This is one of those hidden gem spots that if your not from Chicago , or don't know someone from the west side, you will never know about it , and honestly , i think they like it that way , I hear that two brothers own this bar and the EZ inn on Western and it makes sense, very similar concepts , Dark , Swanky ,, yet unpretentious, a neighborhood bar, completely casual , a first date bar , a local hotspot with unique cocktails put together by a skilled mixologist , that being said i had a drink called SQUARE ROOTS...which had Astral Tequila, Fino Sherry, Carrot, Ginger, Honey, and Spicy Rosehip Bitters, They also had seasonal drinks like a Hot Toddy and a Hot drink called SMOKE & APPLES which had 400 Conejos Mezcal, Journeyman Distillery Apple Cider Liqueur, Anise, Housemade Toasted Coconut Syrup & Fresh Lime , it does get busy on weekends so if you cant handle tight quarters be prepared,. I went during the week and it was perfect , Ok overall i give this soot 5 stars , and ill be back , This is exactly the kind of place that makes Chicago the best read more

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When I tell you this is my favorite spot of all times I mean it! It is dog friendly and has great happy hours. Wednesday is half priced bottles of wine and the red selection was divine. Excellent service with the bartenders letting you sample the wines you'd like to purchase. They have a great patio for the summer time and heated cozy fireplace for the winter. Peep my sweet foster pup being one of the girls read more

The Hi-Lo - Patio that is also dog friendly - Cocktail Bars Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

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The service was fast and efficient, even when the bartenders were slammed they made sure all drinks came out perfect. The vibes are all over the place, like all are welcomed. Very unique, and the aesthetic was Spanish French decor. The drinks are priced very well and they taste amazing. Go for the tequila and the whiskey drink. read more

The Hi-Lo - Gun drinks - Cocktail Bars Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

Interesting balanced cocktails with a chill vibe. The service was great even with a crowded bar. There is an "outdoor" patio area where you can sit or an indoor area. You can bring in your own food/take out, which is nice. It's a great place to hang out with a groups of friends. Dog friendly too. read more

The Hi-Lo - Drinks - Cocktail Bars Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

The Hi-Lo quickly became one of my favorite cocktail joints this summer as a friend introduced me to it after leaving Spilt Milk. Such a cool space and great drinks. While the inside is cool, they have an amazing and nice sized outdoor patio space equipped with tables, a fireplace and just a cozy setting. So awesome in the summer as you're pretty much outside and feel like a backyard setting. I am massively obsessed with the strawberry mezcal negroni as it's an amazing cocktail full of flavor and does the trick. I can do about 4 in one sitting. Lots of other delicious drinks on the menu and I promise to try next time around read more

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Absolutely the best patio in Humboldt, but also one of my favorites in the city. Very intimate setting inside and out. The service is always friendly and fun and the drinks are amazing! read more

The Hi-Lo - Cocktail Bars Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

This place is such a great vibe (when not packed to the brim at the bar) drinks are very good and strong which is a good thing! the outdoor patio gives us a nice feel of fresh air and separation from how hectic it gets inside. overall a really good bar to go too if you want to sit outside with friends, or even your dog! read more

The Hi-Lo is a romantic cocktail bar with a solid menu of cocktails in "lo" weaker and "high" stronger strengths. I ordered the Clarified Pina Colada and never looked back. This drink was made 3 times by the barista while I was scanning the menu, so that says something about its popularity. The Hi-Lo offers indoor and outdoor seating formats, welcoming all party sizes. Adorned to impress a dating atmosphere and large groups, too! Check this place out. Bonus: if you come by late in the evening, don't be alarmed to find a Mexican offering to sell you homemade tamales from his plastic slung cooler. Try the cheese! $10 for a handful of authentic Mexican grub. Super good. read more

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Came here recently with a small group for a friend's birthday and love the vibes. It has a nice patio and large bar outside and more dive like vibe inside. Unique drinks on the menu. Friendly staff. The only reason I'm taking off a star is because of the smoking - part of the patio is covered and smoking is allowed in an area that's partially covered. I'm really sensitive to cigarette smoke and it was blowing right in my face from a few people smoking. We were able to move when a different table opened up, but allowing smoking in tight quarters was a little surprising to me, given that most places don't allow it even on patios. read more

A little pricey but good drink selection and their beer garden is quaint/one of a kind in this neighborhood in Chicago.

Came here with my partner and friend to grab a few drinks. I love the outdoor patio and ambiance there. It's perfect for a summer time drinking. There were plenty of seating and it did not feel overly crowded. I will say the outside is unassuming but once you enter, you're transformed into another space that is so cute. The drinks are also good and affordable! I would definitely come back. read more

Finally checked this off my list!!! Came on a Sunday afternoon and it was pretty dead in there. I am giving 4 stars because the outside seating area was a bit messy even though it was not busy. I had the citrus forward cocktail which was delicious and definitely up my alley. I would love to come back and try more drinks. read more

The Hi-Lo - Citrus forward - Cocktail Bars Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

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Great outdoor space and my now-favorite bloody mary! I'm not sure it's actually a bloody mary since there's no tomato juice, but it's got a spicy pepper juice, and it's truly delicious! The olive and lemon garnish was a little sad. It's needs something like a cube of feta and a cherry pepper. read more

A gem of a cocktail lounge on the West Side. We initially ended up there just because it was dog friendly, but I can promise you that we will be back multiple times this summer. The interior of the main bar has a very clean, swanky 70s vibe to it with being heavy handed. There is a second bar outside with an awesome patio with several covered areas and large umbrellas. The owners really spared no expense with the outside, it's gorgeous. There is a water station for humans and dogs with several doggy water bowls. The staff they were super friendly and were dog lovers themselves. The bartender was very friendly and had good drink recommendations. My favorite cocktail of the night was the Cucumber Rickey, which went down really smooth. My smoking hot wife (habeebi!) really enjoyed the Naked and Famous. Our doggo enjoyed all the attention from his new friends. We will be back soon. read more

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I absolutely love the Hi-Lo. I went here for my birthday a couple of weeks ago. We had a pretty big group that ebbed and flowed throughout the night. We were mostly in the fireplace area, which is like a covered patio type vibe. It was very cozy even though it was a chilly night. Drinks were great, strong, and I love their BYOF policy. We brought some food in and it was just a great vibe. This place gets really really busy at night so be ready for a crowd! I bet weeknights are more chill but it was packed by the time we left which was around 11 on a Friday. I'll continue to return for drinks with friends. Would also be a fantastic date spot. read more

My friend and I were there on 8/1/25. We ordered 2 drinks and were charged for 4! We didn't catch it until today. Another friend was also overcharged there recently, but caught it while they were still there. BEWARE and check your bill before paying! A huge bummer, as it's such a cute place. The interior decor is so striking, and I love the breezy vibes on the patio. But overcharging customers = bad vibes. read more

Guy in the front rudely screamed "ID" at us and told one of our party they couldn't enter without an ID. They were just tagging along and did not even internd to drink, as most of the other people in my party and myself did not either. Other bars have only ID'd customers drinking so that was quite rude and ruined the mood of our group. read more

Great cocktail bar! Loved the ambiance and the drinks! There was a nice fire in the winter and excited to come back in the summer. read more

The Hi-Lo - Cocktail Bars Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

After dinner nearby, we decided to check out this bar for the first time. From the outside, it looks like an ordinary small neighborhood bar. Very different story once you walk inside. The inside bar features stylish décor. The outside is gorgeous. It is hard for me to rank my favorite Chicago restaurant/bar patios, but this place is in my top 10 without a doubt. We sat outside and enjoyed our time out there. There were many tables, but you order at the bar. The bartender that helped me was able to explain the flavor profiles of the cocktails well. To drink, I ordered the Clarified Pina Colada and Popcorn Masala Daquiri. The Clarified Pina Colada is a little less sweet than most regular Pina Colada's and was a good patio drink. The Popcorn Masala Daquiri is a little funky, but in a good way. They infuse the rum with popcorn, so there is a little of that flavor going on within the drink. Popcorn and masala may be considered slightly untraditional flavors to have within a cocktail, but they worked well together. read more

One of the best bars I've been to in Chicago. The drinks were very good, the bartenders were friendly and even made suggestions (which were spot on) and I enjoyed the ambience of the place. The patio outside was very cozy and even had a summertime feel to it. I would definitely revisit in the future and owe it to the great staff and drinks! (Also loved the hat the bartender was wearing which said: Make Tequila Mezcal Again) They served us fortaleza shots (which is hard to come by since it's so in demand, but they went to the cellar to get a new bottle for our party) and I had the Square Roots and then the Naked and Famous and enjoyed both! read more

The Hi-Lo - Bar - Cocktail Bars Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

Been here a couple times and man I love this spot. Really cozy, with a fireplace out on the patio, not too busy during the week, and cocktails are tasty! I wish I had better photos, but that dimly lit ambiance comes with some drawbacks I guess! ;) read more

The Hi-Lo - Spritz + Hi-ball - Cocktail Bars Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

Great selection of fun and interesting cocktails. Excellent staff and great recommendations. Lovely ambiance and atmosphere with outdoor seating read more

I almost missed this place on the way back from a friends performance. A little hidden and the sign outside doesnt have words on it but I think thats one of the many things that make it great. It was a good amount of busy for a Saturday night but not overwhelming thankfully. They have a huge outdoor patio which I was completely surprised by nut enjoyed the ample seating and spaces. I saw everyone ordering cocktails so I knew i had to follow suit. The cocktail i had included carrot juice which was a first for me but delicious and strong. Obviously it was cocktail bar prices but with one or two of these well made drinks you'll have a great night. Hopefully coming back during the day to enjoy the space read more

The Hi-Lo - Cocktail Bars Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

Definitely a phenomenal hidden gem in Humboldt Park! The Hi-Lo is a great low-key hangout. The outdoor space is massive and is a welcome change of pace from the hustle and bustle of the city. Some friends and I ordered cocktails. The drinks are such delicious twists on some favorites. I recommend the Hi-Lo Highball and the Honeydew Crusher. I'm not the biggest fan of melon and still found it delicious and refreshing. read more

The Hi-Lo - Super nice ambiance - Cocktail Bars Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

Love that this place is dog friendly! My friend told me that it used to be a house but after it burned down they turned it into a bar. They have a heated indoor patio and outdoor patio in addition to the inside space. Our bartender was fabulous but I didn't catch her name. The drinks were all top-knotch, I wish they had food but they do allow you to bring in outdoor food. We ordered pizza and then a guy selling tamales came around. Overall a super fun night and can't wait to come back! read more

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I went to this place for the first time today, and I was blown away. The cocktails are incredible, and the ambience was super unique and different from Logan/Humboldt. I mean, I literally got to sip a drink by a live fire outside in a beautiful patio. And next time I know it's dog friendly and will bring my chicago brown dog! Best experience I've had in a while. read more

The ambiance!!! And aesthetic!! Reminded me of my favorite bar back in Cincinnati. I can't wait for it to get warm out and we can sit on the patio next time. read more

The Hi-Lo - Cocktail Bars Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

The low down on the hi lo. The bar has a great atmosphere, with delicious drinks. The staff is very friendly, and helpful with drink suggestions. The bar at the entry is small, but I see there was another larger room in the back. read more

Beautiful spot... came on a slightly chilly April evening and was so pleasantly surprised to see the bar opens up to a gorgeous covered patio area with a real wood burning fireplace! Lovely evening, really enjoyed my visit! read more

The Hi-Lo - Such a great wood fireplace on a chilly April evening - Cocktail Bars Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

I'm obsessed with the vibes here! I came here on a week night with a friend and it wasn't too busy. They have a nice patio so I'm sure it gets much busier in the summer. The service was great and the drinks were great too. I got the clarified pina colada and a popcorn masala daiquiri. I preferred the popcorn masala daiquiri but would get both again. Excited to go back! read more

Loved this spot! We ended up here on New Year's Eve for a drink and it was the perfect cozy spot. They had a great deal on glasses of wine which was awesome. We sat by the awesome fireplace on the heated patio and it was a blast! The patio unfortunately closed before midnight and the inside was packed, so we didn't stay to kick off the new year, but I am excited to go back sometime soon! read more

I love Hi lo so much! I moved to the neighborhood and have been obsessed since. The crushed ice is really the best thing ever. Emily is my favorite bartender, she knows my drink and has had amazing service every single time. I love having a close by bar to hang out and to bring all my guest visiting in town . read more

The Hi-Lo - Cocktail Bars Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

Went here for drinks as it's a new business in the neighborhood and was pleasantly surprised at how much I loved the design as well as their outdoor bar! The servers were attentive and helpful with suggestions on drinks which is good! Overall, the drinks were pretty good and love the overall ambiance of this place - definitely would go again! read more

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Came here last weekend and James was just fantastic. Great vibe, down to Earth, passionate about the bar and great stories about the industry in Chicago. Hi-Lo is one of the hidden gems in Chicago and the patio is one of the nicest places to find people passionate about quality cocktails and talented service people. Talking to bartenders like James reminds me of what is missing in other cocktail lounges, namely an inclusive and personal touch that creates the intimacy you seek in higher end places like this. Don't get me wrong, I love other places like the Violet Hour but the sterile and almost austere attitude is a great place to visit once in a while, but having a personal connection to a place by having both a skilled bartender with an open and friendly attitude really lends a fun vibe that allows you to connect to other patrons in a more honest and casual attitude that one seeks from hidden bars like this. Great job James. Look forward to my next visit! read more

This is a Humboldt Park Gem. The exterior is very deceiving. At glance it looks like a neighborhood dive. But once you enter it's exactly the opposite. The outdoor patio is one of the best in Chicago decor and setup wise. Great drinks and the bartenders are amazing. Definitely worth a visit . read more

The drinks, vibes, and indoor/outdoor options here are great. I've never had a bad here.

This is quickly becoming my favorite bars. They probably have one of the best outdoor set ups in Chicago. Really wonderful outdoor patio with a fireplace for when it gets colder. Inside is definitely on the smaller side so keep that in mind for winter visits. Every drink I've tried had been absolutely fantastic. I'm trying to recreate the honeydew crusher at home for when I'm craving one but can't make it here. So refreshing and delicious - please serve by the pitcher! They've also got a pretty solid deal going with Hamms and a shot of Four Roses for $8. No food but you can order in read more

Really cute space with indoor and outdoor bars and seating. Drinks were really good and it felt like a more chill space.

New bar with an awesome patio on the first chilly chicago evening. Bar program is top notch and the staff are super friendly. 5/5 read more

The Hi-Lo - Patio is sick - Cocktail Bars Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

Both the indoor and outdoor spaces are lovely! Good beer selection (we each had a beer) - but we'll come back to enjoy a cocktail sometime as that menu looked great! Dog friendly too - which we love!! The lighting, furniture, flooring, etc. are all on point. Friendly, professional service. read more