Outside The Whistler Me: "This is it?" CB: "Yea." Me: "It looks like a storefront. You wouldn't even know it was here." Inside The Whistler Me: "This is it?" CB: "Yea." Me: "It looks like some place that has fancy poetry readings and it's so bright in here." I'm torn on this place. It's small, it was brightly lit when we first arrived and the light colored walls made it almost sterile. Luckily after a bit they dimmed the lights which made all the bushy man-fur sporting fellas not quite so overwhelming (who knew facial hair would come back in such a big way). They have no tap beers, but they do have PBR in a can for $2 so you know this place has to be packed with hipsters on the weekends. Blech. However, the mixed drink I had was AH-Maze-ing. It was super mild tasting but was also so strong that I felt it in my girly bits. The bartender was attentive and asked me how I liked the drink after (I felt bad ordering a beer but that one drink was enough to get me tipsy). The place does have its charm and there's something quaint about it. Plus, they have, quite possibly, the single cleanest (shiny!!!) bathroom I have ever seen in a bar in my entire life. I guess to make a real determination on this place I'll have to try it a few more times. For now, it's living in the middle in my mind. read more

I am a believer. After watching days fly by since the opening of the Whistler, thinking that the novelty would probably fade and that I'm too cool to give in to a place like this, I gave in. Not only did I succumb, but I talked my even cooler boyfriend into going with me. We proceeded to feel uncool when we couldn't find the place having scored the street twice. I felt even more uncool when my one tattoo was outnumbered by almost everyone there. And if the bearded bartender doesn't have a tattoo, then his beard counts for four. Narrative aside, the cocktail list looked absolutely satiable. I started out with the Gin-Gin Mule, and my guy gave the Slippery Slope a try. The flavors were perfect. The strength was almost shocking - but in a way that shocked your system rather than invading your taste buds. Our bartender was happy to talk about flavoring, layering, infusing, etc....then pointed out Paul (the mixologist) was at the end of the bar, educating another on his talents. Halfway through my drink, I saw him mix another for the person next to me using the eyedropper. The Gin-Gin Mule was strong enough for me to giggle and exclaim that my next drink needed to be "the eyedropper drink." Alas, the low price is more than worth it. The taste is even more worth it. And the menu is more than enough to bring you back. We're definitely returning very, very soon. read more

Good: The band playing that night had a jazz flautist. And the Gin-Gin Mule was fucking delicious. The bartenders were awesome and personable. The space itself is lovely, with lots of exposed brick, a mirrored bar and sexy lighting. Bad: The pile of idiots at the end of the bar who ordered round after round of shots. Most of said shots were redheaded sluts. Definitely a weird hipster holier-than-thou vibe going on. Four stars because the good definitely outweighs the bad, and if I get drunk enough, I won't notice the hipsters judging me if/when I go back. read more

The Whistler is one of the absolute best bars in Chicago, with the most inventive, kind, generous and dedicated bartenders. Yes, you may have to wait a minute for your cocktail but anything done well is worth waiting for--it's definitely not amateur hour here and the Whistler is not a drive thru. The cocktails are made with skill and love: imaginative selections for the adventurous and the classics done perfectly for those who prefer old faithful. For those who mistake the Whistler for a pretentious/hipster-type bar completely misread the space. It's all about expertly-made cocktails and excellent conversation, music, pleasure and love! read more

I will give this bar another shot. I was given a heads-up by some friends to come to The Whistler early, between 9 and 10ish. They weren't kidding. It was nice to hang with doorman Adam Duritz from The Counting Crows, though. Or so it seemed. Still, one-in-one-out doesn't seem right at 10, especially up here. We get in and the place is quite nice and not too full. Unfortunately I was served a super sour drink that didn't taste at all like the bartender described, and on top of the 2 skunked beers my friends received. nag nag nag nag, ok enough bitching. The point is that I'm sure I came to The Whistler on an off night so I will give this place a second chance. I have to. I live a mile away. read more

Possibly the most Masterfully Crafted Cocktails in the Chicago!! The Whistler is to Logan Square as a small, low-key bar with live music, a patio, an ever changing menu of incredible beverages, friendly and personable staff, and an understated authenticity that few can boast is to a neighborhood. The room is comfortable, and sheik, in a "We don't need to distract you from the heaven in a glass you're about to sip," way. A few tables, a stage, and bar area, and a patio with benches out back make up The Whistler, but the drinks make The Whistler INCREDIBLE. They also have a solid beer list, and a few wines by the glass. I enjoyed a Bourbon drink that featured honey, ginger, bitters, and a few other ingredients I can't recall (I may have enjoyed more than one). The cocktail was complex and delicious, like Love covered in Chocolate. Also, people seem to think mustaches are really hip these days, and I saw a whole bunch of different mustaches here, so if you love AMAZING COCKTAILS, live music, and people WITH, AND WITHOUT MUSTACHES, you will certainly be crushing on The Whistler. read more

I have mixed feelings about The Whistler. First of all, you can't argue with the prices. I think the great value is why I have been here more than once. As for the cocktails, I haven't had a good experience with the specialty creations. One evening some friends and I tried every cocktail on the menu; most were "meh," a few were "ew." But then I ordered an old fashioned and it blew me away! My advice, therefore, is to stick to the classic cocktails. The atmosphere can be nice on a week night. The small size of this bar makes it hard to deal with on weekends. The back patio area is a comfortable place to mingle, but it closes too early. A few Saturdays I have found the music to be way too loud, but maybe I'm just old and uncool. One thing that always makes me giggle/roll my eyes is the Dead Serious Attitude of the bartenders. If they enjoy their jobs, they are determined that you should not know. The service is too slow as they hold their breath, set their jaws, and slowly, slowly, slowly mix the drinks. Sometimes this serious attitude has come across as just plain rude. I wish someone would tell them that it's possible to mix drinks precisely AND quickly AND smile at the customers. In fact, that's what good bartenders do! read more

If you come here and realize the building is gone, it's because I stole it. I'm going to hire some huge helicopters to lift this bar and move it to Seattle because it's one of my top three bars. I visited Chicago for a week and came here three times. The music was great. The space was great. And the drinks were amazing. Some of the best hand-crafted cocktails I've had. The bartenders are friendly and are up for the challenge. I asked for a bourbon cocktail with egg white. The rest was up to them. One of my favorites from that challenge was the Elks Own. Ask for it. Enjoy this place while you can because I'm sending the helicopters. read more

This place was awesome. Somewhat of a speak easy. Live jazz music on Wednesdays and from what I learned last night they have cards against humanity game nights and others. The cocktail list is amazing. I had the milk maid and another drink. Can't recall the name but both were amazing. The bartenders really know their stuff and are very friendly. The back patio is lovely with lights and benches. Definitely will be going back! read more

So, I had never heard of this place before, but the people took me there told me they had good music. I was very surprised at the interior upon walking in seeing that it was in the middle of nowhere on Milwaukee (in Logan Square). Aside from the douche bag ultra "scene" people that were flooding the floors, the DJ was pretty good. One of the guys I was with got this Hibiscus tea/whiskey drink that sounded very interesting, but burned my nostrils when I smelled it. Back to the music, their was a girl DJ'ing and she had some great hip hop spinning. What RUINED it was that everyone there was too involved with themselves to realize/appreciate the good music. Perhaps it could've been just a particularly douche bag night, but I see this place as being a good dance spot in Logan Sqaure. Will I go back? MAYBE. If I happen to stumble in a cab one hazy night and the cabby just happens to drop me off in front by chance..I'd go in for a drink..or use their restroom and split to Dos Amigos...(the real treasure on Milwaukee). read more

The Whistler has been making a lot of noise and is all over the press. I finally decided to check it out on a Friday night. We arrived and waited in line for roughly 15 minutes. The weather was tolerable enough that the patio was open which helped clear some space. Paul McGee was manning the bar and the cocktails were excellent. I welcome the $8 price tag compared with Violet Hour. In the time I have followed the Whistler I have noticed menu changes (which I welcome), I love trying new drinks. My biggest complaint is more about the patrons than the service. The art of mixing each drink amounts to more time than pouring a beer. I am sick of yahoos elbowing me in the back to jockey for position. People FREAK out about being served next. Paul did a good job about serving everyone in a timely fashion. In the meantime, people need to be PATIENT. Being a Friday night, there was a DJ playing. I thought the music was a little too loud to hold a conversation, but not outrageous. Each night offers something different from live music to DJs, so I'll need to expand my review after more visits. In conclusion, the drinks are excellent, the rest of the bar is just....an average bar. It's great that the place isn't over crowded and packed, but the lay out of the bar and tables is kinda funky. I guarantee I'll be back and enjoy it, but I'm not going to over hype anything. read more

I'm sad to report I had my worst trip to the Whistler last night. They appear to have a stricter door policy now and we were forced to wait outside for 20 minutes at 9:30. When we walked in, the place was 2/3 as full as it usually is, so it seems they're trying to decrease the head count. Or artificially give it the appearance of being popular, which is a bad idea since they lost 8-10 customers while I was waiting. Either way, the door man was kind of a dick, which gave us a bad taste before we even set foot in the bar. The drink menu has changed. There are some more challenging cocktails on the menu now like the one with malort and mezcal that I ordered and a black manhattan that my friend ordered. Both were completely out of balance and unpleasant. Our group also ordered a hemingway daiquiri that tasted mostly of soda water. To top it off, many of the cocktails now cost 10 dollars, up from the standard 8 dollar drinks I've been ordered at the Whistler for years. It's probably too soon to sound a down hill alert. The new team is still figuring things out. But I can say that the change since Paul McGee's departure is noticeable and Whistler will not be the same bar it's been under his leadership. read more

There was a Jazz Combo playing. Let this set the tone of the Whistler. I've passed by it too many times with friends heading over to the Owl, "It's expensive but so good!" the usual decree. Amassing the curiosity aside, it was time for a vacation to a place that can mix for your money. They succeed in so many places. First, the decor is something out of a speakeasy that was redone by HGTV: it has a dark intimacy that never leads on a sense of mystery. It's small, and because The Whistler is known for it's carefully crafted beverages, expect a wait for your cocktail. However, patience is a virtue, and a Tom Collins is a drink they bulls-eyed. It's small, not great for a out-going but great for a date, and wonderful for getting a little loaded. Eight dollars starting for a drink is always the detractor for The Whistler, fear not, your money is being well spent. Because they implore an influence toward the cocktail crowed: avoid mixed drinks, it's blasphemy. Stay for the music, come for the drinks, let there be dancing in the streets and necking in the parlor. read more

Jazz night wasnt too bad, the drinks however....I joined my sister for a night out on her birthday. She had the "Divorced Papers" which tasted like Malibu & pineapple. I had the "Cash for Gold" which stings ur throat a little bit because part of the ingredient is chiles. Yea & it was a bit strong alcohol wise which I didn't mind. The only thing I couldn't get used to was the chile taste & slight burn to the throat. No likey, next time I will try sumthin else. As for now, off to another bar! read more

The Whistler is a cute intimate setting for a show. I think the aesthetic still needs to be worked out. It'd be a very opportune setting to showcase more local (or global) art. And judging by a Tuesday night's crowd, the patrons would go for it. When I stepped in the Whistler back in November on a Friday, the music was erratic, the crowd seemed to be curious Bucktown commuters, and the atmosphere lacked a cohesive, chill vibe. Returning last night, it felt like the neighborhood has taken over the place. A band- the demons- had a record release. Their fans exuded a creative, relaxed quality with every pop of a $2 can of PBR. Just put more art on those walls. read more

Checked this place out after dinner on Saturday night. At 10PM it was not super crowded, but still there were few places to sit. They have church pews and tables set up at one end and luckily it wasn't long before one of those tables opened up. My husband described it as "Violet Hour without the pretense". While I rather enjoy Violet Hour's "one butt, one seat" policy of seating everyone, The Whistler was great for a quick drink in the neighborhood. Drinks were creative and plenty strong at $8. We'll be back! read more

I'm not much for whistlin', nor am I much for standing in lines like the one that seems to show up outside The Whistler between 10:30 and 11:45, but I do like this place. I liked the ambient music, the friendly bartender, and of course, the drinks. Oh, the drinks. Interesting and well crafted, and a fraction of the price of places such as the Violet Hour, or hotel bars with lesser drinks at even higher prices. I particularly enjoyed the Mamie Taylor, garnished with fresh rosemary, though I have to say, that drink is a bit TOO easy to drink... heh heh. It does get a bit crowded around those going out times, on those going out nights called weekends, and as the drinks are a little complicated it takes longer than it would for someone to throw you a cold one, but they got the job done without too much foot stomping impatience on my part. My companion jokingly called this place hipster hell, but he clearly missed out on the even scene-ier days of my misspent youth. Lucky him. The Kazooer, that would be a good name for a bar... read more

The Whistler is a fun place to meet friends for a couple inexpensive tasty drinks. Is it hipster? Yes. Loud music? Check! As good as The VH? Yes and no. Yes, the drinks are similar. Not as tasty as VH but damn less expensive. The atmosphere here is way more casual and more like a neighborhood bar but with hand crafted cocktails. No worries though, they still have the hipster standby of PBR. In a can. Good location, good drinks, decent atmosphere, nice on the wallet. read more

Came here with a group of friends on a Saturday night around 8:30-9. It's a pretty small space, with just one small bar and a handful of tables. They do have a larger outdoor section in the back but it was already full when we got there. Since the bar is really small, it can take a LONG time to get drinks. I think we got there at the wrong time because they seemed to be filling a million drink orders. It took probably 20-25 minutes to finally get drinks for the 5 of us. Since I had a long time to look at the menu I can say they have a really nice cocktail list! What really won me over, despite the long wait, was how reasonably priced everything was. Most of their drinks were $8-10, which is a great deal. I ordered the Mexican Summer, which was a fairly strong and spicy tequila based drink. Really good! We actually were able to snag a table upfront not long after getting our drinks. It's a pretty chill place to hang out before they get the live music/DJ going for the night. We left shortly after they got going for the night, but I have to say the music was great! read more

A week after returning from an epic vacation, my best mate and I were still nursing the back-to-reality blues. We decided the best remedy was to venture away from our usual and admittedly tired haunts and try something new. Since we had planned to check out the Remix Chicago fair, I yelped for some nearby bars and up popped The Whistler. What a great find! Here's why: -Very friendly and knowledgeable bartenders -No attitude affable patrons who, shockers, introduce themselves to you! -Very creative and delicious cocktails and an excellent beer selection All I ever need in a cocktail joint! Looking forward to my next visit soon. read more

I don't know how it took me so long to visit, but a friend's birthday party brought me to the Whistler and I can see it being my go-to bar. The Gin Gin Mule and the 21st Century were fantastic cocktails, and the bartenders were all super nice and helpful when it came to picking out my drinks. Good music, nice door guy, smooth lighting.... And when you're tired of delicious cocktails you can go across the street to the Two Way for ridiculously cheap beer and pool. read more

I met old friends here for drinks while visiting Chicago in April, and will definitely go back once I move to the area in a few months. We went early, at about 7:00pm, and found places to sit, a great soundtrack playing, and very helpful bartenders. Walking in, I was surprised at the small room, simplistic decor, and unassuming vibe. We were greeted immediately, and felt right at home. I had a lot of questions about local beers, and the specialty cocktails, and the bartenders took the time to tell me about the local brew scene in the city, and to suggest favorites based upon my tastes. My friends and I tried all of the cocktails on the menu that night, and were never disappointed. Each of us found a favorite, and none of us went broke experimenting for a couple of hours. Drinks were crafted with care and attention to subtleties even once the place filled up. I enjoyed watching the creative process, which included all of the guys behind the bar working together using various techniques for mixing, spraying, and sprinkling. It did take longer (about 15 minutes including waiting to order and waiting for drinks) to get drinks once the bar filled up for a live DJ show, but considering the complexity of the mixing process and attention to detail that went into each drink, the wait time was never a burden. We left once the DJ started up, and the place started to fill, as we were looking for conversation, not a dance party. The music was extremely loud with nowhere to retreat out of the crowd, but the crowd seemed amiable and diverse, despite some of the reviewers' complaints about the hipster crowd. The porch was closed that night. We also enjoyed bringing in food from the taqueria on the corner. Yum. Try the mole. For extra laughs, check out the window display at the photography studio next door. This in itself is worth heading to Logan Square for. read more

I ordered two winter cocktails here and they weren't very good, by any standards. The first was overpowered by the amount of tequila in it and the second was, essentially, a glass of bourbon. Not what one expects when they order a cocktail. A strong drink is one thing, a glass of liquor is something else... something for Texas oil tycoons to sip during their meetings with J.R. Ewing. However, I will say that the Whistler is a pleasant bar. A bit small, but not terribly obnoxious and I actually enjoyed the crowd control (though waiting in line anywhere in Logan Square is a bit absurd) as it kept the bar unstuffed with patrons. The service was nice and friendly, which seems to be a rare treat these days. I'll go back, but next time I'll stick to their beer and hot cider. read more

Drinks: Major league dope (everything, forever) Staff: Nice, dope Environment: Dope, good for dates (weeknight), good for party (weekend) Music: Excellent variety (live jazz, bands, djs, etc), very dope Bonus 1: Every second saturday of the month they host a party called Brasstax (hip-hop, r&b, 2000's party tracks) and it's the most fun. Spoiler: I'm one of the DJs that plays this event, but still... Bonus 2: The patio read more

This is a super hipster bar located in a super hipster area of Chicago (Logan Square). From the outside, if you are passing by and there isn't a line, you would not know that it is a bar. When we first arrived to this place during a bar hopping night out, I did not know why so many people were lining up outside the dimly lit door. The wait on Saturday night around midnight took around 20-30 to enter. Sadly, when we were go into the bar, the patio just closed so I did not get to check out the patio. The venue is quite small and it was very packed. There was a DJ playing very chill vibes, a good amount of songs from the oldies and 90s. The bar is famous for their whiskey, according to my friend who frequent here numerous times before. I am not a fan of whiskey so I passed on this. After a few drinks, my friends and I made our own little dance floor and danced the night away. There was a guy with a really cool antique looking camera and we had our picture taken by him (for a small fee of $5). It was a huge polaroid picture and very nice quality. We gave the polaroid to our buddy that is moving away as a parting gift and it was a great place to end the night. I don't think I would come back just because it is such a long line for a small venue. It's more of a one time thing for me. read more

So why is there some long line in front of a nondescript door on Milwaukee Avenue? The Whistler, that's why! For me, the Whistler is pretty much the ideal hangout. Inexpensive, delicious cocktails, extensive beer list, live music/DJ almost every night of the week, patio seating in the back, and a friendly staff. Because this place is seriously AWESOME, it's really popular, and its small space becomes very crowed. Good luck finding a place to sit, let alone stand with your personal bubble intact. Remember, patience is a virtue at the bar. That being said, the Whistler is always a fun time! read more

Nice, chill place with a great vibe and some awesome cocktails at reasonable prices. Went here with some friends on a Saturday night. We ordered a few drinks, and I enjoyed all of them but the one I liked the most was the 'Delhi Cooler.' This was a super refreshing drink with a very unique flavor to it - it may not be on the menu, so definitely be sure to ask for it. The environment is chill and there's a patio outside for those nice summer days/nights. Definitely a great spot to hang with some friends in a relaxing atmosphere. read more

It's a good thing I love beards, because this place was sportin' more of em than an Abe Lincoln convention. The cocktails were aces. The only reason I don't say "extreme awesome" is because it's pretty small. I can't imagine seeing a band play here. read more

I was brought to the Whistler to see a friend of mine play in a Duo - violin & guitar. I'd seen & walked by this place hundreds of times but never went in. Let me tell you I was a fool for not going in before this. The bar is small, but great fancy fun drinks at very reasonable prices. They offer a great beer selection to fancy cocktails - some with whiskey while others were made with egg whites and fancy liquors. The seating arrangement isn't the best, but overall the atmosphere is comfortable. I'm very happy to see this bar in the Logan Square neighborhood. It was a great place for the duo and I hope to see them play again real soon. Be where, it does get crowded in here. When I left at 11pm on a weekday there was a line to get in. read more

I don't know if the staff behind the bar were just all having a collectively bad night, but I thought it was customary to save your shitty attitude for busy nights and/or belligerent customers. Perhaps the guilt of contributing to further Chicago neighborhood gentrification was weighing heavily on their minds, but Jesus! I think our money would have been better spent at the portrait studio next door - their ability to fit multiple poses, in front of a waterfall with a butterfly, into one photo is worth more than the somewhat off-tasting tequila "cocktail" I ordered here. Listen, I can appreciate creativity. And I can appreciate that these are good drinks (aside from my ordering mistake, the rest of my friends' drinks were really great) for less dollars than they would be anywhere else. But I still spent like $20 on two drinks (including tip) and I'd love it if someone on the staff could just make even the most minimal attempt at charm. Hmm? In fact, everyone in the entire bar seemed pretty pissed off about something. I get it Chicago! We feel inferior to other allegedly hipper cities. But that doesn't mean we can't have a good time while trying to pretend we live in New York! Or that we can't have a little more seating in our bars, or perhaps move our candles away from hair-height. No wonder the indie rock girls in Chicago have cropped their locks - the Whistler is trying to burn their heads off! read more

This place is dope. Bomb drinks, cozy atmosphere, chill little patio out back, and it's all complimented by a limited crowd. I've been here a few times to watch a couple buddies mix (shout out to the Brasstax crew) and it's always a good vibe. They mixologists switch up their cocktails regularly and always experiment with flavors to complement the mood of the month or season. The drinks are works of art and make the trek to logan square worth it alone. I love this place so much that I've added it to my "Chicago List" that I pass along to friends whenever they visit this awesome city. If you're reading this now, cancel your happy-hour or friday/saturday night plans and get to the Whistler you won't be disappointed. read more

Had a great time on a Sunday night had a great dj drinks were amazing this was my first time here and i will definitely come back

Sucks, and i mean sucks. fancy 2-cent pretentious logan square POS new age bar cocktails are trying too hard, ambiance sucks, crowd is hipster college assholes. music is loud and shitty, space is cramped. You couldn't pay me to hang out there. read more

A very eclectic place and interesting menu. Self-service, short on space, and dark and noisy. I don't see the Violet Hour comparison but it was a fun one-time neighborhood place.. read more

Prior my first visit to the Whistler, I had that one of the mixologists was experimenting with malört. That was what forced me to finally venture over to Logan Square and into their doors. The doorman was kind enough to open the door by pushing the paralyzed persons' button, reminding me of my college days. At every chance I could, I would press those buttons with my feet. Why fewer people don't utilize that button is something that I'm unsure of. At $8 per cocktail, one could think that it seems a bit pricy. I, on the other hand, loved what I was getting. The bartenders were extremely friendly and attentive. Perhaps it was the fact that I was exclusively drinking malört-based, experimental beverages, inspiring them to test their creativity. Some of the concoctions were more balanced than others, but it was a great time for all. My saturday night was a complete success. read more

Drinks: 5 stars +++ Last night I had a sidecar, a gin-gin mule, and a couple of Royal County Downs. In times past i've had rosemary collins, sidecar, and other things I can't remember. The drinks are expertly prepared and beautifully presented - and they JUST TASTE SO DAMNED GOOD. The Royal County Down is probably the very best cocktail I have ever tasted. A downright treat! Atmosphere: 3 stars It's loud and crowded and thick with hipsters. This is all fine and good, but for drinking these kind of impossibly good cocktails I would prefer to be able to hold conversation more easily. Everybody is complaining about waiting but I seriously don't understand. It's NOT a fast food restaurant, you impatient buffoons! Overall, it's a DON'T MISS spot if you're interested in the tasty. read more

Where else in Chicago can you find $6 cocktails? The answer is probably nowhere. I stopped by with a large group when visiting Chicago, on a friend's recommendation. This is definitely one of the best places you can go for delicious drinks. The cocktail menu is always changing -- I tried the wildcat which was really good although I don't remember what was in it, and it's no longer on the menu anymore. Between all of the drinks that our group ordered, I tried pretty much all of the cocktails on the menu from that night. There was a milk-based one that I really digged, and a curry-based one that was the strangest thing, but I like it when they keep it interesting. Service was not my fave, hence minus a star. We waited a really long time to get our drink orders in, and an even longer time before another bartender asked for our orders again and finally began to make the drinks. But it was majorly crowded, so understandable. One other thing is that the vibe is very hipster. Like incredibly hipster. If you're not hipster and you come with a friend who isn't hipster, you may still be able to blend in with the group. Unfortunately, I came with a group of 7 people all of whom were not hipster, and I pretty much felt like we were infiltrating the hipster party. T'was a strange but interesting experience. read more

Yay! I like this place a lot. It's a small space with one bar. Hip hop music. Really good music! Hipsters all around. Nobody really dances which is unfortunate because the music is so good! Really good cocktails for 8 bucks. No cover. Gets pretty crowded by 11:30pm. read more

I'm apparently on a roll with 3 star reviews lately, but again, despite being in a celebratory mood (the hubby's birthday) and having fabulous company, I just didn't love the place. My drinks were tasty and the 3 hours or so we spent here cost us way less than equivalent time would have at Violet Hour, but I just wasn't wowed. I think I can't NOT compare it to VH, since it's always touted as the cheaper Violet Hour (poor man's Violet Hour?) and in that respect, it falls flat. On it's own, well it's nice. It's fine. It's okay. But it's nowhere near my normal stomping grounds and I just wouldn't feel compelled to go out of my way to come back. So for that, it's a 3-star place for me. read more

We ended up here on a Sunday evening before a show at Logan Square Auditorium. I wish it were closer to our apartment, because it's one of my new favorites! The interior is beautiful, and pretty classy, but it really maintains a laidback vibe. The bartenders were friendly, soft spoken, and mixed THE BEST cocktail I've ever had: The Bramble: Gin, Blackberry Liqueur, and Fresh Lemon... yum! $8, but worth a lot more. They had a stage set up for live music, but we didn't stay to listen. The smooth wooden streamlined bar was the best part about the place. Dimly lit, made me want to curl up and spend the night. Will return! read more