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    The Meadowlark

    4.5 (108 reviews)
    Open 5:00 pm - 1:00 am (Next day)

    The Meadowlark Photos

    THE MEADOWLARK ATMOSPHERE

    What's the vibe?
    Intimate
    Romantic
    Classy
    Upscale

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    Recommended Reviews - The Meadowlark

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    So fun!
    Susie D.

    I have found what will be my newest favorite date spot in Chicago!! Although you have to have a party of four to make a reservation, so it must be a polycule outing or a double date to score a reservation. I went with my kids and had a blast in this richly decorated and beautifully lit speakeasy! I mostly stuck to the non-alcoholic options, the other three tried 2-3 of the regular cocktails and all were a hit! Our servers we're wonderfully attentive and knowledgeable, which was great since half the party has severe food allergies and the drinks all have nearly a dozen ingredients including butter, nuts, and eggs. So we had to be careful. Loved everything about Meadowlark and I can't wait to return.

    The moon
    Anita P.

    They rotate between themes! This night was solar system and I got the moon cocktail. There was a ton of variety on the menu and I thought my drink was just the right amt of sweet. Wait was abt 30 mins and the bartenders were very friendly. Will be back!!

    Lana T.

    We came on a Saturday night and surprised that it was full. They just put down your number and we waited over 2hrs to get in but it worth it because they give you 2hrs while you are inside. It was a dark ambiance but it had some couches on the side and we got seated by the bar. The drinks were really unique and good. We got the mercury, Jupiter, ceres and the moon. Their menu is rotating and this time based on the Adler Planetarium it's Ad Astra or To the stars! Our server and bartender were so nice and everyone is so attentive. They gave us recommendations based on what we liked and absolutely love it! This is such a great place for couples for even a girls night out.

    Mercury
    Vikalp D.

    The Meadowlark is a fantastic cocktail bar in Chicago that offers an intimate, low-light atmosphere perfect for a cozy night out. The constantly changing menu keeps things fresh, and the planet-themed offerings add a fun, creative twist to the experience. The cocktails are thoughtfully crafted, and the kimchi fries were especially standout--bold, flavorful, and absolutely delicious. A great spot for anyone looking for a unique, immersive cocktail experience with excellent bites to match. The service is great with ample paid street parking.

    Neptune and Titan
    Claire C.

    Brought my space nerd boyfriend in specifically for their Ad Astra menu. Every part of the experience was exciting -- beginning with what felt like a pretty secretive entrance. The ambiance was so cute, and the interior felt like an elevated cozy living room. The details of the menu were so impressive, and I can totally see how they sell so many of the menus on their site. The drinks were delicious, strong, and honestly looking through the options was just as fun as drinking the drinks! Excited for the next concept!

    Andre W.

    I am a new, big fan of Meadowlark! Some new friends put me onto this place earlier this summer while enjoying the patio at another establishment nearby. Been here a couple times, both on Mondays in which they have amazing mixmasters/bartenders working...Alison & Scott. They take good care of ya with some humor involved. When you enter there is a young lady sitting there waiting to open the big door for ya to enjoy this amazing place. Its dark like your typical speakeasy and the menu changes with a new theme every 6 months I was told. Current theme is Outer Space which is very cool. Some interesting drinks on the menu and Scott always says, dont let the spirit drive your selection, look at the ingredients. Very delicious cocktails named after planets such as Mars, Mercury, Venus, Saturn & Jupiter as well the Ganymede and Phobos & Demos were all very good! They offer small bites and snacks as well. I got the sticky toffee pudding and it was delicious as well. The bar itself is a nice size and there is seating for groups as well. Place is good for groups, dates and solo sips. Its located on a side street, but very easy to find.

    Henry O.

    Meadowlark is a pretty solid spot. The planetarium menu is such a cool touch, makes picking a drink feel like a little event. If they still got it going on, definitely go for the Saturn, it's really good. Great low key vibe energy in there, staff was super cool, the waitress especially. Watching the bartenders pour drinks was honestly half the fun, they got their whole thing going on behind the bar. Drinks hit the spot and looked pretty too. No complaints at all. Everything was great, would definitely come back!

    The decor
    Anna N.

    This place is SO cool. As an avid cocktail drinker, I was very impressed with the menu and service. Right now everything is spaced themed. Here's what we ordered: The Moon: If you like dessert drinks, I highly recommend. Two different kinds of gin, topped with a blueberry whey foam. My favorite on the table. Phobos & Deimos: Made with Siete Misterios Mezcal, this somewhat-bitter yet strikingly smooth cocktail was to die for. 10/10 presentation. Titan: Out of the three we ordered, this was the most spirit-forward. Made with Ron Zacapa 23 and a variety of rums (most of which I couldn't pronounce), this was a rich drink made for people who really enjoy the taste of alcohol. Our bartender was very sweet and you could tell he knew what he was making. The speakeasy vibes were super cool, and I could've stayed there forever. Thanks Meadowlark for a wonderful first experience -- I'll be back.

    Monisha P.

    Been on the hunt for a good cocktail bar since my favorite VH in Wicker Park closed down. I was recommended this place by a friend and this place did not disappoint. My husband and I were able to walk in and be seated immediately. The bar is very cosy with lounge chairs and perfect for a date night. They even have a great collection of books to read! They have a rotating menu, while we visited it was a Solar System themed menu. My husband got the Sun and I got the Moon. Both were absolutely delicious. We also got some bites - deviled eggs and fries, which did not disappoint. Will definitely be coming back!

    Heena J.

    This place is such a vibe with the cocktails and craftsmanship. The only thing is come early to grab seats/table. We came at 7pm on a Friday to get on the waitlist and they called us 2.5 hours later. We didn't know this but if you sit there and wait, they take you in faster versus going somewhere and waiting. We were not told this but overheard the receptionist say this to others.

    William A.

    Great cocktail bar with one of the best interiors I have been lucky enough to sit in. Beautiful space. The service was also very good and I love the way the menu is designed. Highly recommend this cocktail bar.

    Menu as of 7/25
    Jim D.

    Something told me to try them again & im glad I did. Drinks were pretty good on my 2'd try. Well balanced to say the least. Potential, aesthetically pleasing, tbh it doesn't matter what they look like but for my true snobs. Bartenders were attentive & courteous. Still. It ready to rank them amongst the best but they're top 5.

    Two Ganymede cocktails.

    Nice and convenient location (right off the California blue line) that still somehow feels secluded and cozy. Gorgeous interior reminiscent of early 20th century bars. Drinks are on the pricier side, but the service, ambiance, food, drinks, and staff musical choices make it worth it. Themed "The Outer Planets" cocktails until springtime. I would highly recommending checking them out before they rotate their menu. Nice, clean, private and plentiful bathrooms sectioned away from where one might be able to peer in. Friendly staff! My only suggestion would be looking into adding various types of canned seafood to the menu

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    2 years ago

    Cool vibe , secret and secluded bar. Fun drinks... but there is a limit on how long you can stay.

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    2 years ago

    There was such a wide variety of creative drinks. The only downside of coming here was there was no way to try them all in one night.

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    2 years ago

    fun place with great cocktails and staff, a cozy spot in logan to enjoy a drink with friends!

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    3 years ago

    They play a fair amount of Ludacris but definitely less Ludacris than I would like in an ideal world. Great drinks, though. Five stars.

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    3 years ago

    Such a fun and cute atmosphere for a date night! All of them were delicious and loved the theme

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    Page 3 of 3

    Ask the Community - The Meadowlark

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    This is one of my favorite bars in Chicago! I've been here three times now. It's hidden inside the…read morebasement of The Green Door Tavern, Chicago's oldest tavern. The speakeasy bar is absolutely perfect for such an old building, and it truly feels like you step back in time when you come here. The bar is dimly lit and features antique decor. I absolutely love how it's decorated. It's a pretty tiny space, so you might have to wait if you come on a Saturday night. We came at 5:10pm right after they opened and were seated right away. They have a 90-minute time limit for seating. I love the live shows they have here that happen every hour (burlesque, magicians, and other talents). The first show wasn't going to start until 6:30 so we had to stick around for a bit, which was fine because we ordered two drinks. Cover charge for the show was $8, which is automatically added to your bill. Every night their cocktail menu is decided by their drink tarot cards. They also have a menu with their seasonal cocktail specials and small food items. You never know what you'll discover here! It's truly a surprise every time.

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    Really happy to have found this spot for live music on a Saturday night. We arrived right around 8,…read morewhen doors open. Musics starts at 930ish so it's a bit of a wait if you get there that early, but potentially worth it to snag a lounge/table until reservations show up. Reservations are pricey, but with a group would be super fun and worth it. Workout having reservations, we gave up our seats and headed to the front to hang around the bar near the stage. Really awesome staff, and a coat check if you need it. The bar tenders were friendly and attentive. The music was fabulous. Fun crowd. The drink list was super fun with pop star nmes, the Taylor Swift was the fav, and not just bc I am a Swiftie. The bathtub drink is cute, get one for the photo and move on. The cream didn't work for me. Highly recommend for a fun live music experience and vibe.

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    I really like the office! Cool, cozy, and classic! Service is spectacular of course. Always treated…read morewell. The cocktails are also classic but still modern and very cool. Always a nice spot to go back to.

    The Office is a nice speakeasy! I had wanted to get a floral drink at the restaurant upstairs…read morecalled "the Aviary" but they were actually totally full, whereas the speakeasy wasn't. I sat at the bar downstairs and can confirm the place has a classic speakeasy feel -- the the basement of a place behind a locked door, very dark inside with mood lighting/glass cases and leather chairs/couches around small low tables. It's definitely a great date spot! I took off a star because it's pricey -- I got the "milk punch" on their classic cocktail menu which was $25 and is pretty small, but it's a nice drink and tasted very much like a milk punch drink I got at a speakeasy back home (in Austin, TX). The bartenders were super nice and provided excellent service, no complaints there! The bathrooms were also immaculate. Overall, this is a very nice speakeasy! I've been to many in my day and the ambiance is definitely on par with the best, but I gotta say some other unique ingredients (ideally more floral options!) would really take their menu up a notch! Nevertheless, I would def rec a visit to those visiting Chicago, and would go again even just for vibes :)

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    Lazy Bird is a cute Chicago speakeasy but let me tell you something -- this place is CROWDED. I…read morecame early in the evening and got the last spot at the bar (I was by myself), and within 30 mins while I was having my drink I looked around and noticed that the room was near totally full, and the majority of people were standing in the open because all the tables were full, as was the bar. People were standing right behind me to order drinks; I didn't feel overly crowded by any means but some who aren't used to that kind of bar/clubby vibe might feel that way. The music was a little loud to be heard over all the folks there, but I wasn't talking to anyone so it didn't bother me (was just sitting and reading a book). The bartender was really nice and attentive despite the fact that the place was so packed. I had a drink called the "Gentle Fish" which the bartender rec'd as a sweeter/more floral drink. Admittedly it was a little strong, but the flavor was nice! It was different from most other drinks I've had, and I enjoyed it. Was strong enough I definitely did not need another though. Of note, this place is downstairs under "The Hoxton" hotel, there's no entrance directly to the bar from the sidewalk/street (you have to enter the hotel lobby, then follow the signs toward the back and go down the elevator and/or stairs). There is a person who checks your ID when you enter and seats you if seats are available. The bathrooms were very clean. Not sure about parking but street parking is definitely very limited; I imagine a paid lot would probably be the easiest thing or taking the train from wherever you're staying if you can (which is what I did).

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    Bordel

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    Came here for less than 10 minutes. Ordered a single drink that I took two sips of. I signed for…read more$20.91 for said ONE drink after their 18.88% surcharge that they allege (Bordel) keeps their business fully staffed, give healthcare benefits, and a livable wage. BUT somehow Chey S. Still decided to alter my receipt and give her a $10 tip. Which I did not give her. To which is also illegal. If this surcharge that they claim allows for them to take care of their employees - then why are they stealing from their customers? Anyone who comes here or has been here- take pictures of your receipts after you've signed and totaled them. I see in the reviews Chey S. Is a commonly denominator in bad reviews. Not sure why she's still employed here. Committing crimes and businesses letting it slide isn't a good look. Still waiting on my refund of $10 for that check 72 from Thursday the 23rd at 11:39pm that I have yet to receive! Idc to pay the $20 for one mediocre drink, but stealing is completely unacceptable. And it being excused even more so. Unfortunately I don't live in Chicago or I would've filed a police report, since this is FRAUD AND THEFT. Just beware of anyone who visits. I SIGNED to pay $20.91 not $30.91. There was a big fat ZERO tip for a reason. SO for check #72, I'll be waiting for that refund.

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    An extraordinary cocktail experience that's absolutely worth it for a fun date night or a group…read moreouting. The bird-themed cocktail menu brings both creativity and drama, with presentations that feel almost theatrical. What really elevates the experience is how the hosts narrate the inspiration behind each drink, making it feel more like a storytelling session than just a night out. The mixologists deserve serious credit for their thoughtful experimentation with global flavors--balancing complementary and contrasting notes, surprising textures, and sensory touches that feel nostalgic and adventurous at the same time. The food holds its own too. Don't miss the giant onion ring or the Chip n Dip--both are as fun as they are delicious. Yes, it's on the pricier side, but the cocktail tasting experience makes it worthwhile. A perfect late-night spot for great conversations and drinks that ooze personality.

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    Drink your medicine

    The Meadowlark - speakeasies - Updated July 2026

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