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    Brando's Speakeasy

    4.0 (656 reviews)
    ModerateKaraoke, Speakeasies
    Closed 5:00 pm - 2:00 am (Next day)

    Brando's Speakeasy Photos

    Business Info

    BRANDO'S SPEAKEASY ATMOSPHERE

    What's the vibe?
    Casual
    Moderate noise
    Karaoke
    Good for groups

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    Recommended Reviews - Brando's Speakeasy

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    Martinis/Interior
    Shelby M.

    This place was packed, but so much fun!! The bartender was quick with orders and the karaoke was a great touch for the vibrant vibe of the bar. I didn't order any food as it was late night, but the drinks were great!!

    happy hour singers are pretty good.  dance floor pretty active too!!
    Athonia C.

    I didnt eat anything but i will say service was decent and i felt bad for the bar tender. but she was having fun. happy hour singers are pretty good. dance floor pretty active too!! The karaoke dj impressive. I recommend eating at Native Foods one block down before grabbing happy hour drinks here. Thats right: happy hour is still M-F 5-7 in Spring 2025!

    Jonquil B.

    This is a very cozy speakeasy; friendly bar staff with a lively karaoke crowd. We came for a happy hour and stayed for the shows/karaoke lol. I appreciate the crowd participation and the drinks were simple happy hour drinks. I think I got a tequila and Sprite. A lot of students came in and also save a few songs. But I really love the vibe of this place. It is a very open speakeasy with the dark lighting but welcoming at the same time.

    Brandos has hotties
    Matthew P.

    The best food, service, and atmosphere. A great vibe whether you want karaoke or bar, everyone can get on stage and everyone can have a

    Paloma
    Akilah B.

    I checked off my first visit this week during Happy Hour. $5 drinks specials!? Say less! Food: N/A. I was full already but they have Pizza fyi. Drinks: I had a Paloma which I only got because I had been drinking Tequila already but I've come to the conclusion that Paloma and I are eh LOL!! So I am definitely returning to try the other HH specials! Service: Good Atmosphere/Ambiance: It gave me that after work vibe. Final Thoughts/Recommendations: I'm definitely returning for karaoke and to try the other drinks! I would recommend it.

    Janice Y.

    I went to Brando's for part of a bachelorette celebration and we had a great night on Sunday. Drinks prices are super reasonable especially if you get one of the drink packages. However, it's only limited to basic mixed drinks like orange juice vodka or rum and coke etc. Nothing fancy on their cocktail menu are included in the basic drink package. It was a fun night. We got a booth to ourselves with a group of 11 girls. I'm usually not into karaoke in front of an audience but everyone was friendly and I guess it's also less intimating when you notice some others aren't pitch perfect either. The only downside is the bartender is kind of seeming upset and not satisfied with the tips we gave him. He kept reminding us to give tips. We had drink tickets some of us were planning to hand him a tip at the end once we finish our drink package. Even my friend handed him $5usd for 2 drinks at one point and I don't think he was satisfied with that either. In terms of dress code it's all over the place. Some people were dress to the nines while some came in casual. There was another bridal party that came here just after their wedding as an after party too. They went to the other side which is a speakeasy without the karaoke system. However, some of their friends from the bridal/groomsmen party hung out with us instead (lol because we're more fun)? Overall classy spot with comfy seats and it wasn't too busy on a Sunday night.

    Divya V.

    It was my first time visiting Brando's and omg so much fun! They have a cover charge over the weekend that needs to be paid upfront and in cash. It is a relatively tighter space but pretty manageable. They have Karaoke going on and everyone has to put in their request to the DJ and wait for their turn. The queue was huge but nevertheless fun! The crowd is young, hip and overall a very fun vibe. We tried a couple of their cocktails - espresso martini, B-sharp which was a vodka and kiwi based drink and Bathtub Gin. The drinks were pretty decent. If you like Karaoke vibes, you should definitely check out this place!

    Bar
    Pooja P.

    It's a Chicago classic that never disappoints!!!!! After 8 years of being regular at this speakeasy, stepping back in this past weekend after a long time felt like a nostalgic trip to the past. The vibe is very vintage, cozy, lively. The karaoke scene is ALWAYS lit. Everyone's vibing, dancing and singing along. The drinks are solid and reasonably priced and the bartenders are friendly; been seeing the same guys working the bar since a few years now. Truly captures the city's spirit. I hope they keep it real for many more years to come!! This time in my visit I noticed that they started charging $5 for the entry though (to be paid only in cash)!!!

    Bar, decor, karaoke monitor
    Melanie N.

    Loved this place. Met a friend for happy hour to catch up and this was so perfect. There was a large corporate group there living their best lives at karaoke offering some quality people watching entertainment. Drinks were solid, food was good. My food was actually lost in the crowd but the back bar tender was fantastic and got it taken care of. I've already recommended this place to friends and have recommended it for a corporate booking!

    Sherita B.

    Omg! Now this place was a treat. This vintage little quaint spot was just what I needed for a Friday evening. It was intimate then as the night went on it became bussing bussing! It was all good from there. Everyone supported eachother as we and Karaoke. The cocktails were nice and strong. The pizza was good enough to sober me up. The Bartender kept the drinks strong. I can see myself coming back.

    Paloma, red wine, pizza

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    1 year ago

    Great happy hour specials and nice atmosphere. Will definitely be back! Service was great!

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    1 year ago

    Great place for karaoke and drinks. Lovely chill spot and awesome staff members. The ambience is amazing.

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    Brando's Speakeasy Reviews in Other Languages

    Ask the Community - Brando's Speakeasy

    I'm turning 21 soon and visiting Chicago for my birthday. I live in Michigan. I have a temporary license attached to my old license. I also have a Michigan State ID. Would either of these would be valid forms of ID to purchase alcoholic beverages?

    Both will be fine to come in

    Do they offer their happy hour on Saturdays and Sundays?

    Yes

    Can you be 20 to enter?

    Unfortunately, they do card at the door

    Does it have limited age?

    21+

    Is there a cover charge on Saturday nights after about 8pm?

    Thursday through Sunday after 9pm $5 cover charge

    Do you have to be 21 to go?

    Yes we are 21+

    Is helicopter parking available at this place?

    Only if you know the password

    View All 8 Questions

    Review Highlights - Brando's Speakeasy

    I had a lot of fun, staff was attentive and the owner Dino actually took a few minutes to sit down with us.

    Mentioned in 7 reviews

    Read more highlights

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    The Bassment - Chicago - The Bathtub

    The Bassment - Chicago

    4.1(246 reviews)
    1.0 miRiver North, Near North Side
    $$

    The Bassment in Chicago is a hidden gem that combines sophistication, style, and incredible live…read moremusic in one unforgettable experience. From the moment you descend into the intimate, speakeasy-style space, you're transported into a world of elegance and charm. The atmosphere is warm and inviting, with dim lighting, plush seating, and a touch of vintage glamour that perfectly complements the lively energy of the performances. The musicians are top-notch, the cocktails are expertly crafted, and every detail -- from the décor to the acoustics -- is designed to create an exceptional night out. What truly makes The Bassment stand out is the seamless blend of entertainment and hospitality. The staff are attentive and personable, ensuring every guest feels welcome and well taken care of throughout the evening. Whether you're there for date night, a celebration, or just to unwind with great music and drinks, The Bassment delivers an experience that feels both exclusive and comfortable. It's one of those rare Chicago spots where the vibe, sound, and service all come together perfectly -- a must-visit for anyone who appreciates quality nightlife and unforgettable live performances.

    Really happy to have found this spot for live music on a Saturday night. We arrived right around 8,…read morewhen doors open. Musics starts at 930ish so it's a bit of a wait if you get there that early, but potentially worth it to snag a lounge/table until reservations show up. Reservations are pricey, but with a group would be super fun and worth it. Workout having reservations, we gave up our seats and headed to the front to hang around the bar near the stage. Really awesome staff, and a coat check if you need it. The bar tenders were friendly and attentive. The music was fabulous. Fun crowd. The drink list was super fun with pop star nmes, the Taylor Swift was the fav, and not just bc I am a Swiftie. The bathtub drink is cute, get one for the photo and move on. The cream didn't work for me. Highly recommend for a fun live music experience and vibe.

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    The Bassment - Chicago
    The Bassment - Chicago
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    The Office

    The Office

    4.3(317 reviews)
    1.3 miFulton Market, West Loop, Near West Side
    $$$$

    5 Resounding stars for excellent craft cocktails, an intimate setting, the best staff, and…read moreinventive bites. I got reservations here for my birthday as I've been to Aviary, but never had a chance to go to the speakeasy-style concept downstairs. Haley took care of us while we were sat at a prime spot on the small bar. She was truly such a breath of fresh air and didn't intimidate like some highly skilled mixologists can sometimes do. We got to try a few drinks, but I have to call out the Martini with mango (great, balanced martini with a twist!) and the Leche de Tigre (you know this peruana had to try it!). The leche de Tigre (think ceviche in a glass) was savory, tangy, and something I would order again and again. To snack, we got the pepperoni flavored popcorn (they have a vegetarian version) and it blew me away. I would never have guessed it was vegetarian if we hadn't requested that specifically. And you know the presentation was on point. Overall, a new favorite spot in the city!

    This spot inside the aviary came highly recommended considering it is part of the Alinea group…read more Service was quick and we were told we could request for a bartenders choice cocktail if we provided some general guidelines. My first drink was average and full of ice - disappointing. I did talk to them and swap it out for a mezcal sour which turned out to be much better. They were understanding and accommodative and offered up an alternative drink as well. Overall service was good and cocktails were decent. The fanfare to book this spot and the very rigid booking policies made this seem like a much more exclusive and sought after spot. The drinks were good but not spectacular. A good spot for pre dinner drinks in that neighborhood.

    Photos
    The Office - Twas a combination of a black manhattan & a vieux carré  Delicious

    Twas a combination of a black manhattan & a vieux carré Delicious

    The Office - Basque cheesecake was delicious

    Basque cheesecake was delicious

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    Collection

    Bordel - Lemon drop at the bar

    Bordel

    3.6(287 reviews)
    2.8 miWest Town, Ukrainian Village
    $$$

    Ambiance was great, dark and moody. Service was prompt at first. We paid extra for stage view…read moreseats, which was ok. I don't think $10 a person was necessarily worth it though, as we were seated far away from the stage. Performers would occasionally come around to get money after their performance, which where we were seated we couldn't see a whole lot of the performers, but yet paid extra for it. Ordered my last drink and never got it, thankfully they didn't charge me for it. Living in Las Vegas I guess I'm used to a higher leave of expectations without being charged an additional 18% service charge, especially since I paid additional money for our seats and didn't get the last drink I ordered. Save your money and check out The Bassment or Untitled instead.

    Came here for less than 10 minutes. Ordered a single drink that I took two sips of. I signed for…read more$20.91 for said ONE drink after their 18.88% surcharge that they allege (Bordel) keeps their business fully staffed, give healthcare benefits, and a livable wage. BUT somehow Chey S. Still decided to alter my receipt and give her a $10 tip. Which I did not give her. To which is also illegal. If this surcharge that they claim allows for them to take care of their employees - then why are they stealing from their customers? Anyone who comes here or has been here- take pictures of your receipts after you've signed and totaled them. I see in the reviews Chey S. Is a commonly denominator in bad reviews. Not sure why she's still employed here. Committing crimes and businesses letting it slide isn't a good look. Still waiting on my refund of $10 for that check 72 from Thursday the 23rd at 11:39pm that I have yet to receive! Idc to pay the $20 for one mediocre drink, but stealing is completely unacceptable. And it being excused even more so. Unfortunately I don't live in Chicago or I would've filed a police report, since this is FRAUD AND THEFT. Just beware of anyone who visits. I SIGNED to pay $20.91 not $30.91. There was a big fat ZERO tip for a reason. SO for check #72, I'll be waiting for that refund.

    Photos
    Bordel - Bordel

    Bordel

    Bordel - Such a vibe.

    Such a vibe.

    Bordel

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    The Aviary - Interior

    The Aviary

    4.0(1.7k reviews)
    1.3 miFulton Market, West Loop, Near West Side
    $$$

    An extraordinary cocktail experience that's absolutely worth it for a fun date night or a group…read moreouting. The bird-themed cocktail menu brings both creativity and drama, with presentations that feel almost theatrical. What really elevates the experience is how the hosts narrate the inspiration behind each drink, making it feel more like a storytelling session than just a night out. The mixologists deserve serious credit for their thoughtful experimentation with global flavors--balancing complementary and contrasting notes, surprising textures, and sensory touches that feel nostalgic and adventurous at the same time. The food holds its own too. Don't miss the giant onion ring or the Chip n Dip--both are as fun as they are delicious. Yes, it's on the pricier side, but the cocktail tasting experience makes it worthwhile. A perfect late-night spot for great conversations and drinks that ooze personality.

    I'll start by saying I've been a huge fan of The Aviary for years. In the early days of the…read morepandemic, I got all their cocktail books, and my friends and I bought some of the equipment (vacpot, porthole) and started making Aviary drinks. So when I went to Chicago to visit friends recently, this was my first reservation. We were kindly greeted and seated toward the rear of the dining room. Collectively, we ordered more than half the beverages on the menu. I won't go into tons of detail on them, since some drinks are seasonal, but I will say that it was a blast experiencing craft cocktails and mocktails at their finest. I love the menu concept of the birds that fly farther along the page to indicate how alcohol-forward the drink is. That's a really fun idea! One friend ordered both the spirited and the non-alcoholic Porthole to compare the flavors. And we all liked the N/A version better! Our server kindly came over and mentioned that he heard I was inspired by The Aviary and they took us on a private tour with the bar team and then down to the ice making room, which I LOVED because I was obsessed with the intricate ice making process from the original cocktail books. What a fantastic experience, and the tour put a cherry on top. Long live The Aviary!

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    The Aviary - Drink your medicine

    Drink your medicine

    The Aviary - Sweet Corn Empanadas, Elote

    Sweet Corn Empanadas, Elote

    The Aviary - Another delightful "interactive" Cocktail

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    Brando's Speakeasy - karaoke - Updated May 2026

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