Bar Crawl Stop 3. I have a new crush and his name is Billy Sunday. Girls, do you know that feeling you get when you walk into your favorite boutique store? The lighting is right, the staff is friendly and what they're serving up, you're buying! That's how I felt the first time I walked in here. Simultaneously like I had been here before and yet I was discovering it for the first time. Everyone who worked here was so nice and genuine, really a different feeling that the other places I visited in Logan Square. I loved the homemade tonic drinks which really created a unique flavor. I saw someone eating the crab dip and had to get one for myself. Great, fresh crab flavor. So simple but maybe one of the best snacks I had in the city. The thing about this place is the little details. Even a trip to the Ladies room was enjoyable and filled with the cutest things! read more

Twice to Billy Sunday, and without a doubt this place is awesome when it comes to cocktails! The owners' pedigrees are impressive. Both hailed from fabled Chicago restaurant Charlie Trotter. The atmosphere is a like antique study, but not formal. It's basically a hipster joint in Logan Square. There are a few tables by the window at the front, two-tops along the wall across from the bar that dominates the space, and some tables in the back as well. We were lucky enough to get there early and snag a table in the window up front. The menu is interesting and complex: for cocktails, it features seasonal specials, regular favorites, larger options to share, and 'Tonics' on tap. This time we tried the Aquinas on tap, a delicious rye-based option; the Victorian a gin, amaro, and wormwood seasonal choice served up in a vintage cocktail stem which had the telltale long, bitter aftertaste of wormwood; and also the Hot Buttered Rum in punch cups which had the potent but delightful (and surprising) flavor of eggnog. Service was good. We snacked on the sweet and salty peanuts which were a generous bag of housemade roasted and candied peanuts, and also the amazing popcorn which was flavored with tomato powder and herbs. I was surprised that it seemed the host was doing double duty as the only server on the floor this early afternoon. Our water glasses were kept full, but once the place got full by 4:15, we had to wait just a bit to get some attention. The last time we were here for drinks, we tried a couple of the old standards which included Box Lunch, a goat's milk cocktail with an old-time straw served in a miniature milk bottle. They take the craft very seriously here. That time, we tried some of the spreads like the chicken liver mousse served in a canning jar. It was all delicious. If you're in the mood for interesting cocktails with food to match, Billy Sunday is definitely worth the trip. read more

Billy Sunday - The Victorian gin cocktail, The Aquinas rye cocktail, and Hot Buttered Rum with Sweet and Salty Nuts and Popcorn - Cocktail Bars Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

I love Billy Sunday. The bar itself is beautiful. I also like that while you might not always be able to get it, you can guarantee the bar won't be crowded. The host was so friendly and accommodating and kept us informed about our wait time for two seats at the bar. Drinks were tasty and this is the epitome of craft cocktails. We had the old fashioned and a Anxiety's Door (LOVE!!). I could watch the bartenders all night. read more

Billy Sunday - Anxiety's Door - Cocktail Bars Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

I've never loved a cocktail bar more. Cheese popcorn, and the lunchbox cocktail is truly all you need, but they do have more

I can't believe this place has decent reviews. Terrible vibes and easily the worst staff I've ever interacted with in all of Chicago.

When someone mentions the words cocktail bar and Logan Square in the same sentence, I immediately think Whistler. And so should you. But after a indulging my taste for bitters and whiskey this friday at Bill Sunday, I think there's room for another locale in that sentence. I appreciate the fact that they are trying to add a creative element to their menu by serving "tonic" inspired cocktails. From our conversation with the server, "tonic" simply means exactly what you'd expect. Water infused with bubbles. Big deal right? But gimmicks aside, the drinks here are pretty darn tasty. In the mood for whiskey I tried the creatively titled "cocktail," which was malted rye, Spanish brandy, bitters and "Ambergris-laced palm sugar??" After I looked it up, ambergris is intestinal fluid excreted out of the anus of sperm whales. Yuck. Apparently, it goes quite well with malted spirits, and indeed my cocktail was delicious - well balanced, but with a blunt, musty edge to it. It reminded me of a manhattan, but more toward neutral on the bitterness spectrum. But, if lacing palm sugar with ambergris is not an indicator of cocktail geekdom, then I don't know what is. That aside, it's a great space to sit back and sip creatively inspired cocktails. If you're in the mood for great drinks and a mini education on arcane bartending ingredients, then Bill Sunday is definitely your place. read more

Ironically I stop by every Sunday for my guilty vintage daiquiri. The staff will always go above and beyond and if you don't like something from their menu these mixologist veterans will find something that will appease you. read more

Billy Sunday - Space - Cocktail Bars Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

This is a cool date night spot. We got here at around 8:30pm and were seated in the back. Our server came very promptly and ran the menu down to us. We weren't really coming for dinner just for drinks and conversation. I would totally recommend this place if you're looking for something quiet and intimate. The vibe of this place gave me the feels. The manager came around greeting people and made you feel like you were welcome. Many managers in the city just don't give a s*** and just want to see a sale. When it comes to customer service, they receive a 5 star. We will be back to try the food because when we walked in, it smelled like HEAVEN. read more

I met two other friends here for snack and some cocktails early last Friday night. When we first arrived, there was only one other table and plenty of options for seating. By the time we left, the place was completely packed, and I completely get why. I'm not very savvy when it comes to cocktails, and that's what Billy Sunday is all about. Our server ran through the menu with us because it was my first visit, but I still had no clue what to order. I ended up going with the very boozy house cup. It was pretty tasty, but due to its boozy nature, I nursed it for a good hour. I ended a second cocktail, the Hoar's Frost, which was way more my speed. I enjoyed both drinks, but they were extremely different. We also ordered crab fitters that were on special, as well as the casserole. I thought I would love the fritters, and they were good, but the casserole was stand out. I loved it and would go back just to have it again. I may have just found a place that can rival Scofflaw. read more

Negroni and chocolate martini were just delicious. The negroni balance with herb accents... Kicks a$$.

Poor service and drinks are essentially lipstick on a pig. Staff has poor attitude and prefers to socialize with each other rather than serve customers. Service time is long and especially frustrating when the bar is primarily empty. The drinks are basic and feel like two ingredient drinks made at home. Place has potential but staff need to be improved to increase quality of Drinks and customer service. read more

Went here recently for the first time and would highly recommend! The staff is extremely helpful and knowledgable about all of the drinks (although I don't think you could go wrong with any of them!) and the food is tasty too. We shared the steak tartare and one of the specials, which was a mushroom pot-pie, amazing! Great vibe, and well crafted cocktails, including hand chiseled ice cubes for some of the stronger drinks. I will definitely be back! read more

Billy Sunday - Cocktail Bars Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

Low-key bar with delicious snacks and drinks! As a lightweight, I asked for a mocktail that's not too sweet. The server came back with this refreshingly tart and fruity guava-based drink - exactly what I was craving. Their regular cocktails are strong, on point, and beautiful presented - I could appreciate from the few sips I had. We got some pickles and bread to snack on, and both delivered in quantity and quality. read more

Billy Sunday started out excellent with a great hostess and fantastic ambiance and continued as we got sat and Peter our server came over quickly and was immediately friendly, knowledgeable and worked quickly and efficiently to get our drinks in and our table set for some food. The crab dip was a great flavor, bigger portion than I was expecting and the Things In Jars part of the menu was both fun and very well done. Kudos to the staff and back of house for making it a wonderful experience. read more

Billy Sunday - Cocktail Bars Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

Had a great experience here a few weeks back. Drinks were really well done and unique. Bar staff was extremely attentive and very skilled craftsmen. I personally enjoyed "the stoop kids" on the cigarette box coaster. Only negative was the price point. Some drinks were clearly more difficult to execute than others, yet the pricing were all relatively the same. As any hand crafted drink goes, I know they are usually 2x more than a standard cocktail, so I was prepared for an expensive night, just had a little sticker shock when the bill came, is all. All in all, I would recommend this place to anyone looking for a unique cocktail experience in Logan. read more

Sigh. Sigh. Ok I'm ready to write this now. No, please just let me say my piece. Ok, there was actually a band here that I love, on a Wednesday of all things. Sigh. The bar is beautiful for sure. We sat at the bar where we waited. And waited. And of course waited. Don't get me wrong , like very few people were there. Anyway, so after 20 minutes of sitting at the bar, we were acknowledged. At least an additional 20 minutes later they poured my beer and gave it to me. It was an 8 oz pour for 8 dollars. So, a dollar an ounce if you're still reading . ( beer that is, yellow gold, Chicago tea..)So, geez, billy Sunday, you need to manage this place a bit better. You know what? The bar patrons were rude too. I do realize that's not your fault of course, Mr. Sunday. But geez , they were shouting about seemingly insignificant stuff over the band. Ugh. Why do people do this? If they need so desperately to converse during a music show, they should do it elsewhere. Am I right, people? Sigh. So, I know everyone has an off night, but I really don't think this would happen in a rick Bayless establishment, for Pete's sake. So, to sum up, seemed to be trying a bit too hard with style and not maybe hiring professional bar staff. But it was a Wednesday. Sigh. Ok. read more

Amazing craft cocktails-small place but good for a date. Extensive list of amaro and fernet options. read more

Billy Sunday - Cocktail Bars Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

I drive by this place so many times, regret not stopping by sooner. The food is amazing! I can't decide if the food or the drinks were better. The atmosphere is very relaxing and cozy. Service was great! read more

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I've been dozens of times and consider this bar one of the very best in the city. It is the premier "library-style" bar for learning about amaro from all different parts of the world. They have vintage amaro bottles dating way back, and rare bottles which are highly allocated. SUCH a treat. On one particular recent visit, the bartender, Jeremy, was kind and patient as my guest and I asked thousands of questions. I shared some of my amaro-faves and requested his recommendation for brand new amari I'd never had or heard of. I was thrilled with his choices and found a new favorite among them, Fleur de Sommer, Amer Alsace, bursting with orange, vanilla, whiskey notes and super-smooth on the palette. Wow. Thank you, Jeremy, for your patience & hospitality. Your style of service makes me want to come back constantly. I hope to. read more

Delicious cocktails, great patio with a nice view. Service was attentive. Really enjoyed Sherry Baby, hope it's back on the menu again.

This is my favorite Cocktail bar/lounge in Logan square and most definitely in Chicago. The drinks are really good and very unique even the classic drinks are amazing! The cocktail bar looks out to the Illinois centennial monument which is a great open green space here in Chicago. Having the park in the backdrop during patio season makes the drinks much more refreshing and great for people watching too! My cocktail which I usually order is called an airmail!!! It's not on the menu and it's by far my favorite drink so if you are picky the bartender can pretty much whip just about anything you're craving right up! Definitely recommend this place for a date night! read more

Billy Sunday - Great place to end the weekend! - Cocktail Bars Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

Fantastic. Small, charming bar with meticulously crafted cocktails. Our waitress was kind and informative. My wife was torn between two drinks, and the waitress volunteered to bring her a taste of each of the dominant ingredients so she could make a fully informed decision. That's great service! The diversity of ingredients, base liquors, and styles of drinks on the menu was superb. There's a drink there for every season or mood. I didn't try the food, but I plan to next time. read more

Well, this isn't what I was expecting and I didn't even get a chance to try the drinks. I will say that the drinks may be good, ne' excellent, but my experience here left me extremely mad and quite frankly pissed off. There seemed to be something in the air from the beginning with my friend and I's experience with the bouncer. There was just a very odd vibe as we walked on over from Longman&Eagle. Before we even get the chance to present him with our IDs, he curtly informed us that there is no room at the bar and we have to stand. I mean, okay. I didn't understand that as there looked to be a couple of open tables on the side, though the bar seats were all taken, but, whatever. It just seemed like an odd thing to say right off as we could plainly see that all the seats at the bar were taken. We also had no problem standing and both said, sure, that's no problem. So, we present our IDs and as my friend is giving his ID, he is trying to go into his pocket to see how many cigarettes he has. Then the bouncer promptly says: You leaned, you can't come in here, you are clearly drunk. My friend then tried to say that he was trying to grab his smokes from his pocket. The bouncer then slightly raises his voice and says: We don't want your money nor do we need your money. My friend and I were a bit confused and I tried to tell the bouncer that I'm in the industry, and while I understand that they have the right to refuse us, you can't outright accuse someone like that without serious proof. He then tells me to get out and that they don't want our money. Whatever. I will note right now that if this all ended right here, I wouldn't be writing this review. I then walk out and my friend has two choice words for the bouncer. Now, I will say that my friend shouldn't have done that, but the bouncer's reaction next was completely out of line. He followed us out after waiting a few seconds. He then followed us for nearly a block screaming at us, swearing at us, yelling that they don't need nor want our money. That isn't even the worst of it, he then picks me out and yells out: I will kick your fat fucking ass and I don't ever want to see you again. My friend prevented me from turning around and seeing how much of my ass the bouncer could kick. I will note that at no point with him was I ever close to belligerent, never swore at him, and didn't raise my voice. He raised his voice with me and my friend along with his threats and yelling at us down the street. If this bouncer actually passed his TIPS training, he clearly forgot all of it. He was condescending from the outset to us, completely heightened the situation, while also leaving his post with us when we were already on the street. It is always an establishment's right to not serve someone, but I well know that you don't insult the person and you try to defuse any possible heightened situation fast. He well could've said: look, I don't feel comfortable letting you in here right now, please come back later. Instead he got aggressive and then got even more aggressive when my friend responded to his aggression. Well, since Billy Sunday doesn't want nor need my money, none of it ever shall they get. read more

I had the opportunity to check out Billy Sunday this past weekend. The drinks here are amazing! Highly recommend this place for a date night. Sunday's they play 90's hip hop music. If you looking for a great spot in Logan square. Tips Drinks are moderately priced Parking on off night is easy however on the weekend I would recommend to take an Uber. The kitchens closes at 10pm highly recommend getting early to try the popcorn it's amazing. read more

Billy Sunday hasn't even been open for a week, and already it's a big hit. It's easy to see why: inventive cocktails, interesting nibbles, gracious service, righteous tunes, and comfortable surroundings all add up to a winner. We stopped in early evening on Saturday, not long after they opened, and all the seats at the bar were already taken so we were shown to a table instead. I would have liked to have had a ringside seat at the bar but instead had to watch the bartenders work their magic from afar. I loved the décor, which was serene and stylish, with vintage touches. Due to the layout, it's not really ideal for groups, so I'd suggest coming for a date; save the rager with a dozen of your closest friends for a different bar. We ordered drinks off their list of specialty cocktails, which are priced at $10. I consider that a fair price for hand-crafted cocktails made with premium ingredients. "Against the Bliss" was a unique concoction of gin, rhubarb sherbet, lemon, maraschino, and rose bitters. It was well-balanced and tasty. The classic "Old-Fashioned" was equally enjoyable, and served with one giant ice cube. I love when special attention is made to small details like ice and glassware. We hadn't intended on ordering any food but that quickly changed when we glanced at the menu. "Things in jars" seem to be the latest fad in restaurants, and Billy Sunday is no different. In fact, their spreads are literally named "Things in Jars." We ordered the 'tomatoes,' a mélange of roasted tomatoes, herbs, and olive oil; the consistency of jam. Of course you need a vehicle to spread this on so we ordered 'artisanal bread, local butter, and sea salt.' Good bread and butter is highly underrated, especially when it's adorned with a pile of crunchy sea salt flakes for sprinkling. We also ordered a shrimp cocktail: four plump, fresh shrimp served with a great cocktail sauce. Usually cocktail sauce is sweet and insipid, but this was spicy and made with freshly grated horseradish. I also loved that all the dishes were presented on plates that looked like they came from your grandmother's china hutch. Obviously the owners of Billy Sunday scoured flea markets and vintage stores for just the right pieces. We really liked Billy Sunday and I can definitely see us becoming regulars as we live within spitting distance. My only minor nitpicks are with the food: while the shrimp cocktail was first-rate, I think it was a bit overpriced at $18; that seems more like a "downtown steakhouse price" and not a "neighborhood" price. Also, if you choose to order any of their "things in jars," by default you have to order bread, which adds another $6 to your tab. Why not just include bread and raise the price by a few dollars? Still, these tiny quibbles will not be a deterrent in any way to returning. So glad to have Billy Sunday in my hood. I think we'll be seeing a lot of each other. read more

Remember that time I wrote that review for Carriage House and touched on the Chartreuse Elixir and how I didn't think it contained Elixir Vegetal because it's illegal in the US? Those were good times. Well, I'm not in law enforcement, but I decided to go deep cover and pose as a drinker to infiltrate Billy Sunday's cocktail menu and their supposed addition of the contraband tonic to the Pisco Punch they have listed on their menu. So on a Saturday night at peak time, I walked in and played it all cool like, downing like 19 cocktails, one of which was the Pisco Punch, before inquiring as to the existence of the EV. Alex, who happened to be the most knowledgable bartender I've ever encountered (and I've encountered, literally, upwards of 5 bartenders), knew the jig was up and took off running... Actually, that's not what happened. Instead he presented me with the 100 ml bottle. I took a whiff. It was real. Or I think it was real. I've never smelt it before, so maybe it was fake? Anyhow, determined by my pursuit of public safety, I demanded a beverage be concocted using the EV as a base spirit. Alex warned me it would be a $20 cocktail, but investigatory concerns trumped budgetary concerns so I went ahead with it. After a lot of complex calculations on his part involving the quadratic equation, several empirical formulae, and a really long spoon, what emerged was some greenish-looking drink akin to something you might see at a juice bar. He informed me it was a play on a Last Word, which, when made conventionally with Green Chartreuese, is cocktail for "good luck not losing all your belongings and waking up in a sporting goods store with a Big Mac smeared all over the tattoo you just got on your forehead." I hesitantly took one sip of the marshy substance. Quite drinkable. Alex had mercifully replaced the Luxardo with a more palatable maraschino liqueur. So I took another sip. And another. I snapped to and Ryan L and Lindsey E, my fellow deep cover operatives/internet friends, were gone, only to be replaced at the bar by by Meghan G and Brett D. Oh, and we were at GT Fish and Oyster. And I apparently signed up for a jam of the month club. I have to say, I never thought boysenberry would be this tart. While I wasn't able to make a citizen's arrest that night, the outing wasn't a total loss. I did somehow get this sweet barcode shaved into my eyebrows. Apparently I retail for $19.99? read more

Really nice vibe at this place. I showed up with a somewhat large group and the place was already filled, and the host was SO nice. He really made an effort to get us seated reasonably close together and then even move us when more optimal spots became available. That was really cool. The cocktail menu is very creative and I really enjoyed mine. We didn't do food. Good music, friendly wait staff- and they didn't skimp on the water either, haha. But really, the host's accommodating nature seems rare in this business- kudos to him. read more

I really, really, really hate this part of Logan Square. It makes me dizzy, driving around and around that circle in all of that traffic. But then I found (free) parking, finally sat down inside Billy Sunday, and had one of the best cocktails of my life here. You better believe I'd drive around and around again - blindfolded - just to drink another "Don't Speak." The creme de menthe in the drink intrigued me, but this drink is not at all minty. The pear flavor stands out making a refreshing and tart cocktail that I would happily fork over $11 for again. The bartender was helpful explaining the menu and flavor of the cocktails. I wish I had the time, and possibly a designated driver, so I could try more of the cocktail menu. Trust that these bartenders know their mixology. Billy Sunday opens at 5:00 p.m. during the week, and I arrived shortly after opening and almost had the place to myself. I felt a little awkward sitting at the bar alone, but my cocktail kept me company, and nobody gave me any weird looks. There are seats outside, with a lovely view of that circular boulevard, but the dark gray walls with a vintage, hipster flair and just as welcoming as the sunny patio. Great cocktails and great service, what's not to love? read more

My analysis? This place pretty Portland. No, not because they'll hunt you down if you write a bad Yelp review about them http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=INDtZifMsFM (Not advisable behavior btw) Besides the hipster vibe that Logan Square tends to attract, their menu items reminded me of the times I've spent in "Stump City." Specifically the chicken liver pate, and Fernet Branca cocktials, which were both nicely done on Billy Sundays account. The staff, while dressed the part, definitely didn't seem to share the same holier-than-though sort of attitude that some of their customers had. Great service all around and I especially liked how they had a host that moderated the bar seating. Definitely made for a smooth experience altogether. Overall a pretty awesome spot, but I'm going to have to bring my buddy Don B http://www.yelp.com/user_details?userid=Pf7FI0OukC_CEcCz0ZxoUw when he comes to visit to see if he agrees with me. read more

I was in the Logan square area and stumbled upon this hidden gem, from the minute I walked in I was nicely greeted and all of the staff was very kind. I came in for some drinks and decided to order some bites. Amazing baked oysters you must must must try them. I loved the vibe so much I came back again just for the food, please put the steak tartare on your list of things to try, you can tell these guys have some fine dining experience. Patrick keep up the good work, Bill Sunday my unexpected hot spot in Chicago read more

Billy Sunday - Baked oysters - Cocktail Bars Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

I really wanted to hate this place. I came prepared to hate this place, knowing they charge five bucks or something for a Schlitz, and that every last detail of the restaurant had been thoroughly calculated to look accidental, from the neo-steampunky illustrations on the walls down to the mismatched chintzy place settings and perfectly tarnished silverware. It's the restaurant equivalent of a $200 pair of pre-faded jeans with pre-made holes, one of many such places popping up all over every city in America, this generation's discotheque. But beyond that, there's really nothing to dislike here. The menu offerings were challenging for bar food, but also delicious and filling, or at least what I tasted was (highly recommend: the buttermilk biscuit crust, braised rabbit pot pie). The Old Fashioned I ordered was probably the best I've ever had, anywhere, and the single, billiard ball-sized ice sphere which cooled it was a nice touch. Service was responsive and friendly. When I ordered a desert donut for our table, our server pointed out that it came as a set of three, but that she would have the kitchen prepare four in order to accommodate our party. I get being down on restaurants that strive for prefab, carefully manufactured quirkiness and ersatz character, and Billy Sunday is nothing if not that. But the service, care and quality are genuine, which trumps everything else and makes this place a welcome addition to the neighborhood. read more

Charming bar with unique cocktails, delicious small bites, and food. It's the perfect place to come here on a weekend afternoon or late at night to get one drink before winding down. I'm a big snacker and Billy Sunday does snacks well. I always get an order of the curried nuts or popcorn provencal. read more

Billy Sunday - Popcorn Provencal (olive, tomato, thyme). OH DELICIOUS. - Cocktail Bars Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

The Mister and I went through Hell AND high water to try out the much-fawned over cocktails at Billy Sunday. Now that Chicago has traded its summer season for a new Hogwarts-themed atmosphere, we found ourselves dashing out of the torrential rains and huddling under the Blue Line stop while we waited for Mother Nature to finish her tantrum in the skies. As if that weren't enough chilling entertainment, we watched a shooting victim get carted off to the hospital from the liquor store across the street. Because armed robberies in brought (foggy) daylight are all the rage now? How cliche. I've never been so happy to have the Boys in Blue in close contact to me. I realize thousands of Chicagoans experience violence every day. That experience opened my eyes and made me more understanding of the terror that occurs in our city. After our exciting travels finally led us to Billy Sunday, we immediately plopped down at the scarcely crowded bar and ordered drinks. I've seen that this place can get packed, but at 6pm on a rainy Saturday night, it was far from. The Mister went with his tried and true Manhattan and I went with a glass of wine. I wasn't sure hard liquor was what I needed after my shock of close contact with violence. A Manhattan is a true testament to a cocktail bar's constitution, and Billy Sunday delivered. The spherical ice, the oil essence, the high-quality bourbon all created a beautiful bevie. The bartender might have been my favorite part of the experience. He was helpful and polite and not at all bearing the mixologist vibe I've come to expect from speakeasy establishments such as Billy Sunday. He even got us on an upsale, and we weren't even mad. He recommended a delicious Wisconsin beer that was supposed to cut through the bite of the Manhattan. Instead it was my sippy cup between gulps of my prosecco. And I don't like beer. I'd like to try Billy Sunday again when I'm up for imbibing something stronger than wine, and when I'm hungry enough to try their jars of goodies. And perhaps when Logan Square isn't having a total meltdown. Quite honestly I'm shaming myself for not having the guts to order the crab dip. Who doesn't order crab dip when it's on the menu?? read more

This review will not include cocktails. I was too tired to drink on the night of my visit. So, Beth R., why bother review at all? Because peanut butter and jelly doughnut holes, that's why. Three of them. Much more peanut buttery than jelly-y. Warm. Soft. Modest amount of peanut butter inside. Thankfully not jelly-filled. Three or four bites per. Salted peanut brittle sprinkled on top. Warm peanut butter coulis below. I am conflicted about parading my credentials as a PBJ expert, but suffice it to say I am a purist and a DIYer, making an average of two a week (truly, where do I find the time). These doughnuts hit the sweet spot, and by that I mean, the not-too-sweet-spot. I am a little scared that the menu might be seasonal, and that by my next visit these balls of glory might be gone. Please, no. Otherwise our visit was good. The service was attentive and our waitress was well-versed in cocktailia. The room is small, cozy and very handsomely decorated. They've paid a lot of attention to lighting, glassware and wooden accents. The rug under our table was a warm touch. We'll be back. read more

I'm a bartender. I'm judgmental of bars. I live in Rogers Park. I'm judgmental of Logan Square. I LOVE this place. Walked in and felt like people were... well, as I expected; very Brooklyn and a little bit pretentious. I know how to ease them out of that later-night funk (which, I TOTALLY get)-drink a lot, tip a lot, and talk a lot. Patio... awesome. The Big Book?!? Their huge book of (if I can remember at this point) fernet, aperitifs, and other tasty libations is gorgeous and delightfully full-of-itself. The cocktails... I had two of the best cocktails I've had in a long time-The Victorian and The Sipper. Talk about well-balanced and uniquely flavored. I'm not a huge cocktail drinker (mostly beer, whiskey, and gin) and I loved these two. Also... Chicken. Liver. Mousse... #PRAISE. Absolutely delicious. It's definitely a trek from my hood but I ended up so happily satisfied with everything I had here. Would love to come back with more time for edibles. read more

Trying to be so unhip they actually are hip, we get a bar named after a preacher fervent in his support for Prohibition. Are they trying to be ironic and make an obscure historical/pop culture reference? I can make one too. Billy Caldwell. Or Billy Baldwin. Or Billy Campbell. It's nestled in the middle of Logan Square, so of course it may become the most hipster-iest hipster place that ever hipstered. Even by LS standards. I actually found it pretty fancy and sophisticated. So appealing is Billy that the place reached capacity two hours after it opened. They have a very strict seating system and a host who quarterbacks the operation pretty smoothly. The Old Fashioned I drank was fantastic, complete with a perfectly circular and large ice ball, and definitely one of the best I've had. For my next drink the bartender made an absinthe cocktail called Corpse Reviver #2 that was so righteous it caused me to forget for a minute that I was not a fan of black licorice. I was fortunate to witness the bartender doing work on a chartreuse elixir cocktail, complete with Elixir Vegetal, which I immediately noticed came in a 100ml vial. I work with those bottles all the time and can point one out a mile away. I was also fortunate to witness Matt L. go HAM on said cocktail. Somewhere in the night I also tried the Daiquiri, the Cocktail, and other drinks that required eyedroppers, shakers, pipet techniques, custody transfer forms, and super-long spoons to create. Don't forget to order the pig's ears and the croquettes when you need to munch. Bartenders here are good at what they do and more than willing to explain what they're doing and go out of their way to placate the customer. Come visit this place, but I guarantee you it'll be packed. read more

Honest review: if u want the pukas empire make sure u order in advance service was good they dont take reservations n the place is small so be warned i woudlnt come again the best things were the chicken liver n the box lunch Chicken liver mouse 13$ i usually dont like chicken liver because the liver flavor can be way to overwhelming but this was amaizin. The chicken liver was supper rich. Then its topped with pureed pees for an added sweet note to counter act the strong liver flavor. I would have liked more of the pee puree though theres not alot. Then theres pickled onions amaizin!! The acidity really cuts through the richness of the dish. I would have prefered like slices better then whole little onions jus would be easier to eat n there was only 4 little onions for a full jar of chicken liver. The bread was amaizin, i love toasty bread really was the perfect vehicle to consume this dish Humus 9$ this was my least favorite dish of the night. The humus was jus a plain humus like nothing in it was that special it was really acidic though, Way to much for my liking. i was really confused by the toppings it said there was cranberries in it. I didnt see it or taste it there was nuts n an vinegary pepper on it. I like the addition for the nuts for crunch n the spicy acidity for some pop. Its served with flat bread was hoppin for naan cause its to flat n its hard to eat it since it wasnt crunchy its like eatin humus with a toritilla. This was good not great though. This dish needs some serious revamping! Tartare oscar 16$ i never had a surf and turf tartare before it wasnt successful though. The tartar was cut the way it is suppose to. I liked the additon of raw asparagus it added great texture n the healthy flavor was a nice counter balance to a heavy dish. The crab wasnt imitation crab thank u jesus it added a nice sweet note to counter act the richness of the dish wish there was more crab though. The bernaise sauce was dissapointing i was expecting something really rich but instead ate something flavorless. These are acompanied by the best chips i ever had not burnt not to thin n seasoned really well but the chips were really salty to the point where i was using the napkin to brush off the salt all in all okay but not mindblowing really underwhelming i was so excited to try this so i was disappointed Pineapple flambé 9$ omg coolest presentation i ever seen. Its basically an icecream with pinapple pieces n cookie crumbles. The icecream was amaizin one of the best icreams i ever had the texture was perfect sometimes could be overturned or too frozen. it wasnt to sweet it was really savory u could really taste the bayleef. my only complaint is i wish the chef either blended it or cooked bayleefs in the cream to get the essence of it because theirs alot of leaves that u have to like spit out or even strained it would have been perfect. The sauce was really good but really tasted like Liquor the raw alcohol taste didnt cook out with the flambe. So maybe jus use a lil less alcohol. I loved the pinapples on top they were really good wish there was more on top. The cookie crunbles added a nice texture but i wish there was cake or Something fried really would have made this dish over the top would order again though Box lunch 10$ one of the best cocktails i ever had if u love egg nog youll adore this cause its similar. when i saw the ingredients to make this i was like wtf but it was so amaizin. Its not to sweet i read alot of comments that its sweet but not really. What it tastes like is cinnamon n oatmeal trust me this will be one of the best drinks u ever had Yes we can 12$ this is like a margarita but made with sake. Its really acidic if u like margaritas youll love this not my fav was expecting a lil more Fools gold 12$ this tastes like a cold tea with alcohol in it so if u like tea youll love this. Then theirs a honey comb so u mix it in the the tea really interesting. I like this better then yes we can jus i was expecting somethin amaizin n it was a lil underwhelming read more

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I'm on the fence. I really can't shake that this place charges 5 bills for a Schlitz. Also the very limited selection of brews is unexpected. I get what they're gunning for and the place looks well thought out The cocktails were okay, but not great for a 10 spot. I felt my old fashion was solid for the first half, the last half of sips tasted awkward and bitter. I realize they make they're own everything, but the bottom half of my Old fashion was meh. Whistler does something similar although with less circus, but the drinks, music, and for that matter lighting are much better. I'll be back to Billy, but I'm on the fence. Down but not out. To be continued... read more

Cute atmosphere. Pretty great cocktails. The vibe inside is dark, hipster, intimate. Lots of two person tables, but the music is slightly loud, so I'd say it's a good place to bring a good friend or significant other, but maybe not a first date spot. I got the box lunch cocktail, because I'm a sucker for unique drinks. This goat's milk drink was very sweet but not cloying and not too thick. Usually drinks like baileys or White Russians are too much for me, but the box lunch was great. My boyfriend got a rum drink with burnt sugar bitters that was really great, similar in flavor to an old fashioned. Our second drinks weren't as big of hits. The aquinas starts off sour with a bitter aftertaste, that I liked but my boyfriend didn't. The other drink was a cocktail with wormwood that tasted like a fancy Malort...but I guess we should've figured. Final note: we got the sweet and salty peanuts and they were really great bar snack food. read more

I LOVEEEEEE this place, like I am so in love with it. My husband and I have come here a couple times and most recently we brought my cousin who lives out of state here and he thought it was super dope as well. Their spirit selections alone are amazing. I really enjoy seeing the bartenders do their thing with the drinks. We have gotten several food dishes that were all amazingly done as well. The service is absolutely wonderful and the bartenders are all amazing and helpful and willing to give their opinions on the different drink and food items. They are all extremely knowledgeable as well. This is our favorite spot in the Logan Square area!!! read more