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Dearly Beloved

4.3 (123 reviews)
PriceyCocktail Bars
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Updated 3 months ago

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DEARLY BELOVED ATMOSPHERE

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Doug M.

Dearly beloved. Very mixed review here. Mainly because I left without getting to experience the food. The restaurant is stunning with amazing energy - lovely. The bar is loud - not great for conversing. But as a lone diner I don't mind that. Booked a standard table dining room reservation for one person - yet they would only seat me at a high top in the bar (very uncomfortable chairs) or at the bar itself - which is not the option I selected when making my reservation - why offer a standard table reservation availability when you don't have seating? Or was it because I was a lone diner? Hope not! Because I saw several open tables that could seat 2 people. Genesis (I think was her name) was a lovely server - taking the time to know a bit about you when she arrived - but she was slow to greet. For not being packed, the staff was slow. The reason I left actually. It was fairly busy but the restaurant was not full and had several open tables. Took several minutes to even be greeted (not sure if that's because she hadn't yet been assigned to my table, or because she was making rounds at her other tables - but the wait was just long enough to ask yourself why someone hadn't come over yet). Between my cocktail and when she actually came to take my order, was 22 minutes. My reservation was at 7. I arrived a few minutes late. In over 45 minutes... I was greeted and given a cocktail. If that's your standard, then not one I want to be part of even on a leisure night out like this evening. When I asked for the check she felt bad - I could tell that for sure. Asking if there was something she could do to make it right - an open-ended question wasn't the right one for someone who only had a cocktail. Is it a management issue of putting one server on too many tables or is it a slow server issue that needs a bit more training on how to be more attentive to tables. But something needed to shift in what appeared a bit of chaos. I would have loved to try the caviar cigar, tartare, mussels, and Caesar... it was all ready to order... just no one helped.

Ciara W.

Came for happy hour. They had advertised wine on the happy hour that wasn't actually part of HH and when our server told us that's not a part of it, she agreed she didn't understand why the have it on there... the biggest pro was the beautiful decor. The drinks were good, and we got the warm crab dip which was fine but nothing special. Everything here is extremely overpriced in my opinion. I don't think I'd come back, even for happy hour. I feel like you're paying more for the ambiance than the actual quality or quantity of food/drinks.

Wagyu burger
Jessica K.

My partner took me here for Valentine's Day, and even on 2/13, they had a shortened menu with no oysters (sadly). Our experience was pretty wonderful: the staff is attentive and helpful. My favorite dish we got was the wagyu burger - it was meaty, juicy, and the perfect balance of flavors with the bacon jam and cheese. The caviar cigar was tasty and a cool concept, but not worth the $25 in my eyes. The crab dip was delicious and creamy, and pretty large, so worth the price. The sweet tea chicken did taste like sweet tea in the best way, but lost the flavor in the bigger pieces (thankfully they give you 2 big and 2 small). We particularly enjoyed the elote on the side of the chicken for its zest, lime-forward refreshing taste! The overall vibe of the space is dark and intimate. With velvet chairs and garden fixtures, it gives "fancy club" and "cocktail bar" versus restaurant vibes. Perfect for a date night. Overall, this was a tasty experience with kind staff and an intimate ambiance for Valentine's Day. Would I go back? Probably not. Would I recommend it? Mm, if you can afford it, try it once, but don't go out of your way.

Maronda H.

Exquisite and elegant cocktail place. The ambiance is a showstopper. My first was on a Sunday for Happy Hour. I was lucky enough to find parking right in the front. Dark inside with a mysterious fun vibe. I absolutely love this place. The drinks were good, not much on the food menu for me to order. I would recommend you find somewhere else to eat before coming. Friendly service, sexy vibes and good music. My second time coming, I came for the martini fest. I had a wonderful time walking around tasting martini's, mingling and enjoying the atmosphere. Go on the website and look for upcoming events and cocktail classes. I really hope they improve and update the menu.

Shradha A.

We stopped by for pre-dinner drinks + dessert to kickoff our anniversary celebration. The place has great ambiance for a date night or GNO. The hostess gave us the option of seating choices and we picked the red couches in the back. The bar areas has the most energetic decor but was also loud. They also have lounge chairs that are nice for a casual date or tables for dinner. The food and drinks were quite good - we got red curry sweet potatoes and the crab dip. We also tried some of their happy hour specials for martinis. And decided to indulge in dessert before heading over to dinner.

Cocktails & that delicious chicken!
Danielle M.

Loved everything about this place on my first visit! From the moment we walked in, the service was A+--from the receptionist to our server, Genesis, who was absolutely amazing. She gave great recommendations, was so kind and friendly, and truly helped make my friend's and my birthday celebration feel extra special. We even got to play a fun little birthday game where we rolled dice and won free cocktails--such a cute touch! And let me tell you, the cocktails were uniquely crafted, fresh, and definitely boozy in the best way. The happy hour is also a must--$10 martinis that were actually good. The ambiance is sexy, lively, and full of artistic vibes. This spot is perfect for groups, but also ideal for two old girlfriends catching up all night. The comfy lounge seating made it even better. Can't wait to come back!

Dining area
Sanika P.

The food is incredible at dearly beloved. I think they undersell themselves as a cocktail bar because the flavours in the food are a refreshing surprise!! Despite the moody and dark ambiance, the place offers a really good environment for a party or date night. Service could be better but as a new and upcoming restaurant, I'd definitely recommend it as a returning hang!

Jewel D.

Absolutely gorgeous. If you're willing to pay the pricey bill, the ambience here is amazing, it's a beautiful place to have a cozy or romantic date, but also an upscale girls evening. The cocktails I had particularly the Midas Touch were delicious and I would recommend them and they do run in the $22 range. The bartenders were really overworked, but to their credit, a gentleman behind the bar brought my drink to me at the table, which was wonderful service. I will be back.

Sophie T.

Amazing dark & mysterious upscale vibes in here, drinks were so good but expensive for not even a full cocktail glass. Staff & service were great, everyone was so friendly and accommodating and ambience/music was fire. Will def be bringing my friends here

Oaxacan Old Fashioned (na)
Mark T.

Another fantastic Machine Hospitality Group production! If there's anything Machine does well, it's setting the vibe. At the bar, there are massive, unique sculptures on the walls. The setting inside is upscale, intimate, and dark, but without feeling like one is in a dungeon. Keeping with the unique theme is their cocktails. These are among some of the more imaginative ones I've had in a while! I started my adventure with the Oaxacan Old Fashioned (mocktail). This one didn't land for me, and was a rare case where I sent a drink back. It tasted like lemony water, with some a bacon-y finish. No problem at all, the bartender was apologetic that it didn't work out, and happily replaced it with something else. For my replacement drink, I went for the Midas Touch. This was a lighter, sweeter (though not excessively), and lightly bubbly drink. What really set it apart was the saffron syrup. Thankfully, I've eaten saffron threads, and therefore knew what flavors to look out for. They were perceptible, yet not overbearing. Extremely well done; I never knew saffron could go into a cocktail so well. To close out the drink section of this review, I also ordered the The Spire and the Gargoyle. I forewarn you now: if you are Type A like me, and cocktails vanish before you like it's a magic show... you may not appreciate this in full. I think part of the trick is to allow the ice to melt down a bit, and as it does, it releases more and more hibiscus notes. Even for a type A mouth like mine, it was great! It had some kick, a little sweetness, and a little tartness. Even as someone who doesn't enjoy hibiscus, here, it just worked! Now, let's talk food: Thanks to happy hour, I was able to get a dozen oysters for a dozen dollars. While these weren't as chonky as my perpetually hungry cat, they weren't teeny boogers either. Perfectly respectable, especially when it's buck-a-shuck. I also tried the Beef Short Rib. Now... when Dearly Beloved tells you the whipped potatoes are very buttery, they mean it. These mashed (whipped?) spuds were incredibly smooth, and overall fantastic. The short rib was very tender, so much so that it could be cut with a fork. The pistachios and pickled shallot offered a fantastic contrast, giving the dish a little crunch and acidity. If I am to offer a critique, for my taste the beef needed a pinch (and I mean a literal pinch) of salt. However, when it comes to contrast, the Tuna Tartare did not deliver. Other than the crisp rice paper (where I feel they used *at least* double what they should have, everything coalesced into one. Tuna, aioli, avocado, ginger, sesame togarashi seemed to lose most if not all their identities into the melting pot that was this dish. Otherwise, the dish was fine, but because of this critical issue, unremarkable. The final food item I tried was the Ice Cream Sando. They had some really great things going here! I adored the use not only of marshmallow fluff, but the sesame brittle went with everything else like jelly with peanut butter - perfection! Otherwise, the cubes had pleasant chocolate sponge cake and ice cream. Critique here is that the ice cream was initially hard. Where it comes to the service, big points to the bartender for being attentive, kind, and welcoming. My drinks also came out in a reasonable time frame. The food, however, took longer than I expected, especially given how quiet it was at the time. Finally, we come to the prices. The bill post-tax, pre-tip came to ~$136. Despite the location and prices of everything, this still carried some sticker shock. Final verdict: Dearly Beloved is a place with drinks on the upper limits of human creativity, and food that doesn't represent masterpieces, but does contain scrumptious and filling dishes. However, all this comes at a high price, so Dearly Beloved may not be an every weekend affair.

Interior - A contemporary restaurant interior featuring large windows with black curtains, black and gold furniture, and a decorative tree in a planter.
Alexis S.

My friends and I came here to celebrate my friend's birthday and it didn't disappoint. We were all visiting from out of town and I'm glad we had a chance to come. I had made a reservation about a week prior on the earlier side, and we were seated in a corner area with plush seating and lots of sunlight streaming through. The space itself is really beautiful, with lots of dark wood, plush seating and moody lighting. The cocktail menu is great, with options for everyone and everything we ordered was excellent. Our server was also super attentive and gave great suggestions. I'd definitely come back here again the next time I'm in Chicago!

Vineeta P.

This is probably one of my favorite cocktail bars. The music was 10/10. I loved my drink and the decor was beautiful. Servers were very helpful with providing suggestions for drinks.

Jordan D.

First time trying "diamond grapes". From what the waiter was explaining, they're soaked in the alcohol so has they thaw out it adds to the drinks. It was very good, they don't have a wide range of food so it's mostly just drinks. The inside does have a speakeasy feel to it, very dark and moody decor. Overall I'd recommend stopping by for drinks if you're in the area.

Ambiance - A bar interior with a large white sculptural wall art of a woman's face and floral motifs, with patrons seated at the bar and a bartender preparing drinks.

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2 months ago

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Thank you for the 5 stars! We hope to have you back in soon!

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9 days ago

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Thank you for the 4 stars! We hope to have you back in soon!

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6 months ago

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Dearly Beloved Reviews in Other Languages

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King of Cups - Old Fashion

King of Cups

(132 reviews)

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The best way I can describe King of Cups is to say this place is a VIBE. The theme is all-in on…read moreMedieval, from the lighting to chandeliers, candles, mirrors, chairs, drapes, and even changing digital paintings. It is definitely unique, creative, and a massive differentiator from any other cocktail bar I've been to. Now, let's talk cocktails! The creativity of the interior extends into the menu. Unlike some places that just make variations of existing classics (except for items specifically so named, like the Old Fashioned or Espresso Martini), all of their cocktails are unique and interesting. Time for a punch card? I ordered the Maximillian the Imposter. While I'm not typically a fan of banana (except for banana bread), I thought I'd step out of my comfort zone, and I wanted to try something 'flaming'. Flaming it was! The preparation of the drink involved a surprising amount of fire. I initially thought this was just for show, but no, this translated into a noticeable smoky flavor. Beyond that, the drink was strong, not overly sweet, and an all-around delight. There was one bartender on the night I was here, and while it was busy, I was still able to get my drink in a reasonable amount of time. I also feel as though they have reasonable prices, especially considering the quality and the market rates. King of Cups gets busy, and for good reason: they are an all-around phenomenal place, from the drinks to the vibe, and everything in between. If you're someone who likes a seat rather than fighting through a crowd, get a reservation! See you there!

What a nice, moody, intimate bar. I came here for happy hour and was pleasantly surprised at how…read moreit's an actual discounted happy hour menu! You know it is these days - most places just knock a dollar off and call it a day. This one is legit! I'd say you should make a reservation for prime time to ensure you'll have a seat. However when it's early no big deal to just pop by. I enjoyed the plum Moscow mule (not too sweet!) and the espresso martini. Both are on draft which made me nervous from past experiences at other places. However, these were great and I LOVED their espresso martini. The bartender was kind and the vibes were off the charts. Check this place out next time you're in Lincoln Park!

Geja's Cafe

Geja's Cafe

(1.7k reviews)

$$$

Lincoln Park

A dimly lit, cramped, dark, and friendly space rests a fondue restaurant made for a night out with…read morefriends, date night, or just a desire for melted cheese. A guitarist sits somewhere against a brick wall and plays music lightly but energetically. Service is friendly from start to finish and smiles are on everyone's faces. The menu is pretty easy to understand. You can get a three-course meal, or you can get each entree à la carte. You have two fondue candles in front of you, one for the cheese and dessert, and the other for the oil. We chose the three-course meal, and it was delightful. We started with the cheese appetizer. You get a basket of bread and fruit and we chose the seasonal cheese to dip. The oil for our meat was then left to heat, and we received a massive platter of veggies and meats for our main course. We chose the option for all selections of meat and seafood. After trying all the meats, I would opt for the lobster and shrimp. You can also substitute the oil for a broth. I would like to try the broth for next time. In one of the shakers, Gejas makes their own meat spice mix. It's recommended to put on the meats and even the desserts. It's a mix of tangy and savory and was a great compliment to the meal. We then chose the seasonal dessert, a white chocolate with vanilla cookies. Fruit, marshmallows, and churros to dip. We were so full by the time dessert came, but we enjoyed a few bites and took it home. The three-course meal, with five types of meat, came with about 10 pieces of meat. It doesn't look like a lot of food, but it truly is, with the apps, veggies, etc, your stomach will be full when you walk out of here. They also start the entire course with a mixed salad (so technically it's a four-course meal). It was very fairly priced, as well. Initially looking at the prices, you may think it's expensive, but it truly is a value with the amount of food they serve. This was rated as most romatic restaurant in Chicago. Its ambiance gives you the romantic feel, the guitarist adds to the atmosphere, and the staff is professional and friendly. This really was a great place and we enjoyed our time and meal.

We came to Geja's to celebrate our anniversary and it certainly lived up to the hype. We were…read morelucky enough to have a table off the side by the window so it maintained the intimate feel without feeling cramped by other tables. Food-wise, it was very fun to cook everything ourselves. I do think the appetizers were my favorite part because I do just love fruits and cheeses, but everything was great. They were also very accommodating of celiac. Overall, we had a wonderful anniversary celebrating at Geja's.

Gemini - Avocado Toast + Lincoln Park Turkey Club

Gemini

(760 reviews)

$$

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Best restaurant in Chicago! Been here many times, and finally tried the ricotta dumplings! These…read morewere so good and filling, a fun Italian switch up from my normal order. We also go the branzino (forgot to picture) and wow 10/10 need to get that again. And the Caesar salad with added salmon was amazing! The staff is always so friendly and attentive and we just love this place!

I've eaten at Gemini over the years and have been able to sample a lot of what's on offer. I've had…read moremost of the specials but will usually get either the swordfish or the steak frites. Those are typically very good which is why I come back. The burger though. Why is it such a consistent disappointment? It's small, has the pancetta (a nice rubbery disc of salt) and just seems like kind of an afterthought to the otherwise well-considered menu. I've been eating it on occasion for 10+ years here always with the hope that it has improved. I would love to see a do-over on the burger. It would be great to have a place in the neighborhood that consistently delivered. As it stands, it's a distant second to RJ Grunt's, Small Cheval and not even in the same realm as Armitage Alehouse's burger. Really hoping I get to come back and revise this review to rave about how much better it got. The staff is always very nice and attentive as well. From host stand to bartenders, waitstaff and everyone clearing and setting, always a very nice group that seems like they take pride in their work, which is much appreciated.

Le Mistral - Inside the building - Le mistral is all the way down on the right side

Le Mistral

(12 reviews)

Lincoln Park

The service is just incredible. That's what stands out the most. We came after having a superb…read moredinner at S.K.Y. and out waitress transferred us to Le Mistral for dessert as we were hoping to end the night with another cocktail. The transition was seamless, the walk through the kitchen was very cool, everyone was very friendly and excited to see guests. Our dessert came quickly to Le Mistral instead of S.K.Y. and was superb. Our waiter at Le Mistral was very friendly, gave some good advice on the cocktails, and was consistently attentive. My cocktail was just OK - sherry-based martini. I don't normally like a martini but all the ingredients actually seemed very much up my alley - the sherry, benedictine, rose vermouth. But the olive just overpowered. And definitely not worth the price of $24... Would definitely return and try the food next time as well.

We popped in on a Monday night for a nightcap after finishing up at Mon Ami Gabi across the lobby…read more Our experience was meh. I don't know if every Monday is Metal night, but it was that Monday - Black Sabbath, Nu-Metal, everything but the live goldfish. Perhaps they should advertise "Monday Metal at Mistral" if that is to be a regular thing. It does flow off the tongue. To be fair, there was a full house and the other patrons did not seem to mind. We were not looking to feel the noize, however, and so stayed for just one cocktail. Mine was a Sazerac adjacent mix, and it was very high quality. The decor is very low light, but the vibe is pretty basic - more Paint Your Dorm Room black than Parisian Opium Den black. A bit of a missed opportunity for romance.

Esme

Esme

(152 reviews)

$$$$

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My rating of a 3 is specifically for the Restaurant Week menu though I'll say it definitely didn't…read moreinspire me to come back. I really wanted to like it; this was a nine-year anniversary dinner. Service was really attentive and friendly and I did appreciate that they brought out specific utensils for me as a left-handed person, never saw that before! The restaurant felt a bit bare and sterile, I think I was maybe expecting a little more decor on the table for a Michelin star restaurant. To echo several of the reviews below, the salad was awkward to share and scanty, the soup was good but the bread served with it felt like an afterthought, the sturgeon wasn't anything special though the sauce was quite good, and we are pretty sure the cut of beef was not wagyu or if it was it was not cooked the right way. The beef was the most disappointing part, I couldn't even chew through all of it. The add-ons were the best part - pasta was great and our dessert was delicious. But the rest of the meal was unfortunately mediocre. Hoping that others have a different experience with the regular menu!

Esme was the only restaurant I made it to for Chicago Restaurant Week this year. It was a nice,…read moreupscale experience, and I appreciate that we were able to try this Michelin-starred restaurant at a reduced cost. There was no problem with a vegetarian accommodation, but the menu we were handed does not include the details for the vegetarian courses - disappointing that I couldn't reference this to see the details of each course. All of the food was presented tastefully with meticulous attention to detail. The salad is brought out as a shared dish, which is potentially a bit awkward. Not a problem since I was dining with my husband, but I would have preferred my own salad if I was with a less familiar party. The silverware and dishes were works of art in and of themselves, but our table was scratched up considerably. My dessert was presented very creatively - although my husband's was much more straightforward. Dessert was an optional add-in, so a separate bill was brought out for this at the end. My husband carelessly left a tip on top of the hefty service charge they apply by default, but I didn't realize until after the fact since I'd gone to the restroom.

Willow Room - Arugula salad over avocado toast with poached eggs.

Willow Room

(428 reviews)

$$

Lincoln Park, DePaul

Great dinner here tonight - had the mussels, burger, and octopus. All were exceptional. The drinks…read morewere also very good, and the service was awesome. Great meal overall.

Chicago Restaurant week. I reviewed various dining options in search of a good place for dinner…read more Reddit gave me some ideas. I'd never been to Willow Room and liked that they had a four course dinner menu, with items I liked. I was able to make a reservation for a Saturday night at 8:15pm. PARKING Parking on Halsted on a Saturday night can be a nightmare, and it did take a minute to find street parking. North of the 1800 block is busier because there are several restaurants within a two block radius. Side streets are permit parking after 6pm. Meters on Halsted are $2.50/hr. ATMOSPHERE Willow Room was pretty packed. We had a reservation for 8:15pm and my party of two was seated right away. The restaurant features a full bar, dim lighting and is nice and roomy. They have banquette seating around the perimeter, in addition to tables in the middle. SERVICE Our server, who was very nice and accommodating during our dining experience, came by and gave us our menu's. I had already decided on the RW menu and after review, my friend was interested in the Beef Wellington (not on RW menu). Our server informed us that normally the whole table had to order off of the RW menu if one person does, but said she would check with the kitchen since this was the last day of RW. Luckily, we were able to proceed with ordering from different menu's. FOOD I ordered a raspberry Cosmopolitan. I'm a Riesling/Moscato girlie, but I tasted the Riesling and didn't like it. RW dinner was priced at $60. I ordered: First Course: Caesar Salad (Typical salad, was good) Second Course: Mussels (Tasted fine, came with a baguette) Third Course: Short Rib (Could've been slightly more tender and better seasoned. I've definitely had better. Wouldn't order again.) Fourth Course: Orange Ricotta Donuts (Donuts were very good. Three were served, a few more would have been more filling.) My friend ordered a glass of Pinot Noir and: Truffle Fries (Fries were very tasty. I would order again if I went back.) Beef Wellington (The breading was buttery and very good. The beef could've been more seasoned. I wouldn't order.) Key Lime Pie (Was not sweet and had no taste. When our server came back and saw it was uneaten, she offered to take it off the bill. It should be removed from the menu altogether.) The busboys and server were very attentive. Our water glasses were always filled. OVERALL The atmosphere was nice, our server was great. Of all the food we ordered, I would order the truffle fries and Cosmopolitan again. I did leave full and did take my leftover Short Rib to go. Main dishes needed more seasoning. I would dine here again and try a different menu (brunch/lunch), or Happy Hour if they offer it.

Dearly Beloved - cocktailbars - Updated May 2026

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