The Whistler

Bars, Cocktail bars Logan Square
Recommended
4 out of 5 stars
(5user reviews)
Milk Maid at The Whistler
Photo: Jason Little Milk Maid at The Whistler

Delicious epicurean cocktails might be the Logan Square bar’s forte, but the tiny room hosts more and more delightful underground pop shows and art exhibits. The crowd can’t reach triple digits, so intimacy with both the musicians and your neighbor’s elbows is inevitable. The Whistler's jazz weekly doubles up the series with cutting-edge swing and free-improv now on Sunday, Monday and Tuesday nights. Vet performers include cornet man Rob Mazurek and drummer Tim Daisy, as well as vibraphone champ Jason Adasiewicz.

Posted:

Venue name: The Whistler
Contact:
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Address: 2421 N Milwaukee Ave
Chicago
60647
Cross street: between Fullerton Ave and Richmond St
Opening hours: Mon–Thu 6pm–2am; Fri, Sun 5pm–2am; Sat 5pm–3am
Transport: El stop:Blue to California. Bus:52,56,74.
Price: Average cocktail: $8
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Average User Rating

4.3 / 5

Rating Breakdown

  • 5 star:3
  • 4 star:2
  • 3 star:1
  • 2 star:0
  • 1 star:0
LiveReviews|5
1 person listening
tastemaker

I live a block away from the Whistler and yet somehow I still always breeze right past it when looking for the door. This is a solid neighborhood bar for high-end but reasonably priced cocktails. Bring friends or dates. The back patio is a delicious little treat in the summer. As others have commented, the live music is a plus. I hope this bar stays around for good as those around it come and go. 


The Whistler makes fantastic cocktails and the patio is the perfect place to spend a summer night. Their monthly SloMo party is my favorite dance party in the city, but get there early (before 10) or you'll be waiting in line for a while. 

Tastemaker

I've only been here once with for SloMo (Slow Jams for Homos and their Fans) and had a blast. They played great music and event at the peak of the night it didn't get so crowded that I wasn't able to get a drink at the bar. Plus if it does get too crowded you can step out onto the patio for some fresh air.


The Whistler is pretty good on the whole, not my absolute cup of tea, but a regular stop when out with friends. The thing is, I'm not one hanging around crowded bars, and most nights of the week, The Whistler gets pretty packed. As in standing room only packed. The cocktails are decent before the crowd gets there, but I find the bartenders get so slammed by as the night goes on that they're not able to give their complicated cocktails justice. That said, I stick to beer mostly. Many nights of the week, The Whistler has live music too. Be aware—Without Google Maps, it might be hard to find—there's no sign above the door.