartender, Tristan, gives excellent recommendations, sees everything happening in the bar like the eye of Sauron, and instantly made me feel welcome. It was a freezing night in Chicago and I was in the mood for something with heat, and he recommended their "...we have a problem" cocktail and it was the perfect amount of sweet with a cinnamon kick that makes this cocktail extremely drinkable. It was so drinkable that I was surprised at how fast I drank it, and although I meant to only stop in for one drink, I was eager to order another one. I ordered two more cocktails, each equally as excellent as the last in their own unique way. If it wasn't a Monday night and I didn't have work the next morning I would have stayed for more. The spirits they are using are quality and many of them local. The ingredients they use are unique but familiar, like river salt on the rim of the "Super Nice" cocktail. The craft in the cocktails is obvious, and the best part is that they're not pretentious about it. The bartender, Tristan, walks the fine line of bringing the guests at the bar together while also letting people breathe in the way only the best bartenders can do. He reads the room and reads the crowd (hence why I said he's like the eye of Sauron) and he also makes excellent cocktails the whole time. I have had great cocktails in many places, but my favorite place to have great cocktails is a place just like this.

    Lighting
    Rachel M.

    Ambiance is great. This is a good bar for a date night - music is very chill until late. Dark lighting. Pretty light fixtures and seating. Small and lowkey. Not sure if they have food or not. If you love whiskey this is a must. They have a million whiskey cocktails which isn't very common. I'll be back!

    Menu
    Tatyana M.

    Went here last night for a drink. Super cute bar! It wasn't crowded thankfully, I love a lowkey bar. (Not sure of the usual crowd, but it was raining and a Tuesday night lol so ‍) Bartenders were quick and attentive. I got the Litty lychee and the tequila daga night. They were both so good, the tequila drink was definitely felt, so no skipping out on the liquor. Definitely adding this bar on my list of must revisits. Also, the ceiling!!!! I thought it was so cool, I kept watching the little shooting stars, loved my time here for sure.

    Stella W.

    What a great find in Chinatown!! Such amazing decor and concept. I think the whole bar is themed for galaxy/Star Wars based on the decor and drinks. One drink is called "Obi Wan"! I thought the drinks all sounded super interesting on paper, but the taste and presentations were a bit of a let down, especially the espresso martini, no foam, no layers of taste. This would be a solid 4 star bar for me, but unfortunately, the service we received that day was below average. Only one bartender was there on Sunday afternoon, and there were roughly 9 people at the bar. The bartender didn't acknowledge us when we entered, didn't offer water, or bother to take our orders. We had to hunt him down while he's busy chatting with a few female patrons at the bar.

    Sabrina C.

    I think that this place is a great addition to the Chinatown area. Even though there are a few kinks that are still being worked out, there is no denying the craftsmanship that goes into the creation of the drinks. Wow they make standard drinks exceptionally well, their specialty cocktails really knocked it out of the park and there is something for everyone! They also have liquor to go - which is a definite plus.

    Kickin it towards the back
    Becca L.

    Street parking Friendly bartender and servers Chil vibes. Music not too loud to have a conversation. Velvet lounge seats. Cool place to chill and chat. Had the lunar love - a deep sweet drink. Un"pear"ably good - strong ginger flavor, min pear.

    Bar area
    Liz W.

    Stopped in after getting food at Lowcountry the other night and had a really nice time. We ordered the Un"pear"ably Good, The Sputnik, Barry Manilojito, and the Pretty Nice. All of the drinks were made perfectly, but my favorites were the Un"pear"ably Good and The Sputnik. Overall, I can't wait to come back here since the bar atmosphere was class and not too loud, and the bartender was already nice to chat with!

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    3 months ago

    The bartenders are nice and offer great recs based on your palette. The ceiling lights are cute too!

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    Lowkey and non pretentious spot. Great drinks and super friendly and fun bartenders! The Litty Lyche was delicious

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    Page 1 of 2

    Ask the Community - Best Bar

    Review Highlights - Best Bar

    I asked Tristan the bartender what is a nice alcohol forward drink with tequila or whiskey and he told me about SUPER NICE.

    Mentioned in 4 reviews

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    Gilt Bar - Chicken parmigiana

    Gilt Bar

    4.3(2.4k reviews)
    2.6 miRiver North, Near North Side
    $$$

    Oh how I love the sultry vibes at Gilt. It is every bit speakeasy but way better food. Yes it's…read morealmost always busy... but there is a secret: from the time they first open until 5pm for bar seating and a happy hour menu of some of their top appetizers is worth checking out. Yelp tip: leave room for dessert. They have this hot butter ice cream that is an experience all of it's own. I know it sounds odd but you just have to try it and thank me later. Service is also stellar, I cannot say enough about how professional and kind everyone is. They never make you feel rushed and are very good about checking to see if you need anything more.

    Wow. By far the best ever restaurant experience I've ever had…read more The service is unlike anything - there are waitstaff dedicated to taking your order and molding your overall experience, waitstaff dedicated to cleaning the table as your meal progresses, and other staff keeping an eye on tables to ensure each group has the best experience. The food was also some of the best pasta I've had in my life! The meatball appetizer was incredible - tender meatballs with a simple savory tomato sauce. For pasta, I ordered the truffle mafaldine. The salty, truffle umami was so delicious and the noodles were perfectly al dente. After briefly mentioning we were at Gilt to celebrate a special event, the waiter shortly brought out gelato on the house. We got the mango gelato and it was so refreshing!! This meal was worth every cent and more. Cannot recommend Gilt enough.

    Photos
    Gilt Bar - Photo Booth

    Photo Booth

    Gilt Bar - Honey Peppered King Salmon

    Honey Peppered King Salmon

    Gilt Bar - Stairs going down to bathrooms

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    Stairs going down to bathrooms

    101 Sky Terrace - French 75 and Gin

    101 Sky Terrace

    4.1(18 reviews)
    2.9 miNear North Side

    Let me start by saying that the views were 5 star and the place has a cool vibe - although the…read morehouse music they were playing was a bit loud for the small number of people eating when I was up there. That said, this place just completely disappointed. The food was just not good. I had the burger sliders and for $9 a piece you expect them to be something special. They were not. Overcooked with a little sauce and two pickles slapped on the bun with a tiny little dab of fake cheese - it was like a bad and way more expensive version of McDonald's. The onion rings were the frozen crumbly kind not the fresh beer battered kind and so that's a big "no!" for me. The dipping sauce was okay. Service was friendly and I think the guy was new but it wasn't good enough for a place like that at the top of the building. There were two servers so I'm guessing one was training maybe. They didn't make it to my table to check to see if everything was okay while I was eating and it even took them a while to notice that I was done eating. It's was slow so I don't think they were stressing with too many tables. That kind of place should knock your socks off - but it was on the low end of mediocre. I wouldn't go there again for food. Maybe it's a decent place to go to the bar but since I don't drink I can't help much on that end.

    Great food, drinks, and view. We came on a Sunday and ordered some drinks to start, as well as…read moreBrussels sprouts. There were a small portion but delicious. Not too crispy but still tasty. We also shared the half chicken and Ceasar salad with shrimp. There were only 3 pieces of shrimp for the extra money we spent; but otherwise the food was delicious. Definitely on the pricier side because of the rooftop and area.

    Photos
    101 Sky Terrace
    101 Sky Terrace
    101 Sky Terrace

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    Bisous - interior

    Bisous

    4.4(123 reviews)
    2.6 miFulton Market, West Loop, Near West Side

    One of my favorite cocktail bars in the city, I just learned a secret-- visit on Sunday afternoon…read morewhen there isn't a line out the door and it isn't slammed inside. Really creative cocktails, unusual wines, great snack list (and the complimentary olives and cheese made us able to stay longer add have another round!). If you sit at the bar, one of the very talented, friendly mixologists will guide you to your perfect drink progression-- that's right-- you're not just have one thing. Too hard to choose so why should you? There are low and no ABV options as well to balance out the martinis and other spirit forward offerings. I love the decor and overall vibe--classy, French-y, fun not stuffy. Great on your own, with a date, a small group. Special shout out to Hannah but everyone we interacted with was great.

    Of course when in Chicago, I had to check out Bisous, ranked #30 on North America's 50 Best Bars…read more2026, climbing from #39 in 2025. With an intimate ambiance, in Chicago's Fulton Market, Bisous brings the vibe of a 1960s Parisian cocktail lounge. Since they don't take reservations, I had a short wait at the door. Somehow, they knew exactly what I wanted, which was a seat at the bar. My favorite place to sip, exhaole, and chat with the bartenders. The cocktails were delicious, and the service was warm, attentive, and welcoming. My tongue-clicking sips for the evening: PASTRY WAR Pistachio Cream, Agricole & Jamaican Rums, Grappa, Almond, Egg White, Lemon, Nutmeg BAIT & SWITCH Blueberry Cordial, Mezcal, Blanche Armagnac, Baking Spices COUNTERPOINT Fig Leaf, Armagnac Duffau Napoléon, Yellow Chartreuse, Oscar.697 Rosso Vermouth Mmmm... #BonAppetit! Cheers! Enjoy!

    Photos
    Bisous - Interior bar

    Interior bar

    Bisous - Inside

    Inside

    Bisous - Interior

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    Interior

    The Berkshire Room - Treat yourself to the best cocktail in River North for your nightcap. Strong drinks, top-shelf spirits, amazing vibes.

    The Berkshire Room

    4.1(476 reviews)
    2.8 miNear North Side
    $$

    The Berkshire Room is one of my favorite speakeasies in Chicago. While they offer a fantastic…read morecocktail menu and a full bar, I almost always order The Dealer's Choice. You simply choose your preferred spirit, flavor profile, and glassware, then let the mixologist create something just for you. It's one of my favorite cocktail experiences in the city, and they've never steered me wrong. What I especially appreciate is how knowledgeable the bartenders are. They're always happy to offer recommendations if you're unsure what to order, but they're equally excited to create something completely unique if you're feeling adventurous. Watching them craft each drink is part of the experience. I've even hosted a birthday gathering here in their private side room, where we enjoyed charcuterie boards alongside our cocktails. If you're just stopping in for drinks, though, I'd recommend grabbing dinner beforehand, as the food offerings are fairly limited. More often than not though, you'll find me sitting right at the bar. I love watching the bartenders showcase their craft and chatting with them about the incredible selection of spirits they have on hand. It's a great spot for anyone who genuinely appreciates well-made cocktails and the artistry behind them. I'm also a member of their loyalty program, which is well worth joining. It can be used at The Berkshire Room as well as several other excellent restaurants, making it an easy way to earn rewards while exploring some great dining spots around the city. Whether you're a cocktail enthusiast or simply looking for a sophisticated place to unwind, The Berkshire Room consistently delivers. I'll definitely be back for another Dealer's Choice soon! #YelpEliteSquad

    A small group of us came in on a weeknight for after dinner cocktails... The venue is interesting,…read moresomewhat dim and vibrant at the same time. Definitely has a cool, fun vibe. Cocktails are ok... I say that because we ordered something that wasn't too off the wall which involved ginger simple syrup and they couldn't make it - odd for a truly craft cocktail joint. So, they're more mainstream with their cocktails. Service was just ok as well, not the best, but somewhat friendly. Overall - it's worth checking out, even if only for the venue.

    Photos
    The Berkshire Room - Trust the mixologist - your Dealer's Choice cocktail is in good hands

    Trust the mixologist - your Dealer's Choice cocktail is in good hands

    The Berkshire Room - Host your next event at this speakeasy cocktail and whiskey bar in River North!

    Host your next event at this speakeasy cocktail and whiskey bar in River North!

    The Berkshire Room - Bar

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    Bar

    The Pearl Club - Beautiful bar in the historic bank.

    The Pearl Club

    4.1(118 reviews)
    2.8 miRiver West, West Loop, Near West Side, West Town

    100/10. Highly recommend! Had my first experience at The…read morePearl Club about a week ago and they did not disappoint. From the moment you walk in it gives speakeasy and sultry. Very dark ambiance so bring your flash light and reading glasses but the music is perfect - not too loud that you can't hear your own thoughts. My friend and I ordered the Clarified Ube Colada, triple crown sliders and shoestring fries with aioli. When I tell you that Ube colada is the best drink I've ever tasted in my life! I thoroughly enjoy my dark beverages. But this..!!!! Tuh! It's a must try - slow to sip and a great balance of alcohol and sweet. The food was really tasty - no recommendations or substitutes needed. I will return.

    I went to the Pearl Club this evening for the Fantasy Bay Burlesque night. the vibes in there are…read moreimmaculate & such a cool history with this building that has existed since 1890! The decor was elegant and swanky, the espresso martinis were delicious, the seating was very comfortable for me as a plus size and disabled person, and despite not advertising it there is an ADA bathroom on the main level in addition to the bathroom down the stairs. All the staff were super kind and friendly and the performers were so immensely skilled at their craft-- shout out to the burlesque artists Sugar Cane Jane, Honey Bee Rose, Nami Flare, Sassy Squire, and Chi Faguette an amazing night that I will never forget. I can't wait to come back !

    Photos
    The Pearl Club - I'm obsessed with this lighting

    I'm obsessed with this lighting

    The Pearl Club - Miss Sugar Cane Jane MC'ing at the Pearl Club Fantasy Bay Burlesque night

    Miss Sugar Cane Jane MC'ing at the Pearl Club Fantasy Bay Burlesque night

    The Pearl Club - They truly know how to do it here

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    They truly know how to do it here

    The Aviary - Infused drink

    The Aviary

    4.0(1.7k reviews)
    2.6 miFulton Market, West Loop, Near West Side
    $$$

    My wife and I were on our anniversary trip to Chicago and decided to enjoy the cocktail bar The…read moreAviary before our dinner at their sister concept - Next. I'll start out by saying that the time in the Aviary was the best cocktail experience we have ever had. Not saying the best cocktails (even though they were very good), but the best experience as far as interesting presentations and overall service combined with good cocktails that when you were drinking them did not feel gimmicky at all, but that everything had a purpose. My wife did the 3 drink progression and ordered The Partridge, The 3 Martini Lunch, and the non-alcoholic version of the Kyoto Plum. I got three cocktails, but because I opted for one on their barrel aged part of the menu, my progression was basically a la carte, not the 3 drink $75 price. We also opted for one small bite of food - The Truffle explosion. My drinks were the Cereal Killer, the In The Rocks, and the Blood and Sand. As far as favorites went Joy's Partridge was basically a Mint Julep with some warming spices, but the presentation was great. Almost every table got that drink so it must be well received. My favorite was the Blood and Sand that was just a really well balanced cocktail. I think that part of the menu does not get the elaborate presentations. We both also enjoyed sharing the 3 martini lunch which was a small version of a Vesper, a Gibson, and a dirty Martini. Two things about this drink, we like our martinis with gin rather than vodka (obviously a Vesper has both), but their rules are that there are no changes to their menus, so both the gibson and the dirty martini were vodka based. The Gibson and the Vesper were our favorites of the three as the dirty martini was too dirty. There was even more olive brine if we wanted it dirtier. Bottom line, top notch experience, great friendly service, and the atmosphere was awesome watching the room being served some of the drinks we had, and ones that we did not order. The Truffle Explosion was also a very good bite, basically a truffle/parmesan infused soup dumpling that exploded in your mouth and helped out with a little food in our belly while having all that alcohol at the same time. The only disappointing cocktail was the Kyoto Plum mocktail, interesting presentation, but tasted just like grape juice - no real character. A hostess from Next came and got us and took us to our table in Next for the 1987 Manhattan meal. Thanks for a great experience Aviary!!

    What an entertaining experience. The Aviary is like fine dining except almost entirely focused on…read morecocktails. We made a reservation for their three course cocktail experience for four of us which required a deposit of $75 per person. Only one of us ended up doing the experience (the rest of us were too full and already tipsy from dinner) but it was nonetheless, a very cool experience. Service was top notch. My partner has admired this place for a long time, as a bartender himself, and he has even learned a thing or two from their Bible-like cookbooks. So when the maitre d offered to allow him to step into the kitchen and help finish one of their cocktails, he was absolutely giddy. This was such a memorable and special touch for us during our visit to Chicago. I loved seeing how the kitchen worked together in a traditional kitchen line but only focusing on cocktails. It was an impressive thing to see. Many of the cocktails are presented in an incredibly theatrical way featuring interesting glassware, dry ice, and even a plastic bag filled with flavored air. I actually wasn't a big fan of the cocktail I ordered (it leaned too heavy into the BBQ flavor for my taste) but I enjoyed trying everyone else's cocktails at the table. I would definitely recommend checking out The Aviary if you are a cocktail enthusiast hoping to try something you can't get anywhere else. It truly is a fine dining experience with mixology at the forefront.

    Photos
    The Aviary - Truffle explosion

    Truffle explosion

    The Aviary - Interior

    Interior

    The Aviary - Drink your medicine

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    Drink your medicine

    Best Bar - lounges - Updated August 2026

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