T H E S T O R Y We found this place using Yelp and were there for a pre-dinner cocktail. T H E G O O D The Volume 39 Old Fashioned was amazing! T H E B A D - Expensive. The Old Fashioned was amazing, but I have a hard time spending $35/cocktail more than once. - The food menu leaves much to be desired. T H E S T A R S - I couldn't give 5 stars because of how pricey the menu was. read more

Great drinks (the old fashioned was one of the best I've had) and top level service. The ambiance was of an old library, with bookshelves and leather chairs - very cool. We had a party of 11 for happy hour and they were able to accommodate. Be aware they do add 30% gratuity to your bill for large parties. read more

Great yelp find. My family and I found Vol. 39 on Yelp late Thursday night after an event at the Union League Club. Wow, what a find this was. As we stepped into the wine bar I felt as though I was entering a "Great Gatsby-esque" setting with a more modern and diverse wine list. We had a great bottle of sparking Italian wine while enjoyed conversation amongst one another in a ambient but chill environment that bodes very well for conversing. We also enjoyed a fantastic cheeseboard and roasted nuts that I would say are an absolute must. Pro Tip - this is a great place to hit for a night cap after seeing a play in the theatre district. read more

Update your google listing! Closes at 8 on Tuesday , listing says otherwise. Too bad! Beautiful look

Came here for a pre-theater drink and snack with my wife a few months ago. What a lovely spot. The towering bookshelves, candle-lit tables, communal couches... The atmosphere teetered with that lovely library feel. We started with a bottle of rose and moved into some oysters, a cheese plate and fondue. Everything was delicious. If you're looking for a slightly swanky after-work bar, Vol. 39 will tick all your boxes. read more

Very beautiful atmosphere! The waiter we had was great and very efficient. We had the French onion fondue with a variety of fruits, veggies, and crackers to dip. I would give a 5 stars, but the drinks were expensive and WAY too strong. I like a good strong drink and it makes the price a little more worth it, but it wasn't really even drinkable. read more

Vol. 39 - Wine Bars Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

I stayed at the hotel & met some friends there for drinks. I loved the atmosphere, drinks, and service. I didn't catch our server's name but she has purple glasses. She had wonderful suggestions. She made our experience there awesome. I will definitely come back to try the caviar next time. read more

Holy Moly!!! This place is a hidden gem! Craft cocktail lovers - go. Now. Don't hesitate. Run if you have to. I had the exquisite experience of Meredith guiding me along a mind-blowing beverage extravaganza. I don't mean to gush. I am a self proclaimed craft cocktail aficionado. I judge harshly. So a 5 star rating from me is well earned. I had the Canary Trap, which was a refreshing delight. A perfect way to start the journey. It came with yellow chartreuse "caviar " Meredith encouraged me to try them separately and then combine. This was not simply an over indulging mixologist circle jerk - there was legitimate purpose. I truly tasted each individual experience and it was multiplied once combined. A+ Next was another Meredith creation. The Franciscan Stone Fizz. Amazing. How was this drink able to top the last!?! Whiskey based (I won't spoil the recipe here), with egg white and creative syrups. Many craft cocktails are "interesting". Many are creative. It's rare when you look at a menu and the description blows your mind, and the experience surpasses. Count this as one of them. (Good) Craft cocktails usually have elements that complement. This one surpasses that to the level of seamless. I had a hard time mentally debating savoring vs devouring. It was as delicious as any dessert I've had, and as satisfying as any entree. Last was gifted to me, an original not on the menu. Meredith again (somehow) surpassed expectations and I enjoyed a bright "citrusy" drink containing zero citrus. Light, surprisingly refreshing and delicious. The perfect conclusion to my beverage nirvana. Meredith thank you. Vol 39 thank you. Go get your mind blown like I did. read more

I've been to this establishment one time and they had a great impression on me. Excitingly anticipating another visit.

Not only is this place in a gorgeous IHG hotel, The Kimpton Gray, it has excellent customer service and a happy wine hour. Yes please. read more

Vol. 39 - Crown Royal Manhattan (up) with the "Large Rock" ice cube. - Wine Bars Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

See all

Upon arrival, we informed the hostess that we had only intended on having a drink. The hostess placed us at a table in the middle of the venue. It was beautiful. The music was tasteful, the ambiance was very pleasing, business casual dress. Vol 39 was not yet busy, with maybe 4 other couples already seated and dining. After being seated for greater than 10 minutes, and watching wait staff walk past 8 separate times, we got up and left. We will not be back and will be steering all of our family and friends away from this venue. read more

The place look like an old library and had a really cool vibe, but the service was overwhelmed by the number of people in the room and the menu was a bit overpriced, but in range for the loop. read more

This is my first review in a long, long time... I loved this place so much, I had to write a review. The location was not ideal but that was ok, it was a nice change. I walked in and went up the beautiful white marble staircase. I walked in the door and was greeted by a door person who helped me find my table (we had reserved one in advance). When I sat down, I was given a glass of champagne - nice touch. I wish everyone brought me champagne when I walked into the room, any room. I ordered The Chicago Cocktail and a Gibson, both were fantastic and reasonably priced for a hotel bar. We also had snacks, deviled eggs and beef jerky. The beef jerky was inexplicably tasty - a perfect balance of sweet & spice, great texture too. The best part of this place is the ambiance. It feels sophisticated and it delivers on that promise with service. Our server was exceptional. I wish I could remember this fella's name (maybe David?), he was young and eager yet his level of service and passion extended well beyond his years. If you like fancy & if you like old-school, this place is for you. The crowd was great too, I think the location helps deter the "bottled blonde" girls and boys. read more

Such a lovely cocktail bar. Dark, classy, and intimate. We came here for a few drinks before our dinner reservations and enjoyed our time here. Yes it is a bit upscale and expensive but so worth it. I don't mind paying a little extra for a cocktail that is made right. And our drinks were fantastic! We had the Royal Bermuda Yacht Club (rum based) and Sherry Cobler (sherry and vodka based). The live jazz music was great too. I would suggest sitting away from the live music as it gets pretty loud. We made the mistake of sitting too close to the band. read more

Vol. 39 - Deliciously crafted cocktails - Wine Bars Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

Vol.39 is an incredibly sexy bar with a great cocktail list. Great intimate atmosphere. Dark decor. Plus. it's quiet. I really want to live here. Are the drinks expensive? Yeah, if you're poor. No $2 PBR aqui. I digress, sorry. Please don't tell anyone about this amazing place. read more

Brought a date here and I was excited to check the place out because I heard great things, and I'd say both my date and I were marginally impressed. The waiters were friendly, but the drinks were one in the same. Both of our drinks were supposed to be unique in flavor, however we both felt that they were just differently over-saturated vodka sodas. If you're wanting a charming date spot with equally tasty drinks, I'd say there are definitely better spots in town. The one thing I will say this place has going for it is its atmosphere - it's romantic and intimate. However, it's not worth the hype, in my opinion. read more

Vol. 39 - Wine Bars Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

See all

This is an awesome retro space for a after dinner drink. Nice romantic nooks or a space for community interaction. Inside the beautiful Kimpton - on the 2nd floor. Went there twice for a night cap and once for dinner. Say hello to Meredith she is a beautiful person with an awesome smile. read more

My boyfriend and I stopped in here Saturday night to duck out of the rain after dinner. The decor is absolutely gorgeous. Very chic. Great relaxing place to grab a drink. We were shocked how dead it was at 8:30. When we walked in we assumed the place had been rented out for a private event that hadn't begun yet. Everyone else's loss because we enjoyed ourselves immensely. The bartender, Daniel, was great. Friendly and made a delicious gin gimlet. My boyfriend got the Mister and Mrs Collins. He also enjoyed his drink. I loved the navy lacquer paint and gold accents. The room was set up with lots of little sofas and sitting areas. Next time we're in Chicago, we will have to go back! read more

I recently paid Vol. 39 a visit with a few of my friends. This place has a wonderfully diverse menu with plenty of cocktails, wines, and spirits from which to choose. The food was decent and reasonably priced. I would avoid the chips as they tasted like deep fried Ruffles, but the Pigs in a Blanket were cute and delicious! The caviar was good, although the toasts that came with it were oddly sized and tasted too much like wheat. Otherwise, this spot was a pleasant 3-hour experience. Would go back again! read more

We came here before seeing Hamilton at Private Bank Theatre. Great place to grab a few cocktails before or after the show or if you're just looking for a nice night out. Cool vibe/atmosphere and great live music. All our cocktails were fantastic as was the service. We tried 3 different drinks, but the rotating punch was our favorite. We were just in town for the weekend and we were only able to hit a few spots, but this one definitely didn't disappoint. A must-stop if you're in the area! read more

Really nice bar in Chicago. Small and quaint. Fills up really quickly around 5pm with low lights and jazz (some nights). Drinks are outstanding. Had the negroni and it didn't disappoint. Not a lot of room if you don't have a reservation... if you're trying to walk in... don't go here. Plan ahead. If you're wearing business casual to formal you'll fit in fine. read more

Vol. 39 - Wine Bars Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

See all

Great drinks menu. No food anymore. Very scene-y and suit-y, good spot for business drinks downtown.

Tried their new fall/winter menu. Best cocktail ever - the Canary Trap(gin). Gorgeous atmosphere, great presentation and personable service. Our server Meredith was genuinely nice and chatted with us the perfect amount. She also invented the cocktail I ordered. Awesome! Will definitely go back! read more

Vol. 39 - Wine Bars Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

Ended up here with a date on a autumn, Monday night. Very cozy and we loved the fact that they have no TVs! Drink list was good as was the company. We sipped on wine. read more

We went to Vol 39 after work as a group of scattered colleagues wanting an interesting place. It was a great place. A tiny bit hard to find but worth the effort. Very comfortable couches. Service was good. Specialty drinks were very enjoyable. We had a cheese tray and charcuterie tray. Both were really good. Very good wine and bourbon selection as well. read more

I came here recently while attending a wedding at the hotel. Vol 39 is a really cool bar on it's own so don't avoid it simply because it's a "hotel bar". The drinks were really unique and they had an extensive wine list along with some small plates. I'll definitely make a mental note and come back here! read more

A nice and romantic atmosphere with sort of pretentious staff. Great place for intimate conversations, if you can get the seat you want.

The sour was good. Overall drinks were overpriced and service was snooty. Go to Green River.

I went here for a private event and it's super cozy. I almost felt like I was sitting in a friends stylish living room. Our bartender was great and the cocktails were awesome. :) read more

Fantastic drinks!! And staff! The foie and croissants was delicious. But not a wine bar..... Yelp - change that!

So I dont remember anything...but when I saw the bill...I must have had a good time. Usually I dont go beyond one or two drinks... funny how the drinks cost more than my dinner but on with good crowd and good conversation. Very worth.oh I do remember all them books and the bartender climbing the bar to reach for a bottle in the top shelf. read more

Amazing service and scrumptious drinks. Swanky and speak easy vibe! Wonderful experience.

If this lounge doesn't scream classy Chicago with a side of vintage, I don't know what does. With its walls lined with beautifully bonded faux volumes of books, the upscale decor and the drink menu consisting of classic cocktails and a wide variety of whiskeys and bourbons, its a perfect spot to meet with friends, whether you're staying at the adjoining Kimpton Gray Hotel or not. The staff is incredibly professional and boy, do their bartenders know how to make a phenomenal old fashioned. I would definitely recommend Vol. 39 as a great happy hour option or even a classy/romantic place for a first date. Although they have a full bar, it is definitely catered to those who enjoy their darker liquors so if you're looking for a large selection of mixed cocktails or anything blended, look elsewhere. On the other hand, each bar has its niche and Vol. 39 has definitely mastered their craft. read more

This cocktail and small plates bar recently opened in the Kimpton Gray hotel. They have a terrific selection of cocktails. The series of varied old fashioned in particular are great. Get the Scotch or Brandy one. I didn't try the food, but they also have caviar service if you're feeling adventurous. The staff here is what really shines. The bartenders and manager behind the small bar work their ass off and it shows. This is a terrific and cool looking space to come before or after dinner. read more

Everything about Volume 39 is sublime. The library setting, the smooth background music, the fresh food presentation, and of course the always divine (and mega sublime) Meredith. Having met Meredith several years ago when she brought the bar to life at a now defunct place in the Andersonville area, I make it a point to stop in, say "Hey," and have a drink because I know Meredith will concoct something unique and refreshing. Every time. Thanks for being a friend and the coolest bartender in the world. (Seriously....the whole world!!) Note: the other folks working at Volume 39 are also lovely! read more

Great bar on the second floor of the amazing Kimpton Gray hotel. Really cool "library" vibe. Good drinks, wonderful selection of whiskeys, and cool bartenders. Atmosphere is somewhat quiet but 'classy' without being too formal. They have a decent list of wines and bubblies, if you're into it - and some sofas for relaxing. Good spot! read more

Love, love the art deco style, the loungey furniture and the dramatic soaring windows. Alongside the wall of encyclopedias, the ambiance of this place definitely gets 5 stars. You aren't able to make reservations, nor did I see a hostess upon entry. So it's a little bit of hand-to-hand combat trying to get seating. Fortunately, if you flag one of the servers down they have a good pulse on when things will be opening up and will help facilitate. Slightly awkward until then especially if the bar is full, you just kind of *float* Overall, fantastic drinks and ambiance, good for small groups. Will return! read more

Drinks were good service was poor waiter saw us once didn't even realize another waiter took our check. Also would not suggest the crab dip

Great atmosphere and great service. Beverage list is one of the best in the loop (along with Steadfast )

Bomb ass spot. Ruben the bartender welcomed us in. Withing 5 min we realized the service was better than most. Did the martini sampler. Read some law books. Overlooks the business district. Great vibe. Good spot read more