4 bars on our radar for summer 2016

After opening GreenRiver last September, the group behind New York City’s Dead Rabbit Grocery and Grog has given Chicago a more intimate venue next door. Head bartender Julia Momose created a menu much shorter than GreenRiver’s, with 12 seasonal flower-focused cocktails (the new menu starts mid-June). Those flowers form the bases of cocktails like the refreshing Wild Maquis, concentrated on lavender with slightly savory mescal, Cocchi Americano and Herbes de Provence. GreenRiver’s Aaron Lirette is behind the small food menu, with dishes like oysters, pork pâté and olives. 

In the bar space next to Johnny’s Grill, you’ll now find Mezcaleria Las Flores. Owner and beverage director Jay Schroeder presents each of the cocktails here in fun glasses—one even comes in a bowl. At $10 a pop, it’s easy to throw back a few of Schroeder’s concoctions, like the refreshing Magnetic Pole Reversal with sotol, cucumber, lime and basil. Don’t miss the expansive back-bar menu, with pours of agave spirits served with lemon and spices. And being next door to Johnny’s has its perks—you can order from the neighbor’s kitchen for snacks or dinner.