Cancel

    Open app

    Search

    Ghost Donkey

    4.0 (70 reviews)
    Closed 4:00 pm - 1:00 am (Next day)
    Updated a few days ago

    Ghost Donkey Photos

    GHOST DONKEY ATMOSPHERE

    What's the vibe?
    Casual
    Good for groups
    Happy hour specials

    You might also consider

    Recommended Reviews - Ghost Donkey

    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

    Mayuri A.

    My friend and I decided to grab quick drinks and a snack at ghost donkey. After multiple failed attempts in the past, we finally reached at the time and day when there was no wait. Overall, the ambience was dive bar ish but very Mexican. They even have a big donkey structure at the entrance. The server was quick to come and take our order. We got some cups and guac, mushroom margarita cocktail and the highland picnic cocktail. The cocktails were great and chips were under slayed but the guac made up for it. Overall, the place wasn't expensive. I will def be back when there is no wait :p

    Niranjana S.

    What a cute space!! I believe this is a hidden speakeasy but it's not too hard to get to. They have a fun and inexpensive happy hour that extends weekends too! The guacamole was tasty and I enjoyed the marg!

    Environment
    Joel Jr. M.

    Stopped by Ghost Donkey on a whim and so glad we did as it ended up being a blast! Even on a quick visit, the energy was contagious as the bar was filled with upbeat music, bartenders spraying drinks through water guns, and everyone just enjoying their lives there. I grabbed a round of margaritas, and the bartender threw in a complimentary slushie which was surprisingly refreshing. The place looks amazing at night and not to mention they even have a photobooth. Definitely a spot I plan to visit next time I am in Chicago and ready for good night out!

    Stealth Margarita
    Joneice B.

    Ghost Donkey is a cute bar that gives off club vibes. We were able to reserve seats but the bar was open on my second visit there. I thought they had more food options but it is really limited for this venue. They are attached to Blue Sushi so make sure to get some yummy food downtown stairs before venturing up here for good tequila and music. On this occasion my besties were in town and we indulged in some yummy food downtown cocktails. In addition we played around in the Photo Booth. The DJ was on point when we were there and kinda bummed that we had to roll to our next location. Ghost Donkey is a some good vibes with reasonable priced cocktails. Check this place out if hanging in River North.

    Breanna m.

    Didn't get food, service was great! The waiter was a really sweet girl & the ambiance was giving, period loloh and get the shot my man is pointing to in the picture! Literally our new favorite!!

    Inside
    Khadijah H.

    Had was a time! And a time was had! Ghost Donkey is the place to go for fun, good music, amazing drinks and fun photos. I came here for happy hour with a dear friend and we made the right choice. I love that their HH is during the right hours of 4-8 and they offer true HH prices. I wish I'd gotten the name of our server. She was a true gem and knew the importance of quality service. I do plan to return and suggest others get there too!

    Tyler C.

    Fun space above a sushi place. Secret speakeasy vibe. Limited menu. Chips were super salty. Salsa was blended into a paste and had a nice kick. Mixed drinks We're small and weak. A lot of groups went for the shots which seemed to make People happy.

    Steak Quesadilla
    Candace W.

    Came here the other day with a group and was immediately annoyed because their happy hour deal in the menu is not what's posted on their website. On the website, drinks are $7 and quesadillas are $9-10. My group paid $13 per drink and $13-14 for each quesadilla. They need to update their website or honor their deals bc that's deceptive pricing. On top of that, the quesadillas were not very filled, the salsas were thick and just ok. Margs weren't impressive. Overall: wouldn't go back bc their happy hour isn't what is advertised and the food is very mid.

    Miss A.

    Speakeasy vibes on the heart of River North. Bartenders are welcoming and the drinks are strong. The ambiance is really unique with a Latin flair. It's not been too busy either time I was there but apparently it's more of a late-late night scene.

    Chicken Tinga tacos
    Jazmine P.

    Happy hour was a great time! Their specials are really good and their service was too, my only thing was the limited seating. reservations are encouraged for sure! Would definitely come back again. $2 chicken tinga tacos, 5/5 $10 carne quesadillas 3/5 $7 casa marg, 3.5/5 $7 Paloma, 4/5 **not on happy hour candy shots 4/5 frozen shots 1.5/5, that's cucumber was too strong

    Brianna R.

    I love the vibe of this place and the way it's decorated but I didn't like the service. Our server kept forgetting things and then her or maybe who seemed to be the manager would seem annoyed when we asked for things. The margaritas were just ok. I bought shots of tequila to make mine stronger. Don't know if I'll be back

    Rosé
    Jessica S.

    Since January, I've been seeing ads for this place on my social media, so I felt compelled to try it out. A friend and I went for happy hour last week, and we were really impressed. We ordered the ceviche, guacamole, chicken quesadilla, and steak and mushroom tacos. The food was excellent! My friend had a margarita and a paloma; she preferred the margarita over the paloma. I tried the rosé, which was a generous pour for happy hour; it had a lovely aroma and taste that reminded me of enjoying a summer patio. The decor features a lot of pink and dark colors, giving it a nightclub vibe. The staff was fantastic, from the moment we were greeted by the host to the time we cashed out. I will definitely be back! This place is great for catching up with someone, having a coworker gathering after work, or entertaining family in town.

    Welcome drinks frozen margaritas
    Ojuolape M.

    You must come ready to dance the night away! The DJ will keep you moving, and the food is affordable. Sit by the bar and ask for Mel--she'll hook you up. If you're on a date, grab a booth or sit by the bar. Wait for the bubbles and the swinging lamps--I promise you'll have a great time. And if you're lucky, you might get a donkey... or end up being the donkey of the night yourself!

    Inside

    See all

    1 year ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    5 months ago

    Business owner information

    Photo of Ryan M.

    Ryan M.

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    1 year ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Nicole P.
    310
    14
    0

    2 years ago

    Helpful 2
    Thanks 1
    Love this 1
    Oh no 1

    1 year ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Nathan B.
    488
    24
    7

    2 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 1

    8 months ago

    Lousy service, rude door guy, overpriced drinks. Server seemed like she was doing us a favor serving us.

    Business owner information

    Photo of Ryan M.

    Ryan M.

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    10 months ago

    Great place! Went there with friends and the vibe was awesome. Will definitely be going again

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    4 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    9 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    2 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    1 year ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    2 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 1
    Love this 2
    Oh no 0

    10 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    1 year ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    1 year ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    2 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    1 year ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    1 year ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    1 year ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    2 years ago

    Male bartender was rude af completely unprovoked. Cool space but he truly ruined the experience for us

    Business owner information

    Photo of Ryan M.

    Ryan M.

    We are terribly sorry! Thanks for communicating with us.

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 1
    Love this 0
    Oh no 1

    1 year ago

    Great service- cool atmosphere. The drinks were delicious. The food took a while to be served but it was good!

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    1 year ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Esme M.
    0
    15
    27

    1 year ago

    Great new place in River north. Tacos were really good. House made tortillas!!! Great service. I'll be going back soon!

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    1 year ago

    Super friendly staff the music was immaculate if your looking for a good time to dance and drink with friends this is the place to do it!

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    2 years ago

    Chavez = worst bartender ever. Avoid at all costs. Good tacos though. Two dollars can't be beat.

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    2 years ago

    Beautiful space with great ambiance. Great cocktail program and fun food bites. Service was friendly and fun.

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    2 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    2 years ago

    Business owner information

    Photo of Ryan M.

    Ryan M.

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    1 year ago

    loved the beautiful atmosphere! everything looks so cute! the drinks were really good! will be back soon!

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    Page 2 of 2

    Ask the Community - Ghost Donkey

    You might also consider

    Geja's Cafe

    Geja's Cafe

    3.9(1.7k reviews)
    2.0 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)
    2.2 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)
    2.3 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(133 reviews)
    0.7 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

    Ghost Donkey - mexican - Updated August 2026

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