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Bloody Mary at Au Cheval
Photograph: Kari Skaflen

The 11 best Bloody Marys in Chicago

From easy drinking Bloody Marys to some that are hearty enough to pass as a meal, Chicago's Bloody Mary game is strong

Written by
Elizabeth Atkinson
,
Clayton Guse
&
Kris Vire
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Chicago kicks ass when it comes to Bloody Marys—clearly, because we're also stellar at brunch. Whether you're looking for a light cocktail to help slowly cure your hangover alongside a cup of coffee or need a loaded Bloody Mary that could practically function as its own dinner to go with a side of fries, Chicago's got you covered. 

RECOMMENDED: Our guide to cocktails in Chicago

  • Bars
  • Lounges
  • Logan Square
  • price 2 of 4

Gin lovers, rejoice—this spicy twist on a classic takes a Bloody Mary and substitutes the vodka for gin. It's topped with a cornichon, cheddar and sausage for a mid-drink snack. Careful with this one though, it packs the heat. $8.Elizabeth Atkinson

Bloodies at Twisted Spoke
  • Bars
  • Pubs
  • River West/West Town
  • price 1 of 4

Twisted Spoke serves up a Bloody Mary for just about anyone. They're all $9, and they range in both liquor and garnish. We're fans of the Road Rash Mary; the Classic with vodka, salami, olive, pearl onion and parmesan cheese; and the Bloody Queen with gin, lime, green onion, celery and shrimp. $9. —EA

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  • Restaurants
  • Contemporary American
  • Loop
  • price 3 of 4

Unlike Scofflaw's Red Snapper, this one goes light on the spice and keeps the twist on the classic easy to drink. But don't worry—it's still packed with flavor. Instead of being a spice bomb you'll want to slowly sip, you can suck down two or three of these ginny drinks with ease. $11. —EA

Bloody Mary at Band of Bohemia
  • Bars
  • Breweries
  • Lincoln Square
  • price 2 of 4

This spicy take on a Bloody Mary is the perfect wake-up call. It's made with tequila and comes packed with flavor and spice—thick but not too thick. It has the perfect consistency for a spicy Bloody Mary. $12. EA

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  • Restaurants
  • Mexican
  • Wicker Park
  • price 2 of 4

Another spicy one to add to the list, the Bloody Maria at Dove's Luncheonette is made with Hacienda Reposado and comes with a Pacifico beer back, which you'll definitely need because this cocktail is filled with smoked black pepper and house-made hellfire bitters. It's a spicy yet delicious Bloody Maria. $10. —EA

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  • Bars
  • Sports Bars
  • Old Town
  • price 1 of 4

The Bloody Mary is fantastic and a meal unto itself—it's made with Grey Goose and topped with basically a whole charcuterie plate: thick wedges of salami and smoked cheddar, a giant pepper stuffed with prosciutto and provolone and a pickled pod of okra. $12. —Kris Vire

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  • Restaurants
  • Contemporary American
  • West Loop
  • price 2 of 4

Who says burgers are just for lunch or dinner? Grab a brunch burger and sip on this peppery Bloody Mary, topped with peppers, olives and a celery spear. It's got a salt-rim garnish to enhance the savory taste of the V8 tomato juice. $10. —EA

  • Restaurants
  • Gastropubs
  • Lower West Side
  • price 1 of 4

Much like its name, Pl-zen takes a lot of the elements in its surrounding neighborhood and gives it a unique spin. The Bloody Mary at the 18th Street spot is no different. You can choose between a bacon-infused vodka and a Serrano-infused tequila, both of which are complemented by Pl-zen’s house-made mix. The drink is only available during weekend brunch and contains everything you need to kick your weekend hangover to the curb. $7. —Clayton Guse

How to make a Bloody Mary

How to make a Bloody Mary
  • Bars

It's unclear where the tomato-juice–based sipper first originated, but perhaps one of the strongest claims comes from the King Cole Bar at the St. Regis Hotel

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