A good mocktail goes a long way with me, since I don't drink alcohol anymore. A lot of bars will just push a soda or plain juice on you or they'll throw some soda water and juice together and drop some garnish on top, which is just so blase- but luckily that's not the case here! A good bar gets inventive with their non-alcholic drinks and puts as much thought into them as they would a drink with alcohol. Victor Bar goes the extra step to make sure all their drinks are exciting and satisfying. Victor Bar made me my favorite mocktail of 2019. It was fizzy and minty and just the right about of fruity to put some pizzazz in my night and on my tongue! The laid back, yet, somehow still upscale decor complimented my drink nicely and they even have specialty chips to snack on! We tried the cheddar and the herb and both were superb. read more

The Victor Bar - Cocktail Bars Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

Super intimate cocktail lounge. Chill atmosphere, great drink menu, skilled bartenders and attentive staff. Insanely clean bathroom...score! I had a class of red wine, requested a gimlet and a whisky sour. All enjoyable but I would probably stick to menu orders...the gimlet was excessively limey. Can be crowded...if you have several people at a peak time maybe have a backup plan. read more

The Victor Bar - Whiskey sour - Cocktail Bars Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

Best local speakeasy! Great bartenders - mixologists! (Vaccine Proof Required) looks "seedy" from the outside but great atmosphere inside. read more

The Victor Bar - Entire bar - tight quarters - Cocktail Bars Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

Love the Taboo! Dealer's choice was fun too. Place is dimly lit and cozy. Pretty lively on a Wednesday night. We grabbed the last two bar seats. read more

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Why wasn't this place around when I lived around the counter years ago?. I would have come once a week and brought all my friends here. It's a small spot. Very old school, but in a way that you know it's a homage and not really old. Cocktails are excellent. They have a good variety and make it well consistently. A good variety between traditional and modern ones. I like that there are no TVs. This place is meant to be experienced with someone or with friends. But it can easily be a refuge to read when you need to get away in the off hours. read more

low-key my favourite cocktail bar in the city. chill vibes, cozy dark atmosphere, no tv (a big personal pet peeve at bars), and amazing cocktails. the bartenders are super knowledgeable and make excellent off-menu classics as well. read more

Came up to The Victor Bar from Belmont. After reading a couple reviews we really wanted to check this place out. So happy we did. The cocktails are fantastic and the atmosphere awesome. This may not be the place for you if you want to carry a long conversation, but if you want a fantastic cocktail served by a friendly knowledgeable staff member. Come here! I had a Five Point Buck, just the right amount of pineapple fruit flavor. My husband had a Used Book, awesome. An old fashioned like cocktail with modern flair. So good.my negative, no cocktail menu online and with drinks like these advertise! Ok second round. The Fire in the Hole is a very cucumber forward cocktail, with lovely anise notes and a kick finish. Husband went for a Negroni, I am not a bitter guy, not my thing. Loving the evening so far! read more

The Victor Bar - Getting ready for the first round - Cocktail Bars Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

The Victor Bar is an ideal bar for intimate conversation and great cocktails. My boyfriend and I stopped by after going to a festival in the area, and it was a great place to escape from the crowds. We arrived a little before 9pm, and the place wasn't too busy, but the place did get pretty full by the time we left a little later. The Victor Bar is very dark inside. I enjoyed the low lighting because it helped me relax, but I know that low lighting may not be appealing for everyone. I ordered "The Bishop". This cocktail was bourbon based, and had a few other quality ingredients mixed into it. This cocktail tasted great and was mixed well. I tried a sip of my boyfriends sazerac, and thought it was a great cocktail as well. With so many awesome cocktail bars in my own neighborhood (Logan Square), I wouldn't go out of my way to come here,but this place is worth checking out if you are in the area. read more

The Victor Bar - The menu - Cocktail Bars Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

Drinks are delicious and strong and the atmosphere is beautiful with dim lighting. Great place for a romantic date!

Great service! Amazing bartenders. Wonderful drinks! Love is in the air here! I will definitely need to go back! read more

The Victor Bar - Cocktail Bars Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

I have been here multiple time but tonight the server was so rude that we left without even having 1 drink. I'm so disappointed as I was raving about this place to the friend I had brought. read more

Great place. Excellent drinks. Nice atmosphere. Good for a date night. Love the prohibition era feel

I love this place. I went last week with my partner and sister in law and we had an amazing time. It's a relaxing, intimate atmosphere. The service is great and the staff is friendly. The average cocktail was about $15. I will definitely be back read more

Went to this bar for 30 minutes while waiting for my boyfriend's barber to see him. Chill atmosphere. Great spot to meet up after work and have drinks. The bartender was nice and made our drinks very good. Perfect amount of everything. read more

The Victor Bar - Cocktail Bars Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

After hearing my bf rave about this place a million times over, I finally tried it with him on a Sunday night. I don't really understand his enthusiasm because it is the definition of "fine" as in "meh". Drinks were OK for the price- when they are $12+ each I would hope they'd blow me away. My biggest thing here is that it was so dark! I know they are going for a sultry, romantic type of vibe, but this was just too much. I literally had to use my phone light to be able to read the menu. You can't light an entire bar with tea lights. We were also there on a Sunday night when the whole place was pretty much empty, so I imagine when the small space gets crowded it is a bit of a nightmare. I'll pass on going again- it's not worth the price, and it's not really 'romantic' if you can't see or hear your date. read more

Hands down best craft coctail bar @NorthCenter. I cant go home without reading at least two "used books" Update for January 2019: After reading way too many used books decided to try "wild eyed rose" whiskey with egg whites , yumm read more

The Victor Bar - Whiskeeeeey - Cocktail Bars Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

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Modern speakeasy bar with eclectic ambiance. They don't serve any food except for few bags of gourmet potato chips. The cocktail drinks are handcrafted and unique. They have few wine and beer options too. read more

The Victor Bar - Fire in the Hole - Cocktail Bars Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

I've driven by the place maybe a hundred times and Saturday night I decided to stop in for a drink with some friends. I have to say Jose behind the bar was an absolute amazing host. Really made us feel at home. The ambiance was great the cocktails were top notch! I'll definitely come back. Thank you guys. read more

A friend contacted me for a post-celebration since she missed by recent birfday. When asked where to go, she said, something like a speakeasy. Speakeasies were illicit & unauthorized secret clubs where illegal alcohol was sold. Created for the enjoyment of alcohol during the Prohibition. Hidden away from the view of most, in deep cellars or warehouses behind large curtains. When Prohibition ended many of these establishments disappeared. Nowadays they are found in many large cities, often with a retro-vintage style. Decor is muted, it's about the joy of alcohol and the convening of masses. During the early 1900s when these existed, harsh alcohols were sold. Today, they give us craft cocktails. Something different than the average rum and coke or gin and tonic with a twist. Is it a speakeasy? Oh yeah and for that it should be appreciated. They aren't banging loud music, they don't have televisions, nor do they offer jukeboxes or other entertainment. There also isn't any food, well, beyond some foo-foo chips from Asheville, NC which is sold by the bag. The bar is perfect for the enjoyment of drinks and it draws customers looking for them. On weekdays when most bars are dead, it is somehow thriving. They fill a need. It's a decor-specific atmosphere. Exposed brick meets metal, glass shelving and wood cabinets. Sheet metal countertops with rivets. Everything from their choice in decoration to some of the liquor bottles on the shelves fit within their scope. Their washrooms are suited in vintage styled wallpaper and instead of tp or paper napkins they offer lightly scented cloths to dry hands. Space is limited but every night is different. General rules apply. Weekends are usually standing-room only but if you wait a few, you're likely to score a seat. Keep your eyes on the prize, they go quickly. Now that we've entered the cold season, weekdays are a great time to connect with the bar. Often you'll find a happy assortment of patrons seeking out a warm environment for the enjoyment of booze. Since outward distractions are limited. You can connect with your date, friends, waitstaff or those around you. With the cold season on our backs, I'm hoping the new menu will involve some warmed drinks. Hopefully something with steamed Hennessy?? (Promontory serves a divine hot Henny cocktail.) A couple notable drinks, Pisco sour (Your choice of Chilean or Peruvian).. La Linda (Mezcal), my two current favs. read more

Ambiance was everything. The cocktails, not so much. First round was a dealers choice(bourbon). All I tasted was vermouth and a little bit of bourbon. Second round, I took it easy and ordered an old fashioned. All I tasted was maraschino. Servers were good as well. The drinks were a miss. read more

The Victor Bar is the hidden gem of North Center. Delicious drinks, superb service and romantic ambience. Upon walking in, feel free to seat yourself. There are 20 bar top stools and 6 small tables with booth seating. It's a very tiny joint, and one of the things I loved most about it. There's smooth jazz/lounge music playing in the background that just barely drowns out your neighbors' conversation, but allows you to have a conversation with your significant other. It's dark enough that it sets a nice date night tone, but it's not overly dark to the point where you can't even read the menu. They offer ~10 house cocktails and ~10 classic cocktails ranging from $12-14 a piece. I ordered the Behave Yourself: Vodka, Peach, Suze, Lemon, Berry, Grapefruit Bitters for $12. Sour from the lemon, sweet from the peach, and overall a great balance of flavors. BF ordered the Nighthawk: Cynar 70, Cognac, Coffee, Vanilla, Whole Egg, Mole Bitters for $13. His was less sweet, but strong, and he raved about it the whole night. We were both highly satisfied with our visit to The Victor Bar, and I could easily see this becoming a weekend ritual. read more

To whom may concern, My friends and I were there last night (Last Friday night) just to hang out as usual. I usually go with other two friends on Friday night. First three times we loved it very much. Bartenders we met was very nice, friendly and feel welcome us but not last night. She kind of gave us an attitude. When the bar close, she didn't come to us to last call just gave us a bill. Never ask what we want before last call. It doesn't matter if we would want more or not but she should've asked. I feel like she just want to kick us out like right now! We love your drinks and also just want to let you know that your bartender had an attitude with us which she was not supposed to. read more

I like this place a lot! A good drink menu always catches my eye and this one was exceptional. It wasn't an overwhelming amount of cocktail choices...about 6 on 2pgs. Which I think is the perfect amount. There's also a nice selection of wine and beer. I ordered two different cocktails the Juan more and something else that was really earthy (and light green; this one was my absolute favorite!!). They were both awesome! Seriously, they were great. The vibe is also super chill, I'm from New Orleans where there is an abundance of friendly and trendy neighborhood bars and this was right on par with a couple of my favorites. And the bartenders are nice and really knowledgeable. I really enjoyed my experience here. read more

The Victor Bar - Cocktail Bars Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

This review is specifically for the men's bathroom. As I continue my tour of great restrooms in the area, this one shines like a binary star. I was able to enjoy the aesthetics as the byproduct of numerous vodka sodas ran its course to the pristine bowl below me. Next, I went to the sink to perform diligent hand hygiene. I was ecstatic to find one of the greatest things to dry my hands... a BASKET of meticulously rolled hand towels. A sushi chef would not have the patience to roll these towels as perfectly as they were executed here. A pleasure, an absolute pleasure indeed. I have only #1 here, but have definite plans for a #2 very very soon. read more

Fantastic traditional cocktail bar. No nonsense, tell the bar staff what you want and they will help you out. Sarah is the best she knows what's up! read more

The Victor Bar - Cocktail Bars Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

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This place use to be good for me until last night 8/24/22. The bartender who worked last night was very rude and gave us bad attitude. Hopefully she goes well in her career with this type of personality. I work in the same industry but never seen anything like this before. No more coming here again. read more

The cocktails were crafted so well, it's possible I'm being overly critical by deducting a star. .. The problem is I just hate when bars don't offer food or snacks. It's particularly bad when they don't allow BYOF. Despite the negative intro, Victor Bar is on par with any cocktail lounge I've tried in recent memory. Whether you order from the menu or allow the bartenders to be creative, you won't be disappointed. If it weren't so far North, this would be my go-to lounge. read more

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Fuck yea Dude! Siiick drinks even siiiicker bartenders! Definitely will be back soon!

This place was amazing, sexy, dark, smooth. The bartenders are beyond helpful and really take care of you with amazing drinks. The prices are on par with Chicago downtown, but the drinks are worth every penny. Note that the place is very small (cozy) so if you are not there early there may not be space for you. Also, the music was just a tiny tiny bit loud. I will definitely be back. Definitely. read more

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This is a sexy, sexy cocktail bar. My noble bourbon paramours will love it! Victor is a svelte shotgun affair where you can conduct your affairs. Bar stools on one side, a banquette with petite cocktail tables on the other. The lighting is dim, the music is chill, the service is friendly, and the crowd is mellow and keeps to itself. Its a delicate ecosystem at which we can all marvel. When you arrive, leave your hard choices at home. My bourbonites should crawl into their superior Old Fashioned. Its performed in three ways, just like Jane's Addiction, but rye is all you really need. Their Sazerac is quality, as well. Gin joint lovers should try Can't Talk or On the Grass, both Kelly approved. I could get lost here. You too? Let's get lost together! read more

Our first visit was during COVID after a night out. We had driven past it a couple of times and wanted to check it out. It's a dark, small and cozy bar with phenomenal cocktails. They have every opportunity to be a dismissive, arrogant cocktail bar...but they're absolutely not. We've been a handful of times and everyone who has been behind the bar has been incredibly kind and friendly...even on their busiest days with limited staff. The best time for us to go is right when they open at ~5ish before our dinner plans. Gives us an opportunity to enjoy one (or two, or three) "Fire in the Hole" cocktails. read more

This quaint little snazzy place packs a punch! Walked in here on a busy Friday evening around 8 expecting it to be empty. I was clearly mistaken this place was at nearly standing room only. Now that's not saying a whole lot as Its capacity cannot be more than 30 plus but at 8pm I thought wow, packed. This dimly lit cocktail bar felt very much like a hidden gem. It is totally unassuming on the outside but inside was very magical. The bartenders are very knowledgeable and exercise expertise craftsmanship. Was very entertaining to watch the magic. All in all clearly a very memorable place, experience, and tasty beverages for all. read more

Great bar, the bartenders are awesome. The drinks are great. Bar itself is really cool also, great place to go on a date. Dark lit bar + great drinks. One of my favorite places to go read more

Very tiny, intimate bar that has a pretty decent drink menu. I went on a Tuesday night, and it there was a good crowd. The ambiance was awesome, as it was dim lit and had the dark setting. A good spot for a date/pre dinner drinks. The service was pretty good, as the waiter was attentive upon arrival. The menu had a good amount of drink options, ranging from tequila options to bourbon. I tried a cocktail with mezcal, that was delicious. I met the owners of the bar, who were twins, and they showed great hospitality. Overall, it's a fun spot to try! read more

LOVE this space. The cocktails are amazing. It's a no fuss bar with a clear small list of cocktails but can also make you anything not on the menu. Don't go getting crazy and asking for fuzzy lemon fireballs or something or other, not allowed. The bartenders are super sweet and I always recommend coming earlier rather than later if you're looking for that personal experience. The later you come the harder it is to find a table without being bothered by other people and sound. This is a must try if you are in the north center neighborhood or just looking for an amazing cocktail bar! read more

This place. Brand new spot that just opened up in North Center. It's brave to open a cocktail bar like this is in a neighborhood that is dominated by beer. If the owners are passionate enough then it should do just fine. The decor was made to evoke the days of early 20th century Paris. On my visit I did not quite get that however they do have some pretty awesome looking street post lights on the back bar wall. The place is small and dark, a very intimate and cozy place. Should be a wonderful spot for some of the fellas to bring their ladyfriends. My cocktails were all done quite well. The Optimo, which will remind you of a Negroni, was strong, bitter and delicious. The Mezcal Old Fashioned was solid as well as the Mezcal hits your nose immediately. Add to that the burning shrub that they add as a garnish. Nice touch peeps! Lastly City Winter, a frothier drink that will remind you of Cognac spiked Egg Nog. It definitely has a sweeter after-dinner taste to it. Nonetheless very good and not overly thick as I was afraid it might be. All these wonderful libations were served very enthusiastically by Kelly and the other bartenders making them fun to drink as well. This new soon to be hotspot has some kinks to work out. As bartenders are learning the ins and outs of the ingrediants and proper measurements. What type of ice will be appropriate for their drinks. I hear they will be getting the larger cubed ice for the Old Fashioneds and The Optimo. I'm sure management will have its hands full with seating arrangements, as I said earlier this place is pretty small. However they are headed down the right path and I am excited to see such a place in North Center. read more

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Certainly a great bar for cocktails. We went there on a Friday evening and the place was packed. It's a tiny little place so I wasn't surprised. However, we still got space to sit. The cocktail menu was extensive and had a mixture of the classic cocktails and some craft creations as well. Everything was well thought out. There were a few beer pours as well which were different from your usual stuff. The waitstaff was friendly. Frankly, I didn't like my drink too much, it was a bit tart for my liking, but I'm still going to return to this place. read more

Really really good cocktails. Some of the best I've had in the city. Stiff too. And very reasonably priced for the quality (about $12 a drink). Dark, small, intimate bar. Would not recommend for large groups. Can get loud later in the night. Def worth checking out if in the area, or even making a short trek to. Dress up or dress down. A gem in North Center. I tried the following: Behave yourself, On the grass, Fire in the hole, Five-point buck. All were amazing. Fire in the hole was quite spicy - would avoid if you're sensitive to spice. Came on a weekday evening which was really nice - not packed, but not empty. read more

This cocktail bar is a great addition to North Center! We stopped in last night around 10p and the place was full! Luckily, we snagged a table. Just a heads up, this bar is pretty small. I drove past this place a few weeks ago and have been wanting to go ever since. It's about three blocks from us, so we braved the cold last night and walked over. Worth. It. The vibe is great. It's dark yet comfortable. The cocktails are wonderful and only ($12!) The bartenders really know how each of the flavors compliment each other. The service was fantastic and I love the decor. I am sure my husband and I will come here a lot. read more

Fantastic new cocktail bar in North Center. Meticulous in their preparation of very thoughtful drinks. Not crowded at all on a Wednesday early evening, but fills up quickly Friday and Saturday nights. Victor Bar is a great addition to the Chicago cocktail scene. read more

The Victor Bar - Cocktail Bars Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

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