The 18 best cocktail bars in Chicago

What is it? A “Japanese dining bar” that serves creative snacks and a cocktail omakase in the West Loop.

Why we love it: When a regular ol’ G&T simply won’t do, mixology maven Julia Momose is waiting with splurge-worthy concoctions at Kumiko. Arranged from bright and light to spirituous closers, the drinks here are chock-full of ingredients that reflect Momose’s Japanese heritage, including rice vodka, saké vermouth and umé. The environs are equally intimate, with a bar that offers a peek into the kitchen. Walk-ins are always welcome, but space at Kumiko is limited, so you may want to lock down a reservation before your visit.

Time Out tip: Sake and shochu cocktails and low- or no-proof sips headline Julia Momose’s imaginative menu, but we love asking for a recommendation on sake, which harmonizes beautifully with the refined, umami-rich fare.

Address: 630 W Lake St, Chicago, IL 60661

Opening hours: Wed, Thu, Sun 5:30-11:15pm; Fri, Sat 5:30-11:30pm

What is it? A dimly lit cocktail haven offering inventive cocktails and Midwestern hospitality in Logan Square.

Why we love it: The team behind Logan Square spots Union and Lardon also operates this intimate and swanky cocktail bar. Housed in the same century-old building as the other two concepts, The Meadowlark provides guests with a cozy den to hang out in—complete with low lighting, comfy leather couches and book-lined shelves. The rotating drinks are all named after childhood activities, birds and World’s Fair attractions, and there’s also an accompanying menu of small bites. Seating is limited, so get there early to snag a spot.

Time Out tip: The bar bites are not to be missed. We recommend the fries, which feature a kimchi spice and ssamjang aioli.

Address: 2812 W Palmer St, Chicago, IL 60647

Opening hours: Daily 5pm-1am

What is it? The Kimpton Gray's cocktail lounge.

Why we love it: Vol. 39 boasts a library-like feel with shelves of books and leather chairs in a modern setting. Sit back and relax with a house old-fashioned, made with your choice of bourbon, tequila, mezcal or rum, or a drink from the well-rounded non-alcoholic menu.

Time Out tip: Hungry? Order the wagyu smash burger to soak up the booze.

Address: 39 S LaSalle St, Chicago, IL 60603

Opening hours: Mon-Sat 4-10pm

What is it? A self-proclaimed “Asian-ish” cocktail bar inside Chinatown’s Moon Palace Express.

Why we love it: Chinatown is home to an incredible assortment of restaurants but until 2022, a cocktail bar was missing from the equation. Nine Bar owners Lily Wang and Joe Briglio have given the neighborhood a drinking oasis with this moody, Blade Runner-esque lounge hidden away in the back of Moon Palace Express. Drop in for Asian-inspired old fashioneds, a classic Mai Tai (enhanced with almond cookie orgeat syrup) and potent concoctions like the Paradise Lost, made with mango brandy, cachaça, ube, pineapple and Thai coconut milk.

Time Out tip: A lineup of Asian-inspired plates and sandwiches complements the cocktails, meaning there's no reason to leave. Order the cold sesame noodles for a spicy bite that doesn’t overwhelm. But no matter what, make sure to get the McKatsu, a fried pork sando packed with flavor.

Address: 216 W Cermak Rd, Chicago, IL 60616

Opening hours: Mon, Wed, Thu, Sun 5pm-midnight; Fri, Sat 5pm-1am

What is it? A modern cocktail lounge by The Alinea Group.

Why we love it: When Grant Achatz does a cocktail bar, it should go without saying that it's no ordinary cocktail bar. At the Aviary, which opened next door to Next in 2011, cocktails receive the same innovative treatment as the food at Next or Alinea. This James Beard Award-winning lounge also offers seasonal five- and seven-course food and cocktail tasting experiences, as well as a customizable three-course cocktail progression. Even if you're just dropping in for drinks, you should expect cocktails like the Partridge, an artful arrangement featuring bourbon, spiced pear, Douglas fir and mint, all accompanied by a chrome bird gently perched atop. You've never seen a drink like it, and given how rare a visit to the Aviary is, you may never again.

Time Out tip: You'll need a reservation (accompanied by a deposit, which is applied to your bill) to enjoy one of the distinct experiences at The Aviary.

Address: 955 W Fulton Market, Chicago, IL 60607

Opening hours: Tue-Thu 5-11pm; Fri 5pm-1am; Sun 4:30pm-1am

What is it? A gin-focused bar from veterans of the Whistler and Boiler Room.

Why we love it: If gin is your liquor of choice, you've come to the right place. This swanky but understated cocktail bar specializes in the clear booze and offers a seasonally rotating lineup of beautiful gin sippers (which are all lovingly illustrated on the menu). The bar team doesn't discriminate: They also use tequila, rum, mezcal, sake and other spirits to craft their beverages.

Time Out tip: The gin bar brings out huge baking sheets of chocolate chip cookies to distribute among guests at precisely midnight, a treat that always pairs well with whatever cocktail you happen to have in your hand.

Address: 3201 W Armitage Ave, Chicago, IL 60647

Opening hours: Mon-Thu 5pm-1am; Fri, Sat 3pm-2am; Sun 3pm-1am

What is it? The debut bar concept from Katie Renshaw, 2019 U.S. Bartender of the Year.

Why we love it: At Bar Bambi, the drinks are as dreamy as the space itself. The 50-seat bar, which is anchored by a glass-block bar and a massive, squiggly neon light fixture above, is a dream-like space accented by floating orbs of light, vintage furnishings and cheeky art. Renshaw's mixology chops shine through on the cocktail menu, which features sips like the sweet Miss Scarlet (gin, Apóls Ease, lavender, cola spices, lemon, tonka bean and Campari-raspberry sorbet), the balanced Nightshirt (St.-Germain, Seedlip Garden, chamomile, lime, Perrier and clarified coconut yogurt, and the mellow Sanzaru (Rey Campeto, Espadin mezcal, bianco vermouth, mango, amazake and lime). 

Time Out tip: Come hungry. While the drinks are the stars of the show here, the food, courtesy of chef Nicklus Byrns (Elske), is too good not to try.

Address: 1703 W Chicago Ave, Chicago, IL 60622

Opening hours: Mon, Thu, Sun 5-11pm; Fri, Sat 5pm-midnight

What is it? Equal parts casual watering hole and refined cocktail destination, with laid-back digs and an outdoor patio.

Why we love it: Brothers Chris and Calvin Marty bought the old Marble Bar and reopened it as Best Intentions. The dive bar charm remains, although the bar is a little sleeker and the drinks are much better. The Armitage Avenue watering hole is a self-proclaimed “fancy cocktail bar” that serves up balanced drinks and elevated snacks. 

Time Out tip: Settle into a table on the big back patio with a group of pals for minty Wondermint Malted shakes and a “baker’s dozen” of griddled cheeseburgers with hand-cut fries and house-made, curry-laced Joppiesaus.

Address: 3281 W Armitage Ave, Chicago, IL 60647

Opening hours: Tue-Fri 5pm-2am; Sat 11am-3pm; Sun 11am-2am

What is it? A handsome Logan Square pub with high-end but approachable cocktails.

Why we love it: The self-proclaimed original amaro bar of Chicago, Billy Sunday turns out creations that both pay homage to and defy tradition—often simultaneously. Most drinks will run you around $14-$18, but the top-shelf menu—in which drinks are concocted with vintage spirits and rarefied ingredients—goes as high as $35 a pop, if you feel like splurging.

Time Out tip: Though Billy Sunday is squarely a bar, the food is a worthy companion to the drinks: Snack on crispy pork chicharrones, French onion dip and puppy chow mixed with Chex Mix, peanut butter and dark chocolate.

Address: 3143 W Logan Blvd, Chicago, IL 60647

Opening hours: Mon, Tue 5-11pm; Wed, Thu 5pm-midnight; Fri, Sat 5pm-2am; Sun 5-10pm

What is it? A secret speakeasy tucked below The Aviary, with classically inspired cocktails and vintage spirits.

Why we love it: You won't soon forget an evening at the Office, a tiny, 21-seat speakeasy hidden below lauded cocktail bar the Aviary in the West Loop. There are several prepaid experiences on offer, from an a la carte “The Office Reservation” to a full-blown “The Office Tasting Menu” (pairing classic cocktails, barrel-aged spirits, or rare and vintage selections with elevated bites). But your best bet is to reserve one of four bar stools for “The Office Hour,” a 60-minute guided tasting that includes two bespoke cocktails per guest and food pairings (ideal for pre- or post-dinner tipples).

Time Out tip: Can’t decide on a drink? Opt for the Dealer’s Choice and let the expert bartenders craft a concoction tailored to your preferences.

Address: 955 W Fulton Market, Chicago, IL 60607

Opening hours: Tue-Thu 5pm-midnight; Fri 5pm-1am; Sat 4:30pm-1am

What is it? A “high-craft, low-key” lounge featuring ingredient-focused cocktails and small plates by Michelin-starred chef Curtis Duffy.

Why we love it: Ever, one of the most luxurious restaurants in Chicago, expanded its footprint in 2022 with the opening of an upscale cocktail bar right next door. Dubbed After, the chic and futuristic-looking lounge provides a place for Chicagoans to imbibe rare and vintage spirits plus expertly crafted mixed drinks. You’ll have plenty of high-end options to drop your money on, including Japanese whiskies, and scotch and Armagnac flights. And if you’d like some light bites to accompany the drinking, there are premium delicacies like a caviar flight.

Time Out tip: Unlike its fine-dining sibling, reservations aren’t required here—After bills itself as a “come-as-you-are bar” with walk-ins encouraged. (“No dress code, No VIP, No attitude,”  the team promises.) However, if you want to access the concept’s private rooms, The Sound Booth and The B-side, you'll need a res.

Address: 1338 W Fulton St, Chicago, IL 60607

Opening hours: Tue-Sat 5pm-midnight

What is it? A tiki bar located in the underbelly of River North.

Why we love it: It will take a few minutes for your eyes to adjust to the darkness of the underground space (no, really, it's very dark down there). The cavernous tiki bar is great for small groups, who would be wise to order a themed shared drink like the Sippopotamus (tequila, Venetian aperitivo, passionfruit, pineapple and lime), which is served in a smoking punch bowl from a hippopotamus' agape mouth, or the Treasure Chest, a literal chest of punch (rum, Perrier-Jouët brut Champagne, passionfruit, guava, lemon and tangerine), which will run you a cool $250. No matter what you order, oohing and aahing is guaranteed. 

Time Out tip: The drinks are, rightfully, expensive and sweet, so we recommend starting your night here with a shared drink and light bites before heading out on the town.

Address: 435 N Clark St, Chicago, IL 60654

Opening hours: Mon-Wed, Sun 4pm-midnight; Thu, Fri 4pm-1am; Sat 2pm-1am

What is it? A stylish bar inside The Hoxton offering craft cocktails and prohibition-chic decor.

Why we love it: This dimly lit, seriously sexy rathskeller beneath the Hoxton hotel is a great bet for those nights when you want to go somewhere where no one knows your name. (Seating is configured in a way that gives each party a sense of privacy, and don’t plan on checking your email or Instagram feed while you’re here—the subterranean space is graciously a black hole for cell service.) The deal is sweetened by a pièce de résistance of a cocktail menu that includes perfected standards. The Negroni, for instance, mimics the flavor of vintage Campari with a top-secret mixture of bitters, achieving an exquisitely balanced, time-traveling tipple. Whether you want something familiar or out of the ordinary, you'll find no shortage of options at Lazy Bird.

Time Out tip: There’s not a morsel of food on this boozy bar menu, so plan on grabbing a bite upstairs at Cira or Cabra, the hotel’s two in-house restaurants.

Address: 200 N Green St, Chicago, IL 60607

Opening hours: Mon, Tue, Thu, Sun 5pm-1am; Wed 10pm-1am; Fri, Sat 5pm-2am

What is it? A globe-trotting bar from the team behind Peruvian standout Tanta.

Why we love it: Take your taste buds on a world tour at Arbella, a chic, unpretentious River North cocktail bar where locally sourced ingredients like honey and kombucha are used to craft cocktails that focus on bright, bold flavors (lots of fruit, lots of spice). If you’re an old-fashioned lover, you absolutely need to come here for the Traveling Old Fashioned Menu. There’s a handy scale that informs you how strong each cocktail is, so you can wander out of your comfort zone without worry. The space also plays host to DJ sets most nights.

Time Out tip: Arbella isn’t only a place for a nightcap—the food is seriously good. You can, and should, have dinner while enjoying the cocktails. Just like the drinks, the dishes draw influences from all over. Our personal favorites are the Korean-style chicken tenders in a sweet-and-spicy glaze and the whipped feta dip.

Address: 112 W Grand Ave, Chicago, IL 60654

Opening hours: Mon 4pm-midnight; Tue-Fri 5pm-2am; Sat 5pm-3am; Sun 6pm-1am

What is it? A Prohibition-era bar under the Green Door Tavern.

Why we love it: The Drifter serves up a rotating selection of cocktails based on the tarot cards pulled each night. The space is a former speakeasy, and much of the original decor remains, and the live performances feel right at home amidst the vintage vibe.

Time Out tip: Your order depends on the tarot cards, so keep your fingers crossed for the velvety chocolate negroni or South American Mistress, a smooth blend of pisco, vermouth and Fernet, balanced with chocolate liqueur and blackstrap bitters. 

Address: 676-8 N Orleans St, Chicago, IL 60654

Opening hours: Wed-Fri 5pm-2am; Sat 5pm-3am

What is it? A bar/gallery/venue/record label in Logan Square.

Why we love it: From the outside, The Whistler looks like a gallery (which, technically, it partially is). On the inside, it’s open and loft-like, with a permanent stage set up for weekly live music and performance. But behind the bar, the drink-slingers have perfected the art of the cocktail, skillfully crafting colorful refreshments that pack a punch. One sip and there’s no doubt that despite everything else going on here, the drinks are the reason to stick around.

Time Out tip: Live performances are held every day of the week, so check their website for the latest schedule.

Address: 2421 N Milwaukee Ave, Chicago, IL 60647

Opening hours: Tue, Wed, Sun 6pm-1am; Thu, Fri 6pm-2am; Sat 6pm-3am

What is it? Lettuce Entertain You's bar concept inside the former Hub 51 space.

Why we love it: In a neighborhood rife with overpriced drinks, Gus’ Sip & Dip is a breath of fresh air. The menu boasts 30 cocktails—made with a variety of spirits—and each is priced at $12. Your favorites are all here, from refreshing options such as the Hawaii-style Mai Tai and classic Margarita to the booze-forward Sazerac. 

Time Out tip: The food certainly isn’t an afterthought—we recommend starting with the crab rangoon dip before splitting the wagyu beef dip, served with whipped horseradish and jus for dunking the sandwich in.

Address: 51 W Hubbard St, Suite 100, Chicago, IL 60654

Opening hours: Mon-Thu, Sun 4pm-midnight; Fri, Sat noon-1am

What is it? A laid-back lounge with an LGBTQIA+ focus.

Why we love it: Be nobody’s darling; / Be an outcast. Named for an Alice Walker poem, Nobody’s Darling made waves when it debuted in 2021 as the second Black-owned LGBTQ+ bar in Chicago, offering an elegant, inclusive space with a high-end cocktail menu to boot. Flip through a selection of riffs on classic cocktails like the fiery Kahlo Margarita (Jon Basil Reposado tequila, passion fruit liqueur, triple sec, lime, agave and spicy bitters) or treat yourself to a drink off the bar’s ever-changing Featured Darlings menu.

Time Out tip: If it's your first time at Nobody's Darling, start off with something like the Rose's Revenge, a refreshing, flowery libation featuring vodka, rose hip liqueur, lemon and simple syrup. Those looking for something stronger should appreciate the bar's bolder sip, The Old Fashioned Way.

Address: 1744 W Balmoral Ave, Chicago, IL 60640

Opening hours: Wed, Thu 5-11pm; Fri 4pm-midnight; Sat 2pm-midnight; Sun 2-11pm