Tuesday night, the place says it closes at a certain yet, they forced last call on us at like 9:30 and i overheard the manager rushing other people out too. Talked to some of the guests that were turned away and apparently the manager had a bad attitude, being dismissive. Really nice cocktails though. read more

(Kari's Rating 9.5/10) TLDR: -Dark Speakeasy -Craft Cocktails -Retro Vibes One of my friends had her birthday cocktail hour here and we were escorted into a dark back room, where we were able to order cocktails, and various appetizers. The old-fashioned came in a delicate high glass with a dried flower. The fries were crispy and came with a mayo sauce. The CVC with cranberry foam was a delightful refreshing and very light. Would come back with a larger group but it's a bit dark if you're on a first date. This back room rent out was so nice! read more

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After is exceptional. The service is top notch. The vibes are immaculate, with a cool aesthetic, music quiet enough to talk over but loud enough not to hear your neighboring tables, dim enough to create a mood while till being able to see your menu, and mixed enough in clientele to wear anything from everyday clothes to a gown without feeling out of place. The cocktails are perfectly balanced, unique, and flavorful. The duck wings are a must-get. The burger was good but nothing special. The truffle pasta was tasty (though understandably small). read more

After has always been on my wishlist of places to go and I'm glad I finally found the occasion. Unfortunately, I only stayed for one round of drinks but would've loved to have try some of the food here. I was quite surprised how full the venue was despite it being quite frosty outside. West loop is definitely where it's at. Our server Ian was very helpful in giving us recommendations. After definitely gives me "The Menu" vibes if you get what I mean. Overall a nice experience! read more

After lounge - Bell pepper daiquiri - Cocktail Bars Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

Was taken aback finding out this summer that this hidden gem was literally a 5 min walk from me for a couple of years now. Located in the not so popular/ non traffic heavy portion of West Loop/Fulton Mkt, this joint definitely stands out. Building is kinda dark so you could accidentally walk past as its so conspicuous. Very sexy vibe and scene inside with black and white photos on the walls. Dim lit and the bar itself has sex appeal. The one issue I have is the rock music doesnt go too well with the vibe and they have the music too loud at times. I've had to ask them to turn it down as me and my friends were shouting at each other over the music. They have a happy hour menu from 5-7pm which is good to take advantage of...I've been a couple times and its well worth it. I end up staying beyond 7pm everytime. The Duck Wing is pretty good. The Chicken steam buns are ok and Im not the biggest fan of the fries as the batter can be a bit too much. They make magnificent cocktails though! Muchroom Penicillin, Smoked Melon, Hop'd Negroni, Peachy Collins and A5 Vesper (gin/vodka cocktail comes with caviar) are all very nice and my go-tos here.A5 Vesper can be a bit pricey but if you come during HH, its less expensive. Good joint! read more

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Went to After for Restaurant Week and had a phenomenal experience. The service was impeccable from the waiter to the manager to the hostess. We were a little late and they were still able to accommodate us, which I really appreciated. The food was just as impressive. The portions are on the smaller side since it leans more cocktail lounge, but the flavors really stood out. The hamachi crudo in the coconut curry was such a highlight and literally melts in your mouth. read more

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This is a fun spot for drinks, provided you enjoy a true nightclub vibe: it's dark, the music is loud, and seating consists of low booths. While I personally didn't care for either of my cocktails, my friend's Mushroom Penicillin was absolutely amazing. The service was genuinely friendly, though it was a bit slow overall. read more

My friends and I recently went to this place to celebrate a friend's birthday, and I had no idea it even existed. It's the perfect spot for an intimate date night. The interior is all black, and the entrance is a bit hidden -- just a plain black door, which adds to the vibe. We got a table in a private area and ordered during happy hour. We had Bubbles, Dirty Martini, and 24K Espresso Martini. Since we were celebrating, our server was kind enough to bring us shots of Bell Pepper Daiquiri and a non-alcoholic shot of Mushroom Penicillin. I regret not ordering the Bell Pepper Daiquiri, it was my abbbbsolute favorite! I was unsure about it at first, but the flavors were so smooth and balanced. I definitely recommend trying it. We didn't get any food this time, but I'm definitely going back with close friends to try the full menu. read more

After lounge - Cocktail Bars Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

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I fully enjoyed my restaurant week experience at after the staff is very welcoming and accommodating. We even got to tour Canvas as well as a private room with records. The food for the restaurant we looked limited at first, but the selections and cocktail pairings were amazing. Truly amazing. I had the Hamachi Crudo the parsnip risotto and grilled pork belly. Nicely done. The only thing I would say was I wanted a larger serving of the pork belly but still nicely done. The cocktail pairings I can't even remember all the names, but I've posted the menu here. The restrooms were nice and clean. The parking was ample definitely will be back. read more

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After was by far one of the best cocktail bars I have been in the city. The amazing experience starts when you walk into the bar and experience the breath-taking decor. We absolutely loved the musician theme. The drinks were the stars of the show. If I had to say one thing, it's that they mastered flavor and balance. Nothing was too sweet, too sour, too alcohol forward. Everything was perfect. To start off on a fresh note, their classic bell pepper daiquiri doesn't disappoint. I would also wager to say this was one of the best espresso martinis I have had in the city. I could drink them all night. The food was also very delicious. The lamb ribs literally fell off the bone. They are quite small though and are charged as per piece. The fried chicken bun was also tasty, with the fried chicken being both crunchy and juicy. We also had the Reve burger, which is a solid option amongst the great burgers that exist in Chicago. I think my only slight complaint is that it is a ketchup- based sauce, which is not personally a favorite for me. All in all, we will be back! read more

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My friend and I stopped by for a drink before dinner. The bar was fairly empty when we visited at 5pm on a Saturday. They happened to have happy hour promotion so we were able to take advantage of their most expensive drink I otherwise wouldn't have ordered. I'm not sure if I liked my drink, but my friend also ordered the mushroom drink which was very nice. Overall, After did not disappoint and wish I could go back and check out more other drinks next time! read more

After lounge - Cocktail Bars Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

Great venue for a party ... attended a 50th bday . They keep the space really dark ... all the women dressed to the nines couldn't see each others couture outfits haha ! They also don't have a proper signage outside their business for guests to locate the space . Drinks were good, food was fine ... overall vibe was cool read more

After lounge - Cocktail Bars Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

Drinks are superb here. The Bell Pepper Daiquiri has the perfect amount of spice and sweetness to it. The presentation of the drink is elegant and cute. The After Hardshake was flavorful and the foam is half of the glass. The Peach-y Collins tasted like juice which is dangerous bc the alcohol hits you afterwards. The Mushroom Penicillin (booze free) was interesting. It smelled like mushroom but when you drink it, it tastes more like ginger. It reminded me of an herbal drink. The ambience has a cool factor and the lighting is very dim. The service is great here and our waiter was really nice. If it's your birthday, they give you a shot glass with a lit candle. I would def come back here again to try their other drinks! read more

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I recently visited "After Lounge" on a weekday to celebrate a friend's birthday. My friend picked this place to celebrate pre-drinks before his birthday dinner, we already had a reservation so getting seated for a large group wasn't an issue. They have HH from 5-7 pm for drinks (limited menu) but so good! We ordered almost all the drinks on the HH menu, and everything was very innovative. I personally loved the Two Left Dirty Martini. It is served with an olive on the side which has blue cheese in it, complimented perfectly with the drink. We also ordered quick bites for the table - Koji grilled baby corn and steamed maitake buns. Very appetizing and delicious! We also ordered an 24K espresso martini, triple coconut old fashioned. The 24K espresso martini hands down was my favorite! Since we were celebrating a birthday, the server got us a couple of non-alcoholic and alcoholic shots - bell pepper daiquiris and mushroom pencillin (without alcohol) These shots were amazing and I know what I'm getting next time I visit this place. I want to call this place as the Violet Hour of the West Loop as it has a perfect setting giving cozy speakeasy vibes. Definitely check out this place, you will not be disappointed! read more

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My husband and I stopped in for a drink and a bite before our restaurant reservation down the street. This is the second time we've been to after lounge and we love it because they change their food menu and their drink menu up all the time based on what is seasonally available we had a few of their new cocktails and they were very good along with a crab cake, cupcake Which would blow your mind. It's a very quaint space that is very dimly lit and it feels very intimate. You don't feel like you are packed next to people so you don't have to listen to their conversations. It would be a great date night spot. Overall, the food and the drinks are always exceptional, and we will continue to keep coming to this place . read more

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Absolutely stunning cocktail bar, one of Chicago's best spots. After is one of those places that hits every note perfectly. The space is stunning, elegant lighting, beautiful design, and a layout that feels intimate but lively. There's both bar and table seating, so whether you want to watch the bartenders work their magic or relax with friends, it's ideal either way. The cocktails are phenomenal. Creative, balanced, and beautifully presented. Every drink feels like it was crafted with care. The service is equally impressive. The entire staff are warm, professional, and genuinely knowledgeable without being pretentious. There are two beautiful private rooms for small gatherings, and the main bar itself is a showstopper. Parking is surprisingly easy for the area, and they also offer valet service, which is a nice touch. After is elegant without trying too hard. The kind of spot that makes you want to stay for "just one more." A perfect mix of high-end style and laid-back comfort read more

Attached to its sister restaurant Ever, you might imagine the After lounge to be a romantic play on the common trope of a story ending happily Ever After. But upon stepping into this transcendental ideal of a cocktail lounge, that connection will slowly fade. From the nondescript facade on the street, you'll enter through two pairs of glass doors into the antechamber of the After Lounge. Here, a single, slim black podium stands in the center of a small, double height oval room. The walls are a deep, velvety black that occlude all but the singular light above the host stand. While approaching the host stand, you'll notice a rectangular slit carved out of the oval wall. You'll hear a murmur, a gentle humming whispering through the air and subtle thumping dancing along the walls. A soft and angelic white light breathes through the gap and hints at life beyond the antechamber. With the permission of the host, you will be guided through this carved out section of wall into an otherworldly environment. Silvered linens and black-velveted booths hug the walls opposite an astonishing mirror display behind the bar. Soft white lighting from above and deeper, gloomier tones from candles give the impression of solitude at each table. While you may be physically close to other tables, the rest of the bar feels worlds apart. Psychedelic pop music fills the voids between tables and bookends the displays of the busy workers behind the bar. The astral experience of the After Lounge continues in the food and drink. The cocktails deconstruct ingredients into their fundamental elements and reconstitute them into playful contraptions. The Father Fig explores the deep caramels of cognac and rye and contrasts them against the brightness of figs and absinthe, while other drinks explore the tartness of spring flora cast against sweeter liquid botanicals. The food, similar to the cocktails, offers fresh takes on old classics. Fried sheets of lasagna replace potatoes in the Chips and Dip, and passion fruit boba replaces the yolk in the Raw Egg. While the concepts behind the cocktails and food match the extraterrestrial ambience of the After Lounge, the flavoring misses the mark. The food, though uniquely presented, relies too heavily on well-trodden flavor tropes, and the cocktails often fail to intertwine each of their various themes into a satisfying conclusion. The service was also a bit of a mixed bag. I would have hoped for a bit more guidance through my astral journey at the After Lounge. Still, even with its minor shortcomings, the After Lounge delivers on a celestial journey through time and space, food and drink. Much more than simply happily Ever After, the After lounge might instead be a glimpse into what we'll see After Ever. read more

After lounge - Carrot Cotton Candy - Cocktail Bars Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

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The good. I'm from Detroit but visit Chicago a lot. First time here and I found the drinks and general ambience as enjoyable as advertised. The burger was way better than expected. Nothing outrageous, but damn solid burger. Great choice of Japanese whiskey. Ian was great with the food and drink recommendations, not just there but for around town. I will definitely visit again. The cringe. To the first server we had, it's in poor taste to ask a guest "are you mixed". WTF bro, is this 1950s Alabama? But more importantly, you should never guess out loud about the relationship between two guests, but if you must...no I take that back. Don't guess. There is never any reason to do so. But let's pretend for a second you're being held at knife point and have to guess. DO NOT START WITH FATHER DAUGHTER. Leaving aside that the actual age gap was less than a decade (I'm late 50s), again, wtf?!? It was insulting to us both. You seem like a good kid, but frontline customer service is NOT your ministry. read more

My goal is to try 50 new Chicago restaurants in 2025! Restaurant: 13/50 Month tried: February Favorite dish: I can't remember a thing we ate and I have no photos because it was so dark in there :( Came during restaurant week which I understand is not a normal experience so take this with a grain of salt!! I hope to come back and have a better, fuller experience. I don't drink dark liquors, and I was sooo bummed because there was only one cocktail on the menu that wasn't made with bourbon, scotch, or whiskey. For a cocktail bar, I was extremely surprised by that. I wish the drink menu was visible before arrival - I would have canceled and come back a different night with a different cocktail menu. I truly can't remember a thing we ate. Which is a bummer for a place of this caliber. I can't reference any photos because it was way too dark inside to take any. I do remember that the dessert was interesting, and I liked it but the rest of the table did not. And I definitely remember that I left hungry and almost got taco bell on the way home. read more

Food: fries & popcorn were outstanding. Skip everything else. Hamachi crudo nice flavors -but overpriced for 2 bites. Chestnut pasta was overly sweet and savory. the maitake vegetarian entree was just plain disgusting. Imagine a disintegrating mushroom covered in too much thick extremely tart BBQ sauce. It was entirely inedible. The sides were equally inedible Service: warm, friendly wait-staff. This establishment is purporting itself as high-end...So behave in that manner. if plates and utensils are cleared, please bring replacements. And don't be surprised that we need utensils to eat our food. Our next course would be served and we had to hunt down someone to supply the utensils. Ambiance: loud heavy metal pounding through the speakers is completely inappropriate Too dark to see the menu or food. Beautiful bar & bathroom. Left hungry & disappointed by the restaurant week offerings. If this a sample of they are serving, keep on walking past this place. In a city like Chicago you have a multitude of options for an excellent meal and experience. Unfortunately i cannot recommend this one. Spend your hard earned money & time elsewhere. read more

After lounge - Hamachi crudo - Cocktail Bars Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

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This spot is the definition of grown and sexy. For starters the ambiance is beautiful; if you're a fan of low lit environments which aren't loud, then this place is for you! My hostess, Hannah, was nothing short of exceptional. From the time I entered until the time I left, she checked on me multiple times (is rare from a hostess.) I tried several drinks that evening and I can confidently state they were all good. The only one I captured on film was the 24k espresso martini because it was over the top; great presentation and enjoyable. Now for the small bites - all of them were so tasty. I went with the meatballs, fries and the wagyu. I can still taste every bite. After is the PERFECT spot for a date night in the West Loop. Can't recommend enough and will definitely return. read more

After lounge - Cocktail Bars Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

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Those familiar with Curtis Duffy's career from Alinea to Avenues and onward to Grace and Ever will immediately find comfort at "After," a West Loop Cocktail lounge that looks luxurious while simultaneously serving whimsical Food as Queens of The Stoneage jams overhead. Debuted late 2022, a glowing circular bar surrounded by posh tables dug into the walls, guests can expect gracious service and seasonality highlighting everything from classic Cocktails to fancy concoctions such as "Green Daisy" placing Tequila with young Coconut around Peas and their Pods. Priced akin to Aviary and Violet Hour, a recent menu change adding decadent "Crab Cupcakes" to longtime favorites like Vietnamese Duck Wings, best bites come from tender Carrots wrapped in spun Sugar and "Umami Crunch" plus a Duck Liver "Uncrustable" delivered with carbonated Grapes in a lunchbox. Also serving a Burger with good Fries, both on par with those at Au Cheval or The Loyalist, "Pizza Puffs" and Creme Brulee unfortunately feel pretty basic in a place where Punch includes clarified Cream and the Espresso Martini gets a Truffle upgrade. read more

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I tried their the Bear x After menu. The Italian beef is a little dry but their beef is leaner. Service was quick and they were prepared for the lines for pick up. Dessert was better. Cannolis are the best I've had in Chicago but I haven't had that many. read more

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Very cool bar that isn't pretentious. Definitely check out the telescope room. Theres a good amount of seating. read more

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Came here for restaurant week with friends and tried the entire menu!! Loved the vibes and atmosphere of this cocktail lounge and the drinks were delicious as well! The truffle pasta and scallops were delicious and the portions weren't terrible either! Would recommend coming for date night or a quick drink post dinner! read more

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My husband and I came here on a Saturday evening at 7:30pm to celebrate my birthday. We made a reservation ahead of time, but you could probably walk in based on how busy it was. The ambiance is moody, classy, and a cute date spot! We sat at a table on the side vs at the bar. I think being at a table shielded us some from the music and it was the perfect volume. After really made me feel special on my birthday by giving us some complimentary champagne! What a great way to start! I REALLY enjoyed my Saffron Colada - it was unique, well balanced, and not too sweet. My husband also really enjoyed his drink! Food wise we had a couple of light bites but the stand out to me was the Vietnamese Duck Wings. They were SO CRISPY, came out hot, and had a nice sweet/acid flavor - a must order in my opinion. Overall I really enjoyed my experience at After! We'll have to try to happy hour at some point - they have some great deals! Also would like to rent out the Observatory as well in the future. Try After if you haven't already! read more

This place is pretty unassuming. I came here for my friend's birthday dinner and drinks and the lounge was nicely decorated and gave off this classy and intimate space. The staff were very professional and even coursed out our order. Definitely an upscale energy. Fortunately, we came here during happy hour and let me tell you! The happy hour menu is pretty good. Everything on the menu was delicious and made with care and quality. I had the maitake buns and it was so soft and tender and the buns were perfectly steamed. The Vietnamese duck wings were basically a drum but it was so good. Lightly crispy and full of flavor. Definitely recommend getting that if you're on the fence. We also got some drinks and you can't go wrong with them. I got the one with habanero and carrot margarita and it was so good. The star of the show was definitely the burger. I usually do not like fries, especially thicker cut fries, but theirs were so good! The sauce that accompanied the burger was addicting. A bite of the burger left me wanting more and it basically melted in your mouth. I dipped the burger in the sauce and that was chef's kiss. I am definitely coming back here again. read more

After lounge - Cocktail Bars Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

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Wow this place is a hidden gem. We stumbled on this place when we were on a quest to try all the restaurants featured on the show, The Bear. This is the sister bar and lounge of Ever. Low key, moody, high class vibes. Food and drinks were excellent. Everything was delicious and had its unique spin. Standouts for me was the tater tots and duck. But you really can't go wrong with anything. The crew there was great with checking in with us. Definitely will be back! read more

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A definite must when in Chicago. Stopped in for a couple drinks and small bites. Both were amazing of course. Very upscale, reservations required. Perfect for a date night or special occasion. Can't wait to be back in town and have another round. read more

After lounge - Cocktail Bars Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

Had a fantastic experience here celebrating a friend's birthday on a Friday night. We happened to arrive during happy hour which was literally perfect. Considering the environment and bougie vibes, the happy hour was actually a steal! At $12 cocktails and they were delicious! They also had some food such as Vietnamese duck wing and their burger and fries... which let me tell you... it was FIRE! I almost don't want to write a review for this place because it was such a gem. Our service was great and the dark dim vibes with nice aesthetic made it such a memorable experience. Will definitely be back! read more

Amazing service even more amazing drinks!! Brought my good friend Alice here and we ordered two yummy cocktails. I got something with scotch and she was happy with her rum! read more

From dinner at EVER, we entered through a speakeasy-esque door through a domed observatory-library, to AFTER, a journey of artfully crafted cocktails and one of the best caviar services. Intimate ambiance and the mixologists truly care about what you think about their craft. They pay attention to your preferences and tailor the cocktail to your palate This is not just another bar/lounge, this is an experience. read more

After lounge - Cocktail Bars Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

Amazing food, amazing service and amazing atmosphere! We loved everything! My favorite was the truffle pasta and duck fat tots read more

After lounge - Truffle pasta - Cocktail Bars Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

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I wanted to try Ever but didn't have time so we settled for their bar. i am floored this place is fantastic and miles better than aviary. the interior gorgeous with very comfortable seating. my friend and i were celebrating our (late) birthdays so they poured us complimentary champagne and gave us complimentary choux . i ordered the smoked duck dish to get a taste of Ever and the mini bread plate they served included the best madeleine of my life. my favorite drink of the night by far is the clarified colada. my friend also ordered the hades and our bartender (Yuliya!) tweaked the drink a lil so it wouldn't be as strong. she also did another rendition of the hades for us about 15 mins later because she thought of a better way to incorporate fruity notes. overall fantastic food, drinks, and service. i am thoroughly impressed and will be back for ever + after read more

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This place is a must!!!! We thought the bar was super cool and overall vibe of the restaurant was moody chic but approachable. The burger OMG! Don't sleep on it! And the best caviar I have ever had! Amy and Hannah were fantastic hosts and made us feel like we were lifelong friends.... they have that hospitality superpower for sure! Amy even suggested a waygu beef fat infused gin shot to pour into the empty caviar tin. Now that was unique and unexpected! I can't express how fun of an experience it was. The cocktails were also unique and I loved the Pina colada cocktail. Can't wait to try Ever next door next time! You won't regret going to After for a great evening! read more

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Cool spot to check out if you want drink$ with a friend or on a date. The ambiance is casual enough for you to come without feeling the need to be formal. Look presentable and you'll fit right in. Service was ok, nothing out of the ordinary or extraordinary to mention. I will recommend making a reservation, there's really no place for you to just wait around and mingle. Seated service only. read more

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Great service drinks and food was excellent Ambiance is 10/10 we really enjoyed it will be back read more

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My girlfriend and I went in Friday night for drinks before our dinner reservation. The lounge was very classy. I got the Bouquet 75 and the mushroom penicillin. Both drinks were fantastic. They gave us a complimentary drink that was created by one of the bartenders. It was delicious and something I had never tasted before. I believe he said there was alpine amaro in it! Thanks very much for the memorable evening. read more

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I really enjoyed After. I started with an espresso martini (my favorite cocktail) and it was amazing, it even came with a chocolate truffle! I ordered the Vietnamese duck wings, which were so mouthwatering, and probably my favorite wings that i've ever had. I also got the mushroom arancini and the rêve french fries. They only had the late night food menu when I went or I would've ordered more items. For dessert, I got the crème brûlée and my boyfriend got the "grapefruit". The lounge itself is breathtaking and feels like something out of a movie, the atmosphere is laid back despite how fancy it is. I would definitely come back next time I'm in town, it was a fun experience. read more

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We had reservations to sit at the bar before our dinner at Smyth. The bartenders were are very good. The drinks we had were all well balanced. You are paying a bit for the environment, if that's your thing. Overall it was a nice experience. read more

After lounge - Cocktail Bars Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

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