Such a lovely spot to grab a cocktail (or three!) with friends or a date. Great, diverse menu,…read moreincluding the option to have the bartender make a custom drink if you're feeling adventurous! All the servers are friendly and know the menu well. It can get a little loud with the love music, so sit in the back if you are worried about that -- it helps a little.

Wait this is a new fave spot. If it were a little cheaper I'd probably come weekly. The summer…read morespecial cocktail we got was delicious and so many of the bartender created cocktails sounded awesome. The atmosphere is dark, moody, intimate, and the live music really makes the vibe lively and fun but if you sit a bit further away from the band it isn't overwhelmingly loud and conversation is still possible (unlike, say, Dorian's). They also have a photobooth! Self seated.

Bisous is a Parisian-inspired romantic cocktail lounge in Fulton Market, and it delivers on…read moreatmosphere and craft. The cocktail menu mixes clever plays on classics with their own signature creations, and everything we tried was fantastic. It's no surprise they were named one of the 50 Best Bars in North America for 2026. I had what might be the best pink squirrel I've ever had: creamy, balanced, and a perfect take on the classic. We also tried one of their freezer martinis, which was beautifully cold, exactly how a martini should be. I can't wait to get back and work my way through more of the menu. If you're in Chicago and want a date-night spot or just a really well-made drink, put Bisous on your list.

I had a really positive experience at Bisous back in February when I went with my family. The…read morebartender paid attention to us, the cocktails were well made, and we left in a good mood. Because of that, I decided to stop by again on a recent Sunday evening around 7pm. The second visit was completely different. We got there early, knowing it would probably get busier later. Even so, tables near the bar stayed open the entire time we were there. Instead of seating us up front, they put us in the back area by ourselves, where there was no dedicated server. We basically had to wait until the bartender happened to look over and notice us before we could order. He was friendly when he came by, but having to rely on random glances from the bar is not how service should work. The drinks themselves were on the sweet side but acceptable. The bigger issue was the seating and the lack of attention. We were left alone in the back while open seats closer to the bar remained empty the whole night. I don't want to assume the hostess or manager treated us differently because we're Asian, but the decision felt strange and left us without real service. That person should be retrained or let go. Given how good the first visit was, this one was disappointing enough that I won't be coming back or recommending the place.

We went to Dearly Beloved for my birthday and it was such a fun night. The lounge is beautiful --…read morevelvet, chandeliers, and just a really cool, cozy atmosphere. It felt like the perfect place for a birthday celebration. The dirty martini was honestly the best I've ever had, and we happened to go during happy hour so the half-off appetizers were a great bonus. The owner and waitstaff were all so friendly and welcoming, which made the night even better. We had such a great time and I'm already looking forward to going back!

I'm not quite sure why this place has pretty good reviews. Overall, it's pretty average. We came…read morefor happy hour and sat outside. While the table was on the sidewalk it was slightly set off and not on a busy street, so that was nice. While I only went inside to use the restroom, the vibes are interesting... I had their aperol spritz and it was okay. It was strong which was good. Then a pornstar martini. I thought the pornstar martini was really good and the best item of the evening. We shared oysters, the crab dip, and tuna tartare. The oysters were alright. The crab dip was funky. It was a bit fishy and maybe too heavy on the dill? I'm not sure but something was a bit off. The tuna tartare tasted fresh and was a good combination of flavors. It would be the only food item I'd reorder from the happy hour menu.

A great drink, bar service and meat board…read more I was the first person in the door as it was an early stop for a longer evening, the bartender who was serving was helpful to a first timer and tastefully attentive afterwards. As more and more people came in, he was certain to keep me in his considerations and each old fashioned was as good as the first The charcuterie board had very good sourdough bread and the meats were very delicious. Overall a great start to my evening and will be returning

Visit & Wait Time *…read moreWe (group of 6) came here on a Saturday night. * It was a bit packed, so the staff recommended we come back in an hour. * We came back in an hour, and the staff sat us right away. Service * The servers and bartenders were friendly. * It took us some time to get the charcuterie board, but they had one server manning the area. She did her best. Ambiance * The ambiance is moody and vampy. Cleanliness * The bathrooms are clean. Overall Experience * I would come here again.

This is easily the coolest speakeasy I've been to in Chicago so far!…read more From the moment we checked in for our reservation, we were treated with amazing service. The walk through the kitchen, being greeted by every employee was so sweet and a nice part of the experience. Once we made it to the actual location, it was a dark and sexy vibe. All of the drinks and food was delicious. A bit pricey, but thankfully my partner paid . This would be an amazing date night spot to surprise someone with. It was dark so I didn't get many photos, but just go, you have to experience it.

LOVE LOVE LOVE! A great date night option. You get to go…read morethrough the kitchen for the whimsical entrance (and the back exit is also quite cute). Cocktails are delicious and the ambiance is very cozy and moody. I loved everything we tried (fries, croquettes and burger are not pictured but still really good) and it's a plus to be able to order from the SKY menu. It's truly the best of both worlds. The service was also very friendly and guided us through entrance, ordering and exit. I will definitely return.

Right before starting writing this one, I wrote a review for Kibbitznest, another phenomenal…read moreChicago bar with a totally different theme and vibe. That is to say: I am not throwing words of praise like "one of a kind" and "phenomenal" around lightly. Both are different and still amazing. Sparrow has a vibe straight out of the 1920s. The decor, signage, use of color, and absence of screens or TV's all contribute to the theme. The music is also appropriate and plays at the perfect volume to be pleasant without forcing one to raise their voice. I tried the Green Daisy and a House Old Fashioned. The Green Daisy was boozy and had some herbaceous notes. A little tartness and a little sweetness helped balance the drink out and make for a phenomenal sipper. I loved the creativity with this one! The House Old Fashioned was also well done, assembled with quality ingredients in balance with one another. Nothing wrong with a well-executed classic. The prices are more or less reasonable considering the location and overall market, with bevies costing around $16. The bar staff is excellent! Very friendly and welcoming! Final verdict: A spot where I can say come for the drinks and stay for the vibe. It's the kind of place where walking in you are transported a century into the past. Everything about the experience, including the atmosphere, drinks, service, and prices, is calling me to return and bring some people with me.

This might be my favorite rum bar in the country. If you want intimate spaces, moody lighting,…read moreextensive rum selections, and drink specials come here. Monday nights are my favorite because they offer a different specialty rum in special. It's a great way to try different kinds. They also serve beer, wine, and every other spirit you can imagine. Cocktails are on point. Seating options are varied: bar seats, small tables in back, bench seating with tiny tables up front. Quiet and comfortable.

Remedy is excellent. From the giant fish tank behind the bar to the sign outside that just says…read more"BAR", you'll know this place's vibe the second you step inside. The happy hour is pretty much unbeatable here, EVERYTHING is half off. I can walk out of there after an hour of drinking having only paid ~20 bucks, including tip. On top of that, the cocktail and beer selection is really solid. And, the music is always bumpin' and seems to be whatever the bartender on shift likes, which I think is great. Can't say enough about the service here. Everyone I've interacted with has been friendly and efficient behind the bar. This place is truly a hidden gem on Milwaukee ave.

This was our last stop in Chicago before heading to the airport. Great experience and honestly one…read moreof the cooler cocktail bars we hit on this trip. Sat at the bar and had a friendly chat with the bartender. Service was fast since it wasn't too busy on a late Sunday afternoon. Ordered the "Asshattan" which was basically a really well-made Manhattan... Strong, delicious, no complaints. The space is small but cozy. Loved all the plants hanging around everywhere. Overall, solid spot for decently priced cocktails (they had specials/happy hour advertised too). Good vibes, friendly bartender... can't really ask for more than that.

Valedor is the perfect venue for a date night or celebration. The interior is moody and intimate…read morewith gorgeous chandeliers throughout. Our group thoroughly enjoyed their Mexican & Japanese fusion cuisine (make sure to go for their happy hour deals). If you enjoy a sweet cocktail, try the strawberry sakerita. It was the perfect pairing with the gouda katsu, karaage, and spicy salmon crispy rice. They also gave our group celebratory shots for celebrating a birthday there with the cutest fireworks alongside them. Their service in general was top tier and our waiter did a phenomenal job. I look forward to returning and trying more items on their menu.

The service here is incredible. The bartenders are very talented and the host is so sweet…read more The place is so pretty and makes you feel like you're in a true speakeasy. It has very comfy seats even at the bar. Their happy is great and is available everyday except Mondays when they're closed. Their lychee martini is really good and comes with cotton candy on the glass, which I really love. My partner rated this 8.5/10. Their espresso martini is pretty good but the Carajillo martini takes the cake. That's my go-to drink now when I visit. I also tried the Sakerita flight, which is a margarita made with sake. The Sakerita flavors were strawberry (8/10 made with real strawberry puree) I think it could've been less sweet, cucumber (7/10 the cucumber puree is strong with this one), and passion fruit (4/10). I usually like passion fruit but this one was really bitter and sour. The chicken Karaage was perfectly crispy and juicy but I didn't not like the dips that came along with it. But I'm not a sauce person usually so take that part with a grain of salt. The Quesobirria rolls were perfectly seasoned and juicy. The consomé dip was sooo good and flavorful. I don't usually like birria but this is immaculate and I definitely recommend getting this. The outside was also very crispy but not too crispy. The tuna pone tacos were immaculate. No complaints. I love this spot and I'm ready to become a regular here.

Coffee and cocktails. Do we really need anything else? With standard hours ranging from 8 AM to…read moreMidnight most days, Truce has got you covered, whatever the mood. Very clever drink list. With mixology being all the rage for the last 20+ years, I almost feel like it's hard to come up with a new drink concept these days. Truce shows that creativity in the world of booze is alive and well, and I count myself lucky to have had a taste. The 'Peas + Carrots' was a surprise win. Scotch, blanco tequila, sochu, carrot, snap pea, ginger, and kukicha. Sounds bizarre as hell, but it absolutely works. I also had a 'Final Say,' a spin on a classic featuring gin, clementine, fino, galliano, turmeric, black pepper, and lemon. The 'I Can't Believe It's Beer' has everything from mezcal and rooibos tea to guava and an aperitivo. I could ramble on about their menu, but I'd say just check Truce out yourself. You get what I'm saying. Their creative juices are clearly flowing, and they switch the menu up seasonally. They have some light bites too, but I really recommend them for cocktails and coffee. I wouldn't come here for dinner. They do drinks, so come here to drink. Plenty of very savvy-sounding N/A options, too. It's sleek, intimate, sexy, relaxed, and fun. Come through at 8 AM for a cocktail, roll through at 11 PM for a coffee, there's no judgment here. I'll be keeping an eye on Truce.

Wow, Truce is my ideal concept of a space. It's a coffeeshop by day and cocktail bar by night. I…read morecame in during the day on a Thursday to get some work done, and it was such a cool environment. The ambiance is dark and moody inside, but I liked the music they had playing, and there was plenty of seating. They also had free Wi-Fi and outlets! Everything on their menu looked insanely good. I went with the B-A-N-A-N-A-S--it was very tasty, and the banana taste was very strong. It was definitely on the sweeter side so more of a dessert drink, but I enjoyed it. Everything on their menu looked so delicious and well thought out, so I definitely hope to try their other drinks! The service was very fast and friendly. I recommend this spot--will need to be back to try out their drinks in the future! FYI, they become 21+ after 5pm.

the best cocktails and maybe the best gin martini in the city ! I love the wrap around bar it…read morereally makes for a cool vibe for a date night or just out with your friends. The patio in the summer is also just a huge plus. The staff is polite and prompt Also you can't beat the happy hour on Sunday and Mondays. I will be back... soon

I was sold on the concept more than on the experience. This is a LOUD place. It is beyond me why so…read moremany establishments play music when they have large, loud crowds present. People end up speak/shouting. The people at the table next to us had difficulty hearing one another. We were seated on the far corner and still it was too loud. I ordered a cocktail. My 2 companions had cider and... wine? One person ordered a white fish dip and I believe she liked it.