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    Lemon

    4.6 (36 reviews)
    Open 4:00 pm - 12:00 am (Next day)
    Updated a few days ago

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    Recommended Reviews - Lemon

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    Old Cuban
    Grant A.

    I came in on a Monday. It was one of the three days this summer when the temperature in Chicago was abnormally hot. Unfortunately the bars air conditioner wasn't working. I felt bad for the hard working staff laboring with No A/C. Also upon walking in I was charged a cover for some DJs that were performing that night. Which I found odd because I just wanted some liquid refreshment. I'll get to what I appreciate about the bar. The cocktail list. Also I noticed various syrups, juices etc used in the cocktails. Looking behind the bar noticed several bottles I'm a fan of like Chartreuses+ Fernets. Ordered 2 drinks. The Old Cuban which is on the menu. As well as a Gold Rush. Gold Rush wasn't on the menu but they had the ingredients and know how to make the drink. Old Cuban is a rum cocktail with a floater of sparkling wine or champagne. Gold Rush is a bourbon cocktail with honey syrup.

    Milk and honey, Something spicy with mezcal
    Minerva H.

    They were out of one of the bartender's choice drinks I initially wanted to try. Also, unfortunately, there was no live performance the night that we went. But the vibes overall are very comfortable and lowkey in there. I would give this place another try when they have live music scheduled. The staff are very friendly and chill too. I got the something spicy with mezcal and it was pleasant.

    Divya V.

    I recently tried Lemon on Friday night and the experience was great! They have live Jazz music shows on weekend nights and 5/5 would recommend it! There is a cover charge of $5 which is quite reasonable! They don't take reservations, and only have walk-ins. We reached around 9.30 pm and could easily get good tables closer to the stage. I tried rot and resin which a tequila based drink. It was served with oak infused vermouth and maple syrup and I felt it was a great Fall drink! My friend ordered a Moscow Mule and The Vine and Vain and she enjoyed her drink! Overall, amazing vibes and I can see how quickly this new bar is getting all the right recognition!

    Erin J.

    We dropped in to Lemon before heading to dinner. We were greeted immediately and also sat near the front. Unfortunately we are all getting up there in age (LOL) and the music was too loud for us so we asked to be moved. The music was good, just a tad loud for us. Thankfully they accommodated us. Nice vibe, enjoyable, fun drinks. Good spot for happy hour and live music.

    Priya K.

    We stopped in and sat at the bar on a Friday evening around 8pm. The service was absolutely incredible. The bartender was so friendly and gave great suggestions and explanations of the menu. The overall ambiance is nice too. It's on the darker side, but the live music was terrible this night. That's the only reason for a 4 star review. It started off alright, but as soon as we ordered our second drink, it got so loud and sounded like nothing. We downed the second drinks and left quickly. The drinks were absolutely delicious though and I'd want to come back on a night with different musicians or no musicians.

    Menu as of 4\25
    Jim D.

    Place was pretty decent with equally good prices. I only bought two drink but I'd definitely return. Service was attentive & fast. My 1st cocktail the vieux carré was ok. I've only had this a few times & while not bad it didn't rank amongst the best renditions I've had. My 2nd cocktail featured blueberry & was nicely balanced. It's worth mentioning that the drinks are somewhat potent. There's a daily menu that changes but there's literally like 15 options in addition to the regular menu. While not mind blowing cocktails you'd be hard pressed to find better ones in the city at this price point tbh.

    Crystal N.

    A new bar to the neighborhood and it's already a huge hit. The house cocktails and classics are amazing. The happy hour is a wildly amazing deal. Highly recommended!

    Marissa M.

    OBSESSED with this place! I came with a group of 9 without a reservation on a Saturday night. How they were able to find us a table within 5 minutes was nothing short of impressive. The cocktail list was extensive, and the bar snacks were great. I had an espresso yourself, and it was everything I needed to jump start a fun evening. Great atmosphere. Great service. Great place!

    Seasonal mule and my secret drink. A wonderful night cap times two.
    Christopher T.

    I've been very excited to check out Lemon since I realized that it had opened in the formerly Beloved space of Betty's Blue Star Lounge (happy to date myself with that one). The place has a very different feel than Betty's especially on a weeknight relatively early (pre-11 PM let's say). The Cocktail Bar menu really does offer something for everyone. I really appreciate the way that the "standards" are organized above the bar where it would be nearly impossible not to be able to see the offerings and their attendant categories and associated liquors. The specialty cocktails on offer (which I assume rotate relatively often) seemed to cater to all sorts of different tastes. There were a lot of different offerings that seemed to incorporate aroma and fragrance very high up in the experience of the drink (including my friend's seasonal mule which included an inserted twig of rosemary lit tableside). My drink was very refreshing and a little surprising given its description (a positive in my book). I'm nearly as excited to go back and experience more of the menu when my friends and I have a little more time on a non-school night.

    Dirty martini and bourbon cocktail (I forget the name!)
    Alla K.

    Nice new cocktail bar in the neighborhood, was happy to swing by on a Friday night and get seated right away with 3 other friends. We did come over an hour ahead of when the band went on, which helped with seating. Cocktails are a bit on the pricey side for what they were and was a bit hard to hear each other once the music got going, but overall had a good time and would come back!

    Michelle E.

    Cool place! I was searching for a place to grab a drink after dinner and happened upon this space. A funky jazz band was playing so there was a cover charge and the space was flooded with music. Not many tables, but we luckily scored bar seats when a few turned over. The cocktail list contained an extensive list of both classic and creative options. Each that we ordered was well balanced. I'd definitely go back.

    Sasha Y.

    One of the best cocktail bar in the neighborhood- has speakeasy vibe and cozy atmosphere, cocktail menu is impressive and has lots of variety (from classics to signature mixes) and cherry on top they have life music performances (Thursday to Saturday). Staff is friendly and knowledgeable, they have some food options as well but haven't tried yet

    Shambavi K.

    Wonderful cocktails and friendly owners. There was live music the day we went. We got a seat the bar away from the stage so we also got to see the bartenders in action. Forgot the names but the cocktails I had were good...had pear juice with cava. We all had the opportunity to try their delicious homemade limoncello...I think this is a must for next time.

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    1 year ago

    Phenomenal cocktails. Chill vibe. Friendly & knowledgable staff. Easily my favorite local cocktail joint.

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    3 years ago

    I own a condo next door neighbors are cool. Owners are top notch and respectful Great solo or date spot. Was impressed by their drinks.

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    Ask the Community - Lemon

    Is it dog friendly?

    I don't believe so, they don't have an outside area and its pretty fancy inside...

    Don’t See Your Question? Ask Away!

    Review Highlights - Lemon

    A special shout to our bartender, Janics, who was warm, inviting, interesting to talk to and very well spoken on his cocktails.

    Mentioned in 2 reviews

    Read more highlights

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    Geja's Cafe

    Geja's Cafe

    3.9
    (1.7k reviews)
    2.4 mi
    $$$

    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

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    Gemini

    Gemini

    4.0
    (771 reviews)
    2.4 mi
    $$

    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
    Nice view inside restaurant
    Nice view inside restaurant
    Avocado Toast + Lincoln Park Turkey Club
    Avocado Toast + Lincoln Park Turkey Club
    Burrata crostini

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    Burrata crostini
    Esme

    Esme

    4.0
    (154 reviews)
    2.6 mi
    $$$$
    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

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    Dearly Beloved

    Dearly Beloved

    4.3
    (132 reviews)
    1.7 mi
    $$$

    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
    Interior
    Interior
    Bubbles
    Bubbles
    Life of the party

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    Life of the party

    Lemon - cocktailbars - Updated August 2026

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