I live a few blocks from this hidden gem located in Oak Park. I was giving a gift to come here for a drink and glad that I was introduced to this place. The vibes here are incredible. Grown and Sexy Atmosphere. A casual neighborhood cocktail bar that has a full bar serving specialty cocktails and well made drinks and small food plates. FYI... Meter parking along the streets. Eat before you come or stop next door for a pizza. Kettlestrings Grove only serves small plates. My first time was a good experience. The bartender was attentive. I ordered The Morton drink and it gave me a nice smooth buzz. Great Location, Prices were decent and the service was amazing. Will be coming back to see if they ordered the other star. read more

See all

What a cute find and love that the bartender is getting her masters in therapy (shouldn't every bartender?) Drinks were yummy and spot was quaint with good vibes read more

See all

I loveeee this place! Came here for the first time a few weeks ago with my roommate and I was shocked I had never heard of it after living in Oak Park for a whole year. We found ourselves here after finding really good reviews on Google and Yelp The owner and bartenders are amazing. They make you feel at home and the ambiance does the same with the intimate seating (couches) and bar-top seating. If you come, expect to either have to wait a bit for a seat or sit at the bar/around others, but it is worth it! The workers do a nice job of accommodating everyone. Drinks are great and it's definitely my new go to for a cocktail! read more

Kettlestrings Grove - Naked & Famous - Cocktail Bars Near Me - Oak Park, Illinois

This used to be one of my most favorite cocktail lounges! Yet I understand everywhere can have issues but this is just Disgusting! I went to the washroom closest to the kitchen BAM there she was walking around! Have the owners heard of pest control?!? Do they even care? Gross just gross! Visitors beware! Now you know if there 1 there's many More especially did u see the size she is ? read more

Kettlestrings Grove - Cocktail Bars Near Me - Oak Park, Illinois

I'm not sure what happened to this place, but it's definitely not the same. When they first opened, the ambiance was great -- dim lighting, great music, and exceptional bartenders, who really knew how to take care of guests. We went last night around 9:15 to celebrate a friend's birthday -- a group of 12 of us. As soon as we arrived, we were told they were closing at 10 pm due to a private event. I ordered a club soda, a glass of wine, and a mixed drink -- it took them 30 minutes to serve the drinks. Just 10 minutes after finally getting them, I was handed the tab. I told the bartender we'd like to at least finish what we had just received, and he replied, "Well, if you're not done, you still have to go By 10 pm." This was by far the worst service I've experienced at this place. The new young bartenders don't seem to know what they're doing, and the drinks were terrible. read more

I used to love going here, the music was great the vibe was so welcoming, you really felt taken care of. Unfortunately, since all the bartenders that were excellent have left the new vibe is depressing, music is pretty basic if you can even hear it. It took us 20 minutes, yes 20 minutes to get a drink. I've stopped going. I gave it many more tries thinking it was an off night. Nope... same thing every time. The Old Fashion recipe has changed too. Used to go there specifically for their smoked ones. They were the best around! Always consistent. Recipe changed. Won't go back. Sadly. read more

I have been here a few times, mostly as a couple but also recently as part of a large group. The cocktails are amazing, but we keep coming back for the service. read more

This is my second visit here the last time I was here in February 2020 before the pandemic hit I think we define our lives now before and after the pandemic If you're looking for a place to tuck in a corner with a book or sit in ambient glow, and this is your place, this service is friendly, but not obtrusive. In case you don't want to sit in your hotel room and contemplate life. read more

See all

I'm really happy to have this place in Oak Park! It has a really nice vibe and the cocktails are creative and fabulous. They also do a nice job with non-alcoholic options. I've found the bartenders to be kind and helpful, and they're willing to make adjustments to the cocktails, too. It's a small space, so my advice would be to come early and with a relatively small group if you can! read more

Great people, good food and drinks. I true diamond in the rough. The wings and burgers are tight. The atmosphere laid back. Outside seating is shaded and welcoming. read more

While the atmosphere and location were lovely (except for the occassional uber eats drivers parked on Marion, engine idling, in front of our table), we were extremely disappointed with the Grove Board charcuterie plate. At $36, 5 thinly sliced salami, some prosciutto and 6 TINY pieces of cheese (COME ON, this is a joke!), we felt pretty much ripped off. Quite ridiculous IMHO. Not to mention we waited 30 minutes for it....seriously, it's some cheese and salami. If we do return, it will only be for a drink. 4 glasses of wine, the charcuterie board and small dish of olives = $112 read more

Kettlestrings Grove - Grove Board Charcuterie - Cocktail Bars Near Me - Oak Park, Illinois

A group of us visted Kettlestrings Grove in Oak Park and while I enjoyed the drink menu, the service was pretty slow. It took quite a while for our drinks to arrive, and our server seemed to be preoccupied with other tables. When our drinks finally did come out, they were good, but not exceptional. One of our drinks wasn't well balanced and was overly sweet. The ambience of the place is very cozy. I couldn't help but feel a bit let down by the overall experience due to the slow service. I might consider giving Kettlestrings another try in the future, but it's not at the top of my list for a return visit. read more

Stopped in based on location and reviews. From Naperville and wanted something different. This place has amazing drinks. Eric made me an amazing old fashioned! Definitely coming back! read more

A wonderful spot in Oak Park for excellent service and delightful cocktails with a local flair. Erick and team deliver unique drinks and focus on quality, independent liquors! read more

I've probably been to KG over 10 times now and have never had anything less that a stellar experience. First the staff. Amazing. Erik, Jessica and Joe and nothing short of amazing. They remember their customers and even their customers' drink orders. That is unusual especially with all the turnover in this industry. Next the atmosphere. Probably the best in Oak Park. And finally, the food. Now keep in mind I usually just order the polenta bites which I think are amazing. But anytime I've gotten more adventurous I haven't been disappointed. For me it isn't a question of if I will be back, it is a question of will I be back tonight. read more

I've here a few times now and other than the wait you can sometimes encounter, the cocktails are top notch so well worth it. I know espresso martinis are having a moment right now so you won't want to miss their classic espresso martini or, even better Jose's espresso martini. Another favorite is the Kettlestrings Collins. And if you need a little nosh to soak up the alcohol, the fried polenta bites are the stuff of dreams! read more

We only came in for a drink and a treat but it's a really nice spot. The inside is homey and quiet. Great for an intimate date night. I got the smoked old fashioned. Expensive but wonderful it smelled like a camp fire and was delicious. My boyfriend got the kettlestrings collins which was lemony and refreshing. We finished with their tarts for dessert. Delicious! This is great if your looking for a place to go before a show or a movie. The staff was really friendly we really enjoyed our time. Yes its expensive... but worth it. read more

See all

The owner and server spilled a drink I paid fully for. Server name Erick and manager who knows mexican. This place needs to be shut down asap! read more

Kettlestrings Grove - They wouldn't let me take a picture of the drink Erick the server spilled. The employees here were rude, and disrespectful. - Cocktail Bars Near Me - Oak Park, Illinois

See all

Came here last night to meet a friend who was driving back to St. Charles from the city. It's a small, intimate space with lots of cushy chairs and love seats, in addition to the bar. We shared a bottle of reasonably priced malbec and I ordered the beef kabob made with za'atar seasoning, also servied with fingerling potatoes and tzatziki. Very tasty! The owner/person on staff was very friendly and accommodating, since we were not enjoying the thumpy electronic music and asked him if he could change it, to which he readily obliged and played something a bit more mellow, since my friend and I were wanting to chat over a couple glasses. The wine list had many offerings, along with a few beers, and several fun-sounding cocktails. The food offerings are basically some interesting small plates/appetizers. I would definitely come back here for a similar rendezvous with friends. read more

My friend and I decided last second to try this spot. What a great experience we had, this was last year, never late for a good review... and we will come back definitely to celebrate a birthday... soon. Highly recommended, small, cozy, nice spot. Our server was phenomenal and explained the drinks on the menu. We didn't have any food (already ate), but we have the most little and good desserts. read more

The service in this place was very subpar. We were not greeted much less even given a menu for the first 15 minutes of being here. When we finally got our drinks, they definitely didn't taste amazing for being city prices. My friend accidentally spilled her drink right in front of the server and wasn't even acknowledged so we were cleaning up the spill ourselves. This establishment is not worth the time or money. read more

My friend and I decided to grab before-early-dinner drinks here last night. I liked the atmosphere, the music was chill at a volume ensuring quiet conversation, and the lounge seating was comfortable. I ordered a glass of the Chillian Cabernet Sauvignon, but the lovely (and super adorable) server explained they were out of that wine and tried to suggest something else on the menu when the bartender behind her interrupted and suggested what he described as a 'similar and well reviewed' Cabernet Sauvignon not found on the menu as a substitution. He offered a sample and it was indeed delicious. Here comes the bill an hour later and HOLY COW! Bartender did me dirty! Typically, when offering a substitution, a bartender knows to stay within the price range of the original order. This dude never mentioned to me the substitution of my $15/glass wine was a $26/glass wine. I mean, that is super rude and very sneaky. I NEVER would have ordered 2 glasses of that particular wine had he bothered to mention the increase in cost. So - just beware of that con-in-practice when visiting this place. read more

Kettlestrings Grove - Wine List (reds) - Cocktail Bars Near Me - Oak Park, Illinois

Went with friends, they hit everything out of the park. We all had different signature cocktails, all fabulous. I loved the OP 75. We had a small group and ordered all appetizers, highly recommend the polenta and waygu beef cheeks! They are must haves. Staff was so attentive and fun, knew the menu well and checked on us often. Our server was brand new and he handled our group of ladies well. Will be back! read more

Gave this new place in Oak Park a try the other week. Great cocktails, good nibbles, stylish decor. Excellent spot for happy hour.

This is a great place for cocktails and small-plates. The cocktails are playful twists on the classics. The bites are a wonderful departure from traditional bar-fare. The charcuterie is excellent. the staff a friendly and attentive to customers, even if they can get backed up a bit during busy times. Coming from the city, this place is a gem in the western burbs, and I'm excited to see where they take it as time goes on. read more

Great vibe. Great staff. Great cocktails. If you are looking for a Chicago- caliber fun bar in Oak Park. You found your spot. And if you are just looking for a great bar with great small plates, you will be very happy. read more

Love this neighborhood gem! Bartenders Eric and Henry are the absolute best. The polenta bites, tuna tartare and beet salad are incredible. Cozy and friendly! But shhhh keep it quite... read more