The $10 pistachio espresso martini was chef's kiss--perfectly balanced, not too sweet, with that smooth nutty flavor that makes it way too easy to order another. The atmosphere is super cool--dim lighting, great music, and just the right amount of energy. And the bartenders really made it--super friendly, attentive, and clearly know what they're doing. Great service all around. Definitely a spot I'll be coming back to read more

Clara - Pistachio espresso martini - Cocktail Bars Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

Cute-enough spot with small plates and cocktails. However, when we visited last night, we waited 15 minutes for our one wine and one cocktail, despite the restaurant being less than a quarter full. We watched our waitress make multiple attempts to pick up my husband's drink from the bar, spill, set it down, pick it back up and spill more, and finally give up and run it to us. As she set down this sticky, wet, under-filled mess, I asked her exactly how much of my husband's $16 cocktail she had just spilled. She said, "Yeah, the bartender over-poured," and walked off. We then watched her do the exact same thing to every mixed drink she ran. Way, way too expensive to be delivering messy, dripping, quarter-empty cocktails. Skip Clara and go to Le Midi, where the service, ambience, and wine list were perfect. read more

This place knows what's up! It's beautiful, easy to get to, their service is always phenomenal and their drinks are delicious. Their snacks are totally worth getting, and the staff are so friendly and knowledgeable. Every time I've asked for a recommendation, they do not disappoint! It's become a regular spot for a night out with the gals. PS - Their live music is so good! read more

My friend and I came to Clara on a Friday night. We had heard that it was an incredible music venue, and the music did not disappoint! Artists were incredible, and I loved that both acts were local. The service was subpar. It's a seat yourself environment with wait staff getting drinks. Tables were full, so we started at the bar and moved to a table. Our drinks took 25 minutes, and one of them was wrong. After another 20 or so minutes, they both came out. Ordering a second round basically was not worth it by the time the second round finally came out. The drinks themselves were really good, with our favorite being the espresso martini with pistachio. I'd be game to come back but it's not high on my list with the service we experienced. read more

Clara - Cocktail Bars Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

Last night we had extra time before a show and stumbled into Clara. We had a BLAST and look forward to our next excuse to go back! First, the ambiance is so chic and refined. Immediately upon walking in we were greeted with beautiful live jazz music. Absolutely stunning and high class! There are lots of tables from the lower front section, to the upper bar section, and into the back plant room. Don't be deceived by the narrow entrance, this spot is long and full of spots to relax! We posted up at the bar because we needed to be quicker than table service. I was blown away by the creative and delicious looking cocktails and my husband was very happy with the draft beer list. I got the tangerine manhattan and my spouse got the Son of Juice from Maplewood. We both loved our selections and look forward to trying other options next time! The staff were friendly and professional, offering classy vibes and welcoming service. Prices were reasonable for such an innovative and creative space with live music. The ambiance was chic and clean. There are two bathrooms, one in the middle section by the bar, and one back in the plant room. We look forward to the next time we are in Wicker Park so we can pay a visit to Clara with intention and more time. If you find yourself in the area, be sure to check it out! read more

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Such a cool and relaxed cocktail bar! We came on a Friday night around 8:30 to catch their live jazz music and sip some cocktails. When we arrived, there were plenty of spots to sit (it began to really fill up around 9:30-10). We chose to sit in the back at the booth where we could watch the bartenders make drinks and see the jazz band from afar. The vibe was moody and classy with its nice lighting and live jazz band, but it also was very down to earth and welcoming. The bartenders and the patrons were a mix of casually dressed and dressed for a nice Friday outing, so it really felt like you could come as you are! The service was excellent, as they were attentive and very friendly. They all had a nice warm vibe. I got the guansabella which is spirit forward but really well balanced. It came with a dried fig garnish. The large ice cube was really cool and it's clear they put a lot of thoughtful and creative details into their cocktails! They also have some small snacks. We ordered the dark chocolate salted caramels which came with dried figs, apricots, and dates. It came with a tiny fork and knife which was cute and also functional. The aesthetics were really nice and it was perfect for sharing! This spot was such a great cocktail bar and I'm excited to come back! I definitely want to come for their happy hour and to try their version of the espresso martini which seemed very popular! Overall awesome vibes and a great spot to come for a date or with a group of friends. read more

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Clara in Wicker Park had a very chill vibe. Loved the ambiance. We went there for the Happy Hour on Saturday. The drinks were phenomenal, especially 'E Major' - it was an Espresso Martini with Pistachio. A very great combination. I wish we could stay for the band to start performing, maybe we'll come back next time for that. The service was also quick and good. read more

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Happy hour deal has $15 cocktails! The matcha martini was super smooth and I could barely taste the alcohol. Super chill spot overall. I didn't get a chance to see the live music read more

Clara - Matcha martini - A green matcha martini with a smooth surface is served in a clear stemmed glass, garnished with a small strawberry on top. The drink is placed on a wooden table, with a brick wall and bar stools visible in the background, indicating a bar or restaurant environment. - Cocktail Bars Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

Came to Clara recently to celebrate a friend's bday. I had never heard of this place beforehand, but glad he held his celebration here. When you first walk in, you see a piano and someone performing on it. They do really good live music here...mainly classical and jazz I believe. My friend told me Clara are heavy supporters of classical music...outstanding! Once you pass the piano and hi-tops, there are steps that take you to the bar and additional seating. The vibe is very chill and mellow and proper for good cocktail consumption. Guys behind the bar and ladies serving the tables were very good. Nice looking drinks everywhere! I decided to go with the Festive Lion which is sort of a mezcal/tequila old fashioned...I loved it! Good space and definitely a Wicker/Bucktown gem. read more

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Such a pretty interior! I had the Melishas drunk cocktail, wasn't really sure if the ingredients would work well together, but it was delicious! The $10 martinis at happy hour are well worth it. I would go back for live music. read more

Clara - Melishas drink - A pink cocktail served in a coupe glass with a pineapple slice garnish on a wooden bar table. The table has menus with the word 'CLARA' and a stylized flower logo, along with a phone stand in the background. The setting appears to be a bar or restaurant environment. - Cocktail Bars Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

Cozy spot with soft lighting and some great drinks. Only had one here during happy hour, but would highly recommended any of the menu. The bar staff are talented and cater to your tastes so there's no way to go wrong. Find something you like and enjoy! read more

Popped in for some love music and stumbled into a GREAT place. Cocktails are very well done and obviously done with care. Service was excellent, vibes were great. Will definitely come back. Love having live music locally read more

Good vibes, even better drinks. For the month of April (I think?) they had a speciality cocktail-- a strawberry matcha martini. This review is me formally requesting that this drink be permanently added to the menu. It is the best drink I've ever tasted. PLEASE, IM BEGGING read more

Clara - A woman with blonde hair, wearing a beige quilted jacket, is seated at a wooden table, smiling and clasping her hands. A server with dark hair, dressed in dark clothing, is holding a tray with a cocktail garnished with a red straw. The background features green walls, brown curtains, and hanging plants, indicating a cozy, plant-decorated environment, possibly a bar or restaurant. - Cocktail Bars Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

Walked by and saw the live Jazz band and decided to pop in. What a pleasant surprise! The ambiance and vibe is equally cozy and festive. Decided to sit at the bar and while perusing the menu, the bar tender was more than willing to take a few minutes and discuss the options. I settled on the much recommended espresso martini complete with crushed pistachio sprinkled on top, and made our way over to a small table next to the booths. Delicious cocktails, friendly staff, live music and no cover. WIN! read more

Clara - E Major aka Espresso Martini - A cocktail in a coupe glass features a dark liquid topped with a layer of whipped cream, decorated with three coffee beans and chopped nuts on one side. The drink is placed on a wooden table, with a water glass, a glass bottle, and another cocktail in the background. The setting appears to be a dimly lit bar or restaurant. - Cocktail Bars Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

There was a live band playing when we walked in and plenty of seats at the bar in the back. You can pick a spot depending on how loud you want the music to be, which is nice. The cocktail menu is thoughtful and well balanced with non-alcoholic options, including shrubs. I picked the Festive Lion and it was delicious! So glad to have stumbled into this place. read more

Clara - Festive lion - delicious! - A close-up of a whiskey glass containing large ice cubes and a lemon wedge, set on a wooden bar counter. In the background, there are small bottles, a glass of water, and a bar menu from Clara, a craft cocktail bar in Chicago. The scene suggests a relaxed, upscale bar environment with a focus on craft drinks. - Cocktail Bars Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

Mara's a cherries, matcha martinits, beautiful manhattans. An incredible place to have drinks. A must go. read more

I already loved this bar because of the name and jazz! We got to see a nice jazz band and sit at the picturesque bar. It was so nicely decorated, and the drinks were definitely artistic and fancier. The espresso martini had a nice pistachio cold foam, which was tasty. The festive lion was more like an old fashioned, so I switched it out for a spicy margarita. Perfect date spot! read more

First time moderate Jazz experience. Environment was light and pleasurable, cocktail selection and variety was great. I'll be coming back. Thank you Clara! read more

Came here for a friends birthday party and had a great experience. They reserved the back room and we were able to meander through the entire bar. I wasn't able to drink this particular evening but I took a few sips from my friends cocktails. The espresso martini goes crazy and I can't wait to return and have one for my own. read more

Amazing atmosphere the owners is a beautiful soul and the drinks are amazing!!! Great hang!! read more

Clara - Cocktail Bars Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

While there are many close-by options for a post birthday dinner after party in the North Ave, Damen and Milwaukee corridor, Clara was at the top of my list. It exceeded my expectations! About 14 of my crew walked over post-dinner and not only enjoyed ourselves with the solid cocktail/beer menu; but, with the ample and comfortable space to, at first stand around and talk; but, to then sit and talk. There were a few patrons in the place when we arrived and it wasn't long before we found ourselves to be the only patrons there - very likely due to the impending storms which were about to hit. Service was prompt and friendly. My drink of choice was Smooth Sailing, which is rye whiskey, lemon juice, Benedictine, maple syrup and super foam - really darn delicious! Many in my crew ordered the Old Fashioned, which I got to try; it was tasty. The bar area was nice and cool, the seating was comfortable, the bathroom clean and well stocked. One of the owners was there and come over to chat with us, sharing they've been open for three months. I wish Clara continued success, as you are on my short list of places to come hang and have a delicious cocktail or beer. Go Clara, go Clara! read more

My wife and I were visiting from Vegas so we were checking out different bars while in Bucktown. Clara was a nice vibe. Bartender was friendly, drinks were crafted, & the ambiance was enhanced by the jazz band. Would definitely revisit in the future! read more

The Clara team makes creating a special event experience with their space simple. It's charming and an incredibly intimate place to check out live music while visiting with friends or as a solo patron. Good vibes! We'll visit again soon. read more

Really excited about this place! Spacious place but intimate ambience for the booth seating around the bar. Jazz tracks are a welcome departure from the music found at most Wicker Park places, and the service is super friendly. Great drinks: Smooth Sailing is a great whiskey sipper, pretty balanced. Haydn's Head was nicely gin-forward without being overbearing. The Coquito was a hit, a comparison to Cinnamon Toast Crunch milk but with much better depth. Solid mocktail list as well. Looking forward to trying out more stuff and catching live music soon! read more

Clara - Haydn's Head and French 75 - The image shows two cocktails on a wooden table, each in a coupe glass. One cocktail has a lemon slice garnish, and the other contains herbs, possibly rosemary, in the drink. The setting appears to be a bar or restaurant with a warm, dimly lit ambiance. - Cocktail Bars Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

Great new intimate venue. Service was good, no cover for a fun 7 piece band. I will be back read more

Perfect date night spot! We got their Cabernet and it was very tasty. The charcuterie board was huge! Lots of different bites to try. The live music makes it a unique experience. I recommend checking this place out. read more

Great new bar in Wicker Park with friendly bartenders, live music, and 10/10 cocktails. Hidden gem!

Amazing cocktail menu and great addition to the neighborhood. Will definitely be back for the live music!

The BEST espresso martini in Chicago. The staff is so nice and personable. The bar is super cozy. We tried multiple drinks and were so impressed. Definitely will be coming back again soon. read more

Amazing espresso martini! The pistachio garnish makes the drink. The place is new, but has a very cozy vibe. Great low-key date spot or hang out venue for friends. Would recommend! read more

Such a cool vibe and that espresso martini is probably the best I've ever had! The pistachio made it for sure! Darwin, the bartender, was awesome and so personable. Will definitely be back. read more

Friendly and personal service! Very chill atmosphere!. Very intimate. I enjoyed Megan's quirky and queer vibes. Definitely going to be a regular read more