I'm going to show my true age with this review. The first time we went here it was early in the night and pretty dead, so we left. We went again last night, and my husband and I had a table and sipped on a few drinks. We were enjoying the music and talking, but the music just got louder and louder to the point we were screaming across the table to hear each other. I just got more irritated, and we decided to leave. read more

Heard about this place with live music and craft cocktails and was really excited to check it out. Went with a few friends on a tuesday night for the Kabir Dalawari Quintet. The show started at 9pm, so we got there right around 8:30. There was plenty of seats when we got there (though it did start to fill up by around 9:15/9:30). It's no reservations and no cover, which I think makes the experience a little more relaxed. I ordered the red diamond cocktail, which came with mezcal, cognac, hibiscus, lemon, lime, & absinthe. The flavor mix was really good and I'm hoping to try more drinks there. The jazz quintet was great as well. We just stayed for the first set which lasted until about 10:15, but really enjoyed the skilled musicianship. Definitely enjoyed my experience a lot and hope to be back! read more

See all

Food: N/A Drinks: I got an Old Faithful. It was good. Service: It was cool! Atmosphere: Cool vibes! Final Thoughts: Go grab a drink! read more

The Whistler - Music Venues Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

See all

One of my favorite bars in Logan! It's always filled with good music, good vibes, good people, and great service! Drinks are excellent! They may have a wait outside at door but not long to get in usually. read more

The Whistler - Music Venues Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

TL; DR: great live music, fun and rotating drink menu This is a great place if you want to come and have a drink. Also great if you want to dance too. The drinks are new everyday and rotate. The bar has great service and are very friendly. I would definitely come back read more

The Whistler - Inside - Music Venues Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

I stumbled upon The Whistler by chance while walking to Emporium with my date. We witnessed a girl pleading with the bouncer to let her in, and intrigued by her passion, we decided to check it out as she made fun at us not knowing about this place beforehand. Hence, the night ended up being really fun as it happened to be R&B and Hip-Hop night. Me and my date got to hear throwbacks from Usher, Frank Ocean, Ne-Yo and many others. I even followed the DJ Aced Spade as he was killing it! The friendly staff, great music, and decently sized dance floor makes this place a perfect spot to drop by for a good time. Highly recommend! (By the way, the beggar didn't get in) "Haha, I don't see how you can hate from outside of the club| You can't even get in| Leggo!"- Chris Breezy read more

The Whistler - Music Venues Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

top 3 bar experience in logan and let me tell you why -drinks are fire -legit cozy dancefloor -idk if they still have movie karaoke but precovid that night was funny awkward af -smoke patiooooooo -arrive early u b glad u did read more

The Whistler - Music Venues Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

For all my edgy, and chill adults this is the place to be! Great music, outside patio area for the smokers lol, drinks are on point as well. My girlfriend put me on to this place and when I walked in for the first time, I instantly said this is the place for me. I can't wait to come back! read more

I don't go to bars often, but when I do we always end up in this neighborhood and stop by this oldie but goodie. I've been here a handful of times in the last decade. We came early in the evening because I have to do early dinner these days. This place always has a chill vibe and decent music. The cocktails are always good. This time we stopped by when there was a live radio set going on which was really cool to witness. I'm glad I was convinced to stay out for 1 after dinner drink. This place never disappoints. Not sure how busy it gets late in the evening, but I enjoy it less crowded. read more

The Whistler - two cocktails on the bar - Music Venues Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

One of the best cocktail bars in the country especially when factoring in the reasonable prices. The cocktail menu changes often and while limited, boast wildly creative takes on the classics. Please don't come here to order Jamo & Gingers. .. Awesome staff and a quirky mix of regulars. The music and vibe varies staunchly from night to night depending on the DJ. There's no kitchen, but there's an awesome tamale man that comes in a couple nights each week. I held off on this review for years because I didn't want to blow the spot, but now everyone has caught on. I hope that doesn't ruin the vibe. If the vibe changes from all the newbies. ..I already scoped out my new spot, but won't let you have it until I'm just about done B-) read more

See all

This place was complexly unprepared and unwilling to allow any international people into the bar. They rejected people who were well over 21 just because they did not have USA IDs. read more

Delicious drinks, a wonderful Japanese vinyl night filled with dancing and everyone seemed like they were having a great time on a Thursday! Lots of events so check the calendar, theres always something goin on. Today it was poetry night. It's a small venue but so cute and they have a chill back patio that's good for when you want to hear what the other person is saying. The front is usually a little louder. Nice and quick bartenders and friendly staff all around. read more

A fun bar/club that hosts great events-- including literary readings! Plus, the back beer garden is really nice. I've enjoyed myself each time I've been there. read more

Stopped by here at a whim at opening - so nobody was there! Really unassuming exterior and small interior. It's a cozy speakeasy feel. Now I'm a sucker for fancy cocktails, and this place is it! I ordered the Shrinebuilder - it's very unique and nice tropical cocktail with heavy vegetation - think lime, cilantro, and sugar. Very refreshing and crushable. The Old Faithful was also a nice iteration of the Old Fashion but pretty straight forward. read more

The whistler was a super fun experience and I imagine the shows here can be super fun as well. We went during a vinyl show showcasing Japanese pop music. It was super fun but also too loud to talk, but there was no space to dance. So we just kind of sat there and watched the vinyl turn. I think this is better suited to live music. It was also crazy hot inside. It was freezing outside, and inside was sweltering to the point where we had to leave. Finally, there was very litter seating, so we ended up standing awkwardly off to the side of the stage. I think organizing their space for the type of show they're putting on and doing a little thought on climate control would make this an easy 5 stars, but regardless, it's worth visiting! read more

Cocktails are so good! Nice atmosphere. Chill in the early part, DJs and music late on weekends. Pretty damn fun all around. read more

Cool ambient, dope music and diverse crowds. They have some interesting cocktail options, for example, alcoholic bubble tea even though I didn't particularly liked it (bobas are too chewy), I admire their creativity. Bourbon cocktail was Perry tasty. Prepare to dance. read more

See all

Awesome place for a date. Whether it's afternoon or evening. Highly recommend this place. Think this might be the only place I've ever accepted a drink from a stranger when asked if they could buy me on! Why you ask?? See below: The cocktails here are crafted so well. I'd be out of my mind to pass up a freebie. Plus, after many visits here, I trust the bartenders to ensure it's not spiked or anything weird like that. The diversity of options and ingredients includes many that I would've never dreamed up. I've been several times, and it's always a good time. They're queer friendly, have a swanky bar area with room to dance on the nights they bring in a DJ, and a great back patio area for ppl to chill outside. read more

This bar in Logan Square not only boosts one great mixologist working the room, it has three working side by side. The site of these acrobats working in unison is amazing. Their cocktail menu reads like a someone "has gone nuts in the pantry and spice cabinet"! I mean so many ingredients going into one drink and none of it making any sense and coming out the other end with this splendid concoction - Go Figure. Here, check this out: The Slow Burn - Mezcal, Raicilla (WTF?), Gruner, Vetliner, Kiwi, Lime, Cayenne, Mirin and Salt The finished product here is so incredible and dangerous that it certainly blew my mind. By incredible I mean one of the loveliest tasting beverages I've ever had and I've had thousands. By dangerous, this drink is so tasty and so delectable that you don't really taste the alcohol and after two Slow Burns, I was lit. My understanding from Locals, all of their signature cocktails are like this. The entertainment manager here at The Whistler hires some very cool and "in the know" local DJ's spinning music so primal and using so much bass, you can't help but get up off of that damn bar stool and start dancing. I did, and I don't dance? All in all, I had such a good time at The Whistler, I cant wait to go back. read more

Laidback venue with quality drinks and unique music selection. Intimate ambiance and welcoming staff.

Nice bar! Really nice ambience with some really good drinks. Also love their live music, definitely makes for a good time. Not a lot of seating though, so if you are looking for a place to sit and chat, would recommend somewhere else. read more

So glad this place is open again after the pandemic closures. Their cocktail game is still on point. The bar still attracts an interesting and diverse crowd of people, the back patio is comfortably casual and the cocktails are still unique and amazing. read more

I hate leaving 1 star reviews on any business unless I feel they deserve it. It was my wife's sisters birthday over the weekend and we told her we'd take her out for dinner and drinks. I know she loves live music so this was a good option (so I thought). After waiting in an abnormally long line to get in, we were asked for vaccination cards at the door. Since we're no longer in a pandemic its overkill to require this to enter an establishment. We were extremely disappointed and had to replan our night on a moments notice. I wouldn't be all that upset had it not happened the weekend were showing my wife's sister around the city. Not to mention it's very embarrassing being turned away from any business. Take your business 20 feet away to the Whale. They are undoubtedly the best spot for food and drinks in that general area in Logan square. read more

The Whistler knows about good cocktails. The space is cozy, not swanky, sometimes they have great live music, and letter not forget the first Wednesdays movieokie nights! Look those up, they are so fun. Try the curry cocktail (not on the menu apparently one of the originals). This time, I had the John Dough (it has honey in it but is somehow refreshing, not at all too sweet). read more

The Whistler - John Dough cocktail - Music Venues Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

Came here to enjoy myself. Long haired blonde bartender with black ray bans eyeglasses named Christopher was speaking negatively about patrons sitting directly at the bar. Not okay. Bad hospitality and disrespectful. Will not return. read more

Drinks: Excellent Was here for New Year's Eve with a group of friends and was blown away at their cocktail list! I don't drink much and was pleasantly surprised to see that they even had a non-alcoholic cocktail menu and loved both of the ones that I tried. A little difficult to find in location (borderline unmarked door) and doesn't look like much from the outside, but a hidden gem once you do find it. read more

IF you DO NOT read anything else know that this is a solid bar with great drinks that are rather cheap! First of all, this spot is locate in Logan Square so it is already has the potential to be a gem! Second, There is no signage on the somewhat unassuming storefront. Came here on a Saturday night specifically to check out a DJ. I got here at about 11ish and there was already a line to get in. Note to self: This bar is rather small so get here early to avoid any possible lines because when it gets packed here, it gets packed (at 12AM the ONLY way to get in was if 2 people came out). Overall, the ambiance is great, dim lights and somewhat intimate. The drink are amazing...Seriously the drinks are amazing but apparently you can't fall too much in love with anything because the menu changes from time to time. The prices are great. If you're on a date or out with friends this place is far from break the bank. read more

The Whistler - it's - Music Venues Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

I've been here a few times.. does it take That much to get a disco ball? Honestly, we went for a disco set tonight but it totally killed the moood because there was no disco ball. All my friends noticed this and also said the same. This is a big deal! Can we get a disco ball at the whistler?! :) please? read more

I have loved this place for many many years. I've played music here, I've enjoyed music here, and I've ESPECIALLY enjoyed cocktails here. You're a GD fool if you don't like this place. Also I'm laughing harder than I've ever laughed in a bathroom at some dumb mf'er that dropped his juul in the urinal read more

The Whistler - Music Venues Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

Really great ambiance that would be perfect for date night. Cocktails are crafted really well and the staff are super kind and knowledgeable about the menu. read more

I like to think that this bar attracts a customer base that reflects the lack of any loud, in your face, "You ought to be here!!11" signage;it is indifferent of your acknowledgement and set on having a good time regardless. And what good times they are. Listen, once you discover the Whistler you realize it is a solid bar with fairly priced booze that boasts a cocktail menu that is updated daily. The smaller floor space asks that you get a little closer to your strangers and (frighteningly) maybe even encourages you to interact with them lest you remain worlds apart and a spilled drink away. I appreciate the bar front art that rotates usually every other month. It provides a easy marker of time and is a good small talk primer for the lines that can materialize some nights. The schedule always has something interesting. Dance floor often gets moving on the weekends to a good variety of funk, disco,soul, 90s, hip hop, lit noises. Check the site for proper recon. During the weekdays you can enjoy Jazz being recorded live and different social events. I'll attest to witnessing hipsters, post-hipsters, pre-hipsters, hip hopers, girls with nice hips, hip music,hypocrites and hippies all having a good time. And that's only the boring people. Seriously, diversity is on point here and I've felt very little pressure even when attending solo. Come check it out at 9:37PM, leave and then realize you should have stayed so you get back in line and talk with party people. read more

The Whistler - View from on stage. That's all the indoor space you get. Be nice. - Music Venues Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

Ya know how all the Logan Square natives loathe Logan Bar & Grill? Well, yeah. Because it's out of place. It's a Lincoln Park or Division Street bar plopped unceremoniously into the thick of Logan Square...they were askin' for the backlashin'. So, the exact opposite of that hatred and vitriol? The Whistler. Authentic and down-to-earth. Thoughtful. The Whistler is that hot hipster boy, in bar form. Understated. Quaint. Fantastic cocktails (the red clover, a must). Dimly lit by tea light candles. Comfortable. Friendly. A crafty bartender whipped up our drinks with care, presenting them beautifully atop our candle flicked table. I can imagine it gets quite crowded, as the space is small. It's charming...go on a weeknight. $8 for excellent cocktails is a steal...no matter what neighborhood you find yourself in. The Whistler, whodathunkit? Give it a shot. read more

Some friends and I were bar hopping in the Square one night and when we came upon The Whistler we ended up staying. There had all been there probably a million times collectively however for me it was but the place of tales & fables. I had never set foot in the enchanted forest. I was surprised at how small it was after hearing it being talked about constantly and knowing all the bands that have played there. Packed half full of hipsters and half people teleported from the suburbs, my friends and I couldn't find anywhere to sit so we headed to the back of the bar. Eventually a single seat opened up and my friends let me perch myself on it for the night. Sometimes it pays to be the lady. On a sidenote I saw probably the most handsome man I've ever seen in my life there in a typical red plaid shirt. Swoon. If only I wasn't with three guy friends when I went! Sometimes it doesn't pay to be the lone lady. I digress.... The Whistler gets insanely packed on the weekends yet somehow the bartenders manage to eventually get to you and put in your drink order. They have some good brews to choose from including some cheap swill I love ~ P to the B to the R. Always a great fallback drink when you want to keep drinks flowin' but know you gotta chill out due to driving or to keep your pockets fat. I hear they have good cocktails but it's hard to have a cocktail when they have good beers to offer. C'mon now, beers win over mixed drinks any day for this brutish lady. Moral of the story, don't go to a bar with a bunch of dudes expecting to meet anyone that night. I'll be back Whistler, oh yes, I'll be back. read more

I've been back several times, and I'm kind of thinking this place is about as fun as a ruptured urethra if you hit it on the wrong night, which, unfortunately, seems to be a lot of them lately. Hipster infestation levels aren't even measured here, as it's well over 100%. "How's that?" you ask. Well, there's often a line nowadays, so hipsters spill out into the street and surrounding areas, causing passers by to wonder how this stretch of Milwaukee became so totally devoid of all facial hair removal products, yet so replete with cigarette butts. The nature of the clientele, however, is really of no concern to me. I'm more concerned with the quality of cocktail I'm getting if I'm going to wait upwards of 20 minutes for it. Yes, I know, it's $8, great price, etc, etc. I know a lot of work goes into making each cocktail, but it seems as though the base liquors they are using lately just aren't worthy of being dressed up to the extent that they are. Evan Williams, Beefeater, and other well-ish boozes don't taste so great, even if you're mixing in bitters, fresh basil, pear zest, Dom Perignon '63, Osetra caviar, bald eagle egg whites, and a splash of dinosaur blood. I shall leave this update at 3 stars in hopes that they step their liquor game up, because I'm generous like that. read more

The Whistler is the Hipster Violet Hour! The nice bartenders are outgoing, and go out of their way to give great customer service, and even better drinks! I drank a Whiskey Sour with ginger and hibiscus. Hibiscus! There may be a line, since it's small, afterall. Parties larger than four will probably be left standing. The decor is a bit of that gray box with wood-paneling that doesn't draw attention to itself. Despite all its limitations, this place is top-notch for when you're wanting a specialty mixed drink you can't get anywhere else in the neighborhood. read more

Non-descript location. During the day, I walk by and never really know where the Whistler is. Lately, it's got styrofoam peanuts blowing outside the window. I've been to the Whistler on a few occasions. It's never anything exciting, probably more offbeat, simple and overall just chill. You can always count on a few things here: 1) Kungfu movie playing on the screen with no sound. 2) Typically a quiet back courtyard with a few tables to sit around. 3) Amazing cocktails at very reasonable prices. I can order something for $6, but it's just as craftily made as any other drink on the menu. The Whistler doesn't want popularity, like a wallflower, it wants to be unknown and I kinda like that. read more

I agree with some of the other reviews here in terms of this being a sort of hipster version of Violet Hour as the vibe is almost the same in addition of them making some nice cocktails. I came by this past Friday for a nightcap on a date I had. We walked in and the bar area was packed but we were able to nab the only available table for two. I had some sort of whiskey cocktail which was really good...guy behind the bar was really cool about helping me pick the best drink. The DJ was playing some really good tunes of all music genres that fit the mood of the joint. No too long after, the area in from of the stage started getting packed with people dancing their asses off. People that were casually dressed, people that looked like hey came from a formal event and people that didn't give a shit if they could dance or not were having a great time. Once we left, we noticed a long line outside of the door and we were there 45 minutes maybe. This was a redemption visit for me actually as I tried to go in back in Dec 2009 and was denied entry on a very cold day due to it being so packed. I hate that it has taken me so long to come back to this very cool place. I like the vibe, setup and the people...and of course the damn drinks! read more

Stopped in on a cold Tuesday night, which probably wasn't the best night to check them out but still a good night to have a stiff drink. A band was setting up to play; a deep voiced hipster sprang up and sang solo and melodiously to an intermittent tune. Three dudes with retro styled Strats strumming and shit. Melodious guy = Boy Without God. Pretty good intro, I'll probably download something of his later, I thought. The space is just as the photos feature it. Except think dimly lit with folks scattered about, space for thirty or so in that front space. On this night an abrupt fragrance of BO in the air. It reminded me of Funk night at Danny's, same crowd at least. My buddy who joined hadn't been in Chicago proper in over a year; I laughed when he asked... "Dude, why does it smell like sweaty armpits in here?" Before his next question about the lemming amount of staches, facial hair and clothing, I stopped him. I popped my head into the men's room for a breath of fresh air and quick wash of the face; wonk-wonk-wonk. Someone else had been there previously and committed a heinous act. FYI Business owners please give us a bathroom with constant exhaust. My face displayed a grimace as I sought solace in the hopes that my urine would be odoriferous enough to counter the wretched ass-pourri that now engulfed my lungs. I did not do my homework before entering Whistler. A few gals had sung their praises to me but forgotten to tell me which drinks were best to get. Being that I'm an avid supporter of Matchbox, I ordered a couple gimlets. For $ 8 bucks each, they were strong enough, but the taste wasn't there for me. Had I known bourbon was the way to go, I would have greatly appreciated trying one of those cocktails. Oh well, another time perhaps. I'll inquire about their drinks list. Kudos to the attentive staff. read more

If you're looking for some better cocktails on a weekday, this is probably the best spot you can ask for. The scene is mellow, relaxing, and inviting. The facade may throw you off but step in and enjoy. The drinks were very on point. I was also very impressed with how they were able to make some of the more complex drinks in the speed that they did. I had the Tunnel Vision which was a coffee mix and well worth it. The entire table ended up with a few. Lastly, it gets packed, fast. More than 30 people and you'll have to hope everyone's a bit more neighborly. The music is probably too loud too. I understand the bar science (I watch enough Bar Rescue...) but this night it was a little obnoxious and judging by the reviews, common. We had to leave because of the noise ^^ this definitely dropped the star levels significantly. read more

A very interesting set-up in a space that definitely was not intended to be a bar. They take advantage of the front shop window to display local art, right now it's Mark Bensons' "Totally Permanent" sculpture (http://stickermug.tumblr.com/post/53226821/new-logan-square-bar-the-whistler-fullerton). They also host artists and bands almost nightly with 0 cover, which is awesome and commendable. The place is small, but roomier than I had expected, walls are lined with low candle-lit seating. The elevated stage in built into on the front wall and doubles as an intimate little nook when a band's not set up.-- the night we were there the projector screen was pulled down and acted like a little privacy screen with tables and pews tucked in behind it. If there isn't a band playing the main floor seems like a waste of much-needed space -- there are tables and benches against the walls but nothing in the huge space in the middle. There could easily be one or even two rows of small tables. On the weekday we saw it, the place was "Standing Room Only" but not nearly half-filled, maybe it gets super-croweded on weekends and they really can't fit anymore seating. This place has class, and costs more than its neighbor The Two Way, which means both should find a clientele... from a quick look around there shouldn't be much cross-over -- at least not in the same night. Drinks looked good, I'll have to check out the specialty mixed drinks when the swagger of my taste buds match that of my pocketbook." read more

See all