This is a great cocktail bar and that is sometimes hard to find outside downtown/Logan Square/Wicker Park. We had tried to stop in late last summer around 9 PM, but it was packed and very loud; I admit that this turned me off, but my husband convinced me to give it another shot and I am glad we did! The drinks were phenomenal, the staff was super nice, and it was a fun atmosphere. It is a pretty small place (bar seats and about 6 or 7 tables), but the tables/bar seats seem to turn over fairly quickly and when we left around 7:30/8 PM on a Friday you could have walked in and gotten a seat. I am looking forward to returning! read more

I'm so glad this great cocktail bar exists in my neighborhood. It's so tiny, you would easily miss it if you walked past and didn't know it was there. Inside, the small and intimate space is very dark and super swanky. The bartenders make very innovative cocktails that are much more reasonably priced than most Chicago drinks (an average of $12 apiece). The menu switches up pretty regularly and I'm always pleasantly surprised to discover something new and fabulous. Love me some Victor Bar!!! read more

My wife and I went to TVB for the second time on 11/23/16. 2 Days later I am still thinking about the excellent drink I had- The Chrysanthemum. Very cool atmosphere with a helpful talented staff that seems to really care about what they are doing and making sure guests are happy. With a sea of sports bar/Irish pubs in the area, this is a must if you want something a little different and not the same old. read more

If you want to experience an artisan cocktail, this is the place for you. Expertly priced and deliciously poured.

Great change of pace in the neighborhood filled with sports bars. I tried the old fashioned and my husband got a beer with whiskey, all were delicious. Only small insignificant gripe, is its pretty small, definitely not a group spot, more of a date night. Thats stinks because it would be nice to bring a group of people to enjoy. But we will be back, nice to have another fancy bar in the neighborhood besides Band of Bohemia. read more

An amazing speakeasy!! Came here on a date night and we had an amazing time. The drink were truly on point. They had just debuted their summer cocktail menu and it was phenomenal! I would recommend coming here during the week night to get the full experience. This is definitely a place i would recommend for a date night. The place is not big so large and loud groups would probably not be suitable. The weekend this place get packed. Overall love this place and will definitely visit again. read more

I've lived in the neighborhood for several years and have always lamented the notable lack of quality bars around here. I'd always have to hoof-it to Logan Square or West Town for a bar actually worth paying $10-$15 per cocktail for. When I first heard about The Victor I assumed it was too little to late and that it would be a watered down version of the Prohibition-era "speakeasies" that are so overdone now. Not so! I didn't really pick up on a Parisian vibe, but the decor is lovely and I was pleasantly surprised that the cocktails were some of the best I've had in the city. The night I was there they were playing the Stones, Zeppelin, etc...I can tell you if they were playing what a previous reviewer called "hip-hop beats" I would have left after one drink (please don't screw this up with crappy club music, Victor). I do have two small complaints about my first visit though: First, they need to keep the window curtains shut (they were open the whole time I was there). No one wants to see the neon glow of the Starbucks across the street or the #50 Damen bus unloading every 15 minutes. Second, the crowd there was very...well..North Center (I can say that, I live here). Please never wear shorts or flip flops to a nice cocktail bar - have some class. read more

Amazing cocktails without being pretentious and the friendliest staff! Definitely a new favorite.

Still my favorite bar, though Sportsman's Club on Western also is my type of bar (not too big, no TVs, terrific bartenders, really creative cocktail making, a cocktail-focused crowd, not a beer- or food-focused crowd, etc.), so I hope to frequent it more often. New Victor Bar bartenders Augustina and Peter are awesome, as are brothers/owners/bartenders John, Karl and Graeme. read more

This is my new favorite cocktail lounge in Chicago. Small, dark and intimate. Amazing cocktail choices that are completely switched up in between visits. Victor does it right! read more

The Victor Bar - Sadly I don't remember these drinks names but they were both amazing. - Cocktail Bars Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

Great cocktails and overall great selection of scotch and bourbon. Also a great place to make out with hot bearded dudes in low lighting.

Love The Victor Bar. Great atmosphere, awesome cocktails, professional yet friendly staff. Only wish it was a little bigger to handle the customers. Hope their new space doesn't affect this North Center gem! read more

Was up by the Wrigley Field area, had gone to a game, then dinner and we were looking to get a good cocktail. I found The Victor Bar on Yelp, and we decided to go based on the pics. Was a good walk to the bar after dinner. Once we got there, we weren't even sure it was open. They have a sign, but you can't see into the place. We walk in, and it was pretty dark, but in a good way. Jazzy music playing with some small tables along the right wall when you walk in and a nice looking bar opposite of it. We were there on a Sunday night, so it was kinda empty, 4 other people besides us. More people followed after our first drink. Cocktails were on point. They have two price points for a few of their cocktails, 12/16. The vibe in there is chill, would make for a great first date. Barmaid was def skilled at her craft. I wonder how a Saturday night would look there... read more

I love this place, $o me..interior very relaxed and dimmed, looks like they have amazing cocktails but i been broke lately and only could afford a cold crispy frosty miller lite, however as soon as your boy gets some copper in his pocket i am gonna smash 1 or 9 of these bad boys and then eat ramen noodles for about a week but hey i didn't choose this life it choose me..later muchahchos.. read more

My go to spot for amazing cocktails! I've tried most of the drinks on the menu and they're all delicious. I enjoy the ambiance, never waited too long for a chair, staff is friendly, and there's plenty of parking in the area. It's a great place to start before dinner or end with a nightcap. read more

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So fun! Went here for a mini birthday celebration back in November. The staff was knowledgable and helpful in making a selection and the drinks did not disappoint. The ambiance was great and it's a quick walk from the brown line. Highly recommend for cocktail lovers! read more

Went to Victor Bar last night and it was incredible. Super romantic and a great speakeasy. The drinks were very impressive and tasted fantastic. I will definitely be back. read more

Let me just say....amazing mixologist. The drinks are true to recipe. I had the Kentucky Bramble and it did not disappoint. The service is crazy quick and so knowledgeable. Mixologist checked in on us frequently. Check this place out. Drinks are....sooooo good. read more

This is my favorite cocktail bar in the city. Great staff, music & drinks, what more do you want. Highly recommend the Fire in the Hole & On the Grass read more

This is the place you go when you don't want to be seen. Maybe with your mistress? Or an ugly blind date? Too dark. Poor bartenders are going to need glasses soon. Pretentious cocktail bar with weeds in the drinks. Not my thing, but when in Rome... so I ordered the Behave Yourself or something like that and it was just ok. More bitter than the sweet juicy concoction that the ingredients suggested. I couldn't drink it as much as I wanted to considering the price I paid. Tiny spot where it's hard to find seats, but it was a Friday night and people had other places to go so we got a couch cushion or two. If fancy cocktails are your thing, I'm sure you'll love it. With good company, any place can be awesome and this venue does allow for a good chat. But yeah, for drinks and to save my aging eyesight, I'm going somewhere else. read more

I am so happy to live within walking distance from this little gem of a spot. The ambiance is dark but warm. Everyone looks good in that light, especially after a one or two of expertly mixed, shaken and poured drinks. Their Sazerac is comparable to what you'll find in New Orleans. Music is loud enough to muffle out the noise from a nearby table but not so loud you have to shout while you speak. Note to all, they do not serve any food. It's truly a cocktail lounge. Classy, sophisticated and my favorite! read more

This is such a cute place for drinks. I came here with one of my girlfriends for a few after dinner drinks. We loved their selection of drinks and the ones we got were delicious! I had a drink that resembled an old fashioned but i cannot remember the actual name of it. I loved it! Would definitely come back with my husband for an intimate after dinner drink or two. The server was super attentive and we didn't have to wait long for our drinks. read more

The menu has a nice variation of spirit-based cocktails, and every one we tried was on point. Cozy, not too loud. Great for a date night or an after-dinner top-off. Very welcome addition to the neighborhood. read more

Met a friend here before making the plunge back to Chicago, and well--it's been great vibes ever since! Dark, small, and amazing, bartenders here are 1st class, and they even made my friend some amazing mocktails as well because she doesn't drink. I am happy to say that this is my neighborhood bar, and it is one of the most highly regarded in the city which is a hell of an accomplishment. Thanks for starting the move back on the right foot! read more

Came here early last night and the drinks were amazing. I'm only taking a star away because our bartender was not friendly at all. She was just cold and unwelcoming. It was really disappointing to get that kind of service. The rest of the staff was great. I'd come back again but hopefully get someone nicer. read more

Stopped in for one drink (the Love Letter) and was glad I did. Very low-key, very dark (shades pulled, no outside light allowed), friendly bar staff. Not the most obvious place for a cocktail bar, but I plan to hit it up again. read more

The Victor Bar - The Love Letter cocktail. - Cocktail Bars Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

Dark and intimate atmosphere. Perfect place for a date or relaxing with friends to enjoy one of my favourite craft cocktail bars in the city. This place is a hidden gem. From their Mezcal Old Fashioned to On the Grass or Love Letter , their drinks are so well balanced and on point! This place makes me happy from the first sip. My only wish is that their snack menu was alittle more extensive to cater to my munchies while consuming their lovely drinks. read more

Have been there twice now and will definitely go back. Good drinks and friendly service. Very cozy spot perfect for after dinner cocktails.

So I have been to this bar a few times. Always had a great time. So it seemed like when me and my boyfriend came in we inconvenience tje bartender. I tried to tell him that there was 3 of us but he had already walked his way to the manager and asked about where we should sit. So he made us wait outside until three people left (no.big deal yet). Once the other people left he told us we could come in. We directed us to the bar. We sat and I asked him what rye goes into the old fashion. He told me and I wanted a diffrent one. Once I got the old fashion I realized it was super sweet and it wasn't my cup of tea. I asked for a beer nicely and put the drink oi n the rail , he asked if I was done with it and I said yes sorry. I stuck to beer because i didnt like the cocktail. At this point him seemed irritated bu me and I was nothing but nice to him. When we all for the bill I noticed that he left the old fashion on even though he knew I didnt like it. It's like he left it on because he was petty. When he ran my friends card I noticed that he had left it on. I realized the manager was on and asked if she was the manager. Now she was sweet, unlike our bartender. I told her that I didn't like the old fashion that was 18 dollars btw. Ans she took it off. After that I heard him talk crap about us in spainish. Yes, I speak Spanish. And I'm not happy that he did. Needless to say that bartender was very nbn unprofessional and I'll never go back if hes just gonna talk shit. Also 10 minutes after last call 5 people walked in and he served them. It was a little after 11 and he was still serving people. This guy was aweful! He treated us poorly and we were very nice. I dont understand why you would be aweful to people for no reason . Will not be coming back and ignore you reconsider going there. read more

Great setting and cocktails are phenomenal. Must stop if in the area (like within 1mi).

I loved how dark it was! The music didn't exactly match the ambiance, but it wasn't terrible. I personally didn't care for their drink choices, but only because I don't like a lot of the ingredients they put in them ( however they are beautiful when they come to the table). The one thing that bothered me-really bothered me, was the stirring/drinking straw. It's so dark in there that you don't realize it's metal, and you completely hurt your teeth until you figure it out. Bad idea, I can foresee someone chipping a tooth. read more

Me and couple of my girl friends decided to give this place a try. I was very excited that they were open and in the neighborhood. The interior is very nice. I think they used the small space very well. I think they seat about 20-25 people? All of us sat at the bar and ordered drinks. We asked the bartender to give us whatever she wanted to make. I asked her what the names of the drinks were but the music was too loud and I couldn't hear it. (I didn't want to ask again lol) The drinks were good but the bartender was very slow in making our drinks. But I only think that is because they were new and getting used to making the drinks. We had 1 drinks each and we had to leave because we couldn't hear each other and my voice was hurting after too much screaming. Overall: I will give this place a try again but I will only come with one other person. read more

Amazing drink selection and bartenders! Had a classic cocktail the Last Word and it was divine

The Victor Bar is well worth the wait. The space is beautiful: it's cozy and dignified without being stuffy or too highbrow, and the fin de siecle vibe really works between the decor and the music. The cocktails (at $12) are a tremendous value considering the high quality and artistry that goes into them. My only complaint is that this place is only a block from my home, and I'm concerned that I'll be walking in and stumbling out far too often. read more

This place was awesome! The #1 reason I'm giving 5 stars is because the staff was so nice to us, but they equally deserve 5 stars for the best cocktails in the neighborhood (seriously done right: large ice ball, flavors that just melt together, right amount of spice) and cool atmosphere (the peacock wallpaper in the restroom!). I was really excited when I saw that this place opened in our neighborhood; I couldn't wait to check it out. Before going, I reached out on Facebook to ask a question, and the management not only responded promptly, but was extra accommodating to my request. When we got there, everyone was friendly and provided great service. The cocktails were so flavorful -- mixed expertly -- and the large ice balls melted slowly, so they were never watered down. I focused on the service because it really matters. By comparison, there's another drink place that recently opened in the Square that we've tried to check out a few times now, but they've been rude us twice when we've tried to go in for a quick cocktail. The most recent time, for instance, the host basically ushered us off the property when we asked if we could just stay to wait for a table. She told us about all the other places in the neighborhood we could go until a table opened up (basically she said we should just go away ... so we did ... and who knows if we'll try to get in a third time). There's just no market in Lincoln Square for a red rope type of place; but there is a market for a really nice, fancy drink place where you can relax and feel like you've slipped away a bit; this is exactly what The Victor Bar gets right: they are friendly and accommodating, and they serve the best darn Brandy Old Fashioned I've had ... maybe ever (don't judge)! read more

Excellent atmosphere, attentive talented bartenders. Go super early to avoid the crowd and enjoy a more intimate experience. Be sure to sit at the bar! read more

Awesome cocktail bar - amazing fresh ingredients and very interesting menu! No food though, great spot for pre or post dinner drinks!

Perfect drinks, perfect atmosphere. The Victor Bar is a small Parisian bar that has a great selection of cocktails and drinks, that are also delicious (try "behave yourself" for those who like drinks that are sweet but not too sweet). This place is great for chill get togethers, dates, and hanging out with friends. I definitely and genuinely recommend paying a visit! I'm kind of jealous of Irving Park now for having such a solid establishment in their neighborhood. read more

One of the best bars on the north side! Bartenders are so good you can do dealers choice and almost guaranteed an amazing drink!

Great little cocktail bar. Perfect stop after getting off the brown line for a post work happy hour!