Cool vibe. I've heard the drinks are hit or miss but the one I had was great and super big. I do wish there was more seating but the place was pretty full for a Saturday night so I understand that's part of going to a popular bar! Great to dress up and meet friends. We had a lot of fun with the Photo Booth read more

really cool bar with live music and DJ. the drinks were solid, get there early if you want a seat. but good laidback atmosphere

Drag performance was great. Unfortunately the very small bar was packed and overcrowded. The bar was understaffed so we had to wait 15 minutes to even order a drink, but the drinks were definitely not worth the wait. Maybe this place would be worth it on a less busy night, because it would be a cool space. But they definitely need more bar staff scheduled if they're gonna keep having big shows like last night. read more

Came on a date night. Cute cozy spot. I actually walked past it twice. Had to ask someone where it was. There was a slight cover charge they had DJ's playing all night. Really good mixes. I had a few drinks no food. Parking is crazy around there just know no parking after 10p I got my car towed so make sure your parking in a legit spot even if you pay make sure when it expires you can continue to extend or make sure it's FREE! That was costly night ($310). Other than that loved the spot very regal. read more

Dorian's - Cocktail Bars Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

Did not try their food but enjoyed their drinks and the atmosphere! The place is located inside a small record shop where they sell records of local artists. The bar is not huge (I believe it fits a max of 85 people), but has plenty of tables and seats for when it's not too crowded. My friend and I visited on a Wed around 7pm and there were still a few empty tables. There's a little stage for live performances that take place on Fridays and Saturdays. On the walls, there are shelves with records for decorations. Very cool! As for the drinks, they were delicious. We got a spirit-free one called the Golden Girl and it was so delicious. Would recommend! read more

Dorian's - Boomboom room (tall) Golden Girl (short-non-alcoholic) - Cocktail Bars Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

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I was so interested in trying this place. I plan to update my review if I go back, but I went on a Friday night. This place opens at 6pm and the live show was at 9pm. I arrived at 8pm. All the tables were already taken and this place was already packed, standing room ONLY. The standing room is literally in the middle with barely any room for anyone to walk through/pass by. I left after a few minutes so didnt get to fully experience it. Place is too small so if you dont go really early just forget about it. read more

It's always a little odd reviewing Speakeasies. I mean aren't they intended to be kept on the low? lbvs. ..Dorian's has the added bonus of hosting live music occasionally. Other nights you might find a DJ spinning. The cocktail list is pretty creative and they also offer a few sakés. As some have mentioned, service needs improvement. They staff could do a better job of creating a more welcoming environment. Overall 3.5 stars. read more

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Wish I could share a better review, but this is NOT a good music venue. The musicians were great, but difficult to appreciate because the audience was terrible. Speak-EASY? Hardly! People all around us could care less that talented, quality musicians were performing. They came to drink, shout, squeal and socialize loudly. Then, there was the venue. For a $25pp, 6-8pm performance, doors opened at 6:05, and music started at 6:35. There is no table service and bar staff is inadequate. Many ticket holders were still waiting at the bar to order drinks when the music started. All in all, this was a disappointing experience, and one we will not repeat. The highlight of the evening was dinner after, at nearby Amaru, making the trek to Wicker Park worthwhile. read more

Recently opened on Mondays. Drinks are excellent. Love the Ooh Baby with ube and coconut milk. It it still had a citrus taste in the beginning with some concoct nuts, but the finishing it's was the body of the milky coconut which relived the arm alcohol taste. Was excellent, and could be drunk like water. Our bartender was great, happy to chat with us. Monday is still unknown to be open, but she told us Tuesdays has a lot happening. Make sure you follow their Instagram to have latest update s Google map and yelp info isn't updated. read more

The vibe and ambiance was very nice, enjoyed the music and drinks. Will be returning soon.

The cutest speakeasy! Had live music and great drink options. Will be stopping back again! read more

Dorian's - Cocktail Bars Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

I have been to dorians twice. The first time was much better than the second! They have live music inside which is why they charge a $5 cover. The record store goes into the back bar which is really cool. The first time I sat at the bar and the music was playing the entire time. The second time the music stopped once we walked and didn't resume during our time there. The drinks were pretty mediocre the second time around and a little pricy I liked the ambiance and theme they have so I would likely come back for that. read more

Dorian's - Cocktail Bars Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

Really cool aesthetic. Went on a Thursday before dinner to grab a couple drinks. It's small and you have to find your own table so the earlier you are, the better. It did fill up pretty fast when I went on a Thursday night. No one tells you that you have to go to the bar to order drinks or that you find your own seats. We walked in wondering what the process was. We sat at the table for a good seven min before we realized we had to go to the bar to order and that no one was going to come to us. Good first time going but wouldn't go back. read more

Had a great time! Music was sooo good the night we went. The bartenders were nice enough to help us come up with a mixed shot that we'd both enjoy. I was able to record shop after midnight and found a great gem. I'll be back. read more

Very cool speakeasy bar in wicker park! It was a cold night though, so waiting outside 15 minutes after it was supposed to open wasn't too fun. I guess they were short-staffed, which was very clear when the bar quickly filled up and had a line up for cocktails. The drinks were delicious, but we had come for some hh deals and were confused as to why none of the drinks on the menu were discounted. Turns out hh drinks were only classic non-menu specific cocktails. We also got the cheese plate #2, which was a nice small tasty cheese board. Definitely a more fun and lively spot in wicker- I'd recommend getting there earlier to beat the line! read more

I've been here twice so far and I'll keep coming back. It's a cocktail bar in Wicker Park newly opened in Fall 2018. It's the perfect spot to bring a group of friends or to catch up one-on-one in a more intimate setting. The music is jazzy and fun. Sometimes there's a live band (when I came on a late Saturday night) and sometimes there's a DJ (early Friday evening). I'm not sure what their music schedule is, but it's a great spot. Low lighting, dark wood paneling, globe lights; the interior is sleek, classy, kinda sultry. I imagine 30 years ago, there'd probably be cigars, cigarettes, Farrah Fawcett hair, and fedora hats. That sort of vibe. You'll enter through the well-lit record shop that has a large selection of vinyls. Proceed to the listening room and they'll be a secret door to enter the bar, ushered in by a host with a walkie. It's a stark contrast from the fluorescents entering into a darker space and it might take you a few seconds for your eyes to adjust. You'll hear the music first more than anything. The first time I came I ordered the "Fruity Loops" drink. It was fun, contains dairy (which the server informed us, probably from experience), and had a few fruit loops as garnish. It was a nostalgic of my childhood when I actually ate milk & cereal for breakfast. They do not skimp on their alcohol (win!) but I actually prefer the taste of actual cereal milk over this drink (truth). I was initially going to order the "Paper Crane" which has whiskey, togarashi, burnt sugar, white pine bitters, and sesame. When I asked more about the drink, the server described the taste as "mushroom and savory" and kind of cautioned against it (also probably from experience). I asked if she liked it and what her favorite drinks were. She hinted that "Paper Crane" was more of an adventurous drink and that some people love it, some people hate it. So based off that, I proceeded to stick to the tried and true flavors of milk & cereal. My second time here I ordered the "Green Juice." It has tequila, aloe liqueur, cucumber, lime. It was refreshing. Shortly after my drink arrived, the neighboring table ordered a group drink called the "Stormy Daniels," served in a literal disco ball bowl that spins. Talk about an entrance! All the surrounding tables turned their heads to trace the passage of this drink from the bar until it was placed down, and spun around for people to whip out their phones to take Boomerangs. Stormy stole the show. I've tasted another shared drink "The Rad Scorpion" and it's actually my favorite of all the ones I've tried. There are tiki-themed drinks in other fun-shaped glasses, and while I haven't tried their food, their food menu includes shared plates, cheese & charcuterie, and caviar. Overall, Dorian's is great for creative drinks and good music. Glad this spot opened up in the neighborhood! read more

Super fun loved the live music. Very small amount of seating. Would have loved to have table service instead of walking up to the bar but it was very busy so I understood. The drinks were good wish there was "side" food options when watching the show. read more

Suave atmosphere chill vibes good drinks....eh not so fast. But overall fun cute little speakeasy tucked away in wicker park. Great service even on a packed Sunday night. They have live music but had some technical difficulties while I was there. The stage is tucked away in the perfect spot that's not in your face but not hidden either. The drink varsity could be better but what they have on the menu isn't bad. Wicker park vibes for sure. Overall, cool fun unique experience good for a second date or meet up with friends! read more

10/10 I love that they play vinyls. I love the record shop in front. Drinks are always great.

Do you want to see someone absolutely shred on the bass? This is your spot. The ambiance can sway you into busting out a little foxtrot.

I HATED this place. #1 - Our bartender was RUDE. We were nothing less of polite and she had the WORST attitude with us when we were ordering. We all got $14 drinks, and left a tip. Later on when we checked our bank accounts, she charged us each $10 EXTRA as a tip. Curly hair and mean face. #2 - Live music was HORRIBLE. So was the setlist of the bar in general. Didn't play a song anyone knew. #3 - $10 cover. To be scammed ???? NEVER COMING HERE AGAIN. SKETCHY PLACE. read more

The host was rude to us and made us feel stupid when we came in since it was our first time and we were shocked this was a bar.

Loved this place! Small club with live jazz and interesting cocktails. Just went for the first time in my new neighborhood since moving. Had this cucumber shaken cocktail it was great! The band was really good too! I think they were called Soul something... anyway, definitely planning to return and listen to music plus try more cocktails! Oh interesting entrance too ...look for a little record shop off North Ave on the South side of the street and head inside to the bar from there. Lastly, the staff was very friendly~ read more

Went to Tuesday night jazz. Such a cool place, fantastic music, great people watching and solid bar tending.

Josh was a great host. He made it very pleasant it being our first time trying out a speakeasy. Live music was great drinks were even better. I recommend "Dirty work" read more

Dorian's - Cocktail Bars Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

We came in the other night after eating dinner at Piece which is conveniently right next door. I didn't even know Dorians was here despite going to Piece a bunch of times. There's a record store at the front where you'll wait to be seated but the bar in the back is a decent size and even big enough for a live band (which was setting up while we drank - they took well over an hour to set up which was weird). The music was spot-on even while waiting for the live band. The cocktails were a bit sweet which is the main reason for 4 stars instead of 5. I got a whiskey based drink that was kinda similar to an old fashion but had some Brandy and other bitters. It was good. Tried my friends' cocktails as well - two rum based and one gin based but all were rather sweet. For a cocktail bar, it's also not the biggest cocktail menu unfortunately. read more

What do you get when you combine creative minds from Aviary, Entente and Debonair Social Club? That's right. Dorian's. No signage anywhere, but you'll know you're in the right place when you see a record shop with a white facade. The host stand is right by the entrance, and if there's a wait, the line forms inside the record shop. They have a good selection of vinyls. The host will notify you once you're allowed to enter the bar. You will go through the listening booth where one of the walls will slide open to reveal a dimly lit speakeasy, with seating along the main wall, multiple high-tops, and a stage that's right by the bar area. Very 60s/70s old school vibe. That night, there was a DJ who played some mellow beats. I inquired with the hostess about their live music schedule and she said that they are still figuring it all out but that DJs, bands and other musicians will be on rotation. Beverage Director John Hess created 11 signature cocktails and 3 large-format cocktails. I was set on sharing the Stormy Daniels with my boo, and it was a great choice. Fruity but not cloyingly sweet, and very well-balanced. There's also wine, beer and cider options. You can nosh on Asian-inspired small plates created by Executive Chef Brian Fisher, charcuterie or even caviar if you're feeling fancy. We had outstanding service. I already look forward to going back and bringing other friends! read more

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Wow, my new favorite speakeasy in Chicago! The first time I came it was early on in the night so no wait. The second time I came, it was more crowded and I didn't have a reservation. They take your name and number and will text you when something opens up, which is great because the record shop can get crowded with other parties waiting. The experience was really cool - you go in the record shop and the guy working had like a secret service ear piece to communicate to the back of there was an open table for 2. Then you step in the listening booth, a secluded room before they grant you access through a hidden door. Inside was spectacular! I'm talking wow. I love the retro look and feel to the place. The soundtrack is a nice blend of music and they have a booth for later in the night when the DJ starts playing records. Lastly, what makes this a true speakeasy in my book is the exit is completely different than where you come in! The drinks are pricey ($13) and come in some tiki cocktail cups or elegant glasses depending on your order. They're worth it though, strong and mixed well! The fruit loops one is gimmicky and small, but both of the friends I've been with as well as myself have absolutely loved this cocktail. The Nu Blu was also a good one The food here is delicious and reasonably priced. The cheese and charcuterie spread is massive for $8. Real nice bang for your buck. So many other restaurant goers were jealous at the bar commenting on the platter when it came out, "that looks so good!", or "we should get that!" The wontons are fantastic as well. I also ordered the bao here, which btw is two bao (I was unclear on the menu as it did not specify an amount). read more

Dorian's - Cocktail Bars Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

Love this speakeasy! I love how the storefront to speakeasy transition feels like you've teleported to a whole new location. The vibe is very laid back with decent lighting and ample bar and table space. The menu was pretty extensive but the cocktails seemed to focus a lot on gin. Since I am still getting used to gin, I opted for the cosmopolitan instead which was very smooth. Our table of 3 shared the stormy Daniels for 2. The presentation of the drink in the pineapple jar matched the fruitiness of the drink that was decorated with real flower petals. I loved this drink because I'm a sucker for passion fruit and could barely taste the alcohol which was exactly what I wanted. Our bartender Caroline was very knowledgeable about the gin selection and skillfully made our drinks. Id definitely come back for the stormy Daniels and would want to try more of their menu. read more

Dorian's - Stormy Daniels Punch for 2 - Cocktail Bars Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

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SO here I am at the Regal Beagle, but can't find my wingman Jack Tripper! I did see Mr Furley though, sitting by the bar. Ofcourse, I didn't say HI, since I was late on my rent, plus I was out with my neighbor Janet Tripper. That slumlord has a crush on her, and I'm sure he would try to evict me if he saw me out with her. OK, So I'm exaggerating a bit. Very cool decor that goes with the 70's/80's basement vibe, including the records along the walls. The drinks are pretty fancy, and the DJ was playing an eclectic mix of music. Only issue is that only 1 booty per seat. They won't let you stand by the bar/wall and order drinks, even though it's set up for standing with a drink on the ledge. I'll be back for sure. read more

Dorian's - Cocktail Bars Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

I thought this spot was awesome! I love a good speakeasy. To get to this one you head in through a record store and wait to get let in through the sound booth. Once inside it reminds me of a spot you would see in New York. Very trendy, sexy, and really good ambiance. We opted to share the $75 group drink Stormy Daniels. Really cute and it comes in a disco ball. We were sipping on that all night. (Serves 4 to 6) Perfect for the 3 of us. I also did an order of the baby scallops. Those were just okay and to me not really worth the price. The Jazz band was awesome, the vibe all night was awesome and I will def be back. Other cocktails look really interesting and I can't wait to try them. :) read more

Dorian's - Cocktail Bars Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

I have no idea how the food is, but I do know the drinks were so good! We came here on a Thursday for the first time and fell in love. The band Nasty Snacks was playing and we're now obsessed with them and want to come back every time they play. If you want a seat come earlier in the evening. This has such an intimate feel and would be perfect for a date night. Everyone working was incredibly nice and welcoming, and the bartenders took great care of us. 10/10!!! read more

Such a cool little spot. The entrance is fun as the front is literally a record store and the entrance is through a listening booth. The sound of the show was great. The ambience was pretty nice as well. Only pitfall: they let absolutely way too many people in that it had to be a fire hazard. It took me 5 minutes to push through to the restroom. I even had to ask someone to get off and move their chair. It was rough. I saw a handful of people leave after they had bought tickets, looking a little disgruntled. If they had limited the occupancy, then more people would have enjoyed themselves and then it creates exclusivity when they have to do so, so more people want to come back next time. They say they serve food but it's really just a handful of items they can put together. Don't come expecting to get full. Overall: will be back for shows that might not be as crowded. read more

So today we had 10 friends celebrating my husband's bday. We were told that there's no reservation so we should get there early at 6 (when they open) to get seats for 10 people. We arrived at 6 and got in. There was a booth open with no reserved sign that would fit all 10 of us, so we sat there. We ordered drinks and waited for the live music at 9. One hostess came to our table and asked if she can put the "Reserved" sign on our table for a later party. She came twice and twice we asked when the reserved party would be there, as in when should we vacate? The hostess said not to worry, the party will be there around 11pm to midnight. We would leave before that time, so we had no problem. Around 8:30, a manager "politely" came and asked us to leave because the reserved party will be there at any moment. Mind you, 1) we are paying customers that were waiting for the live jazz; 2) no one told our group when we came in that the booth was reserved at a certain time; 3) when the hostess came the first and second time, she said the reservation was around 11pm to midnight, not 8:30pm; 4) when we called for reservation, they told us there is no reservations, if we want seats, we need to get there when it opened at 6, which we did! All in all, our birthday celebration was cut short because we were kicked out of Dorian's due to their miscommunication. That or we just don't have the right connections to reserve a table at Dorian's. read more

Cool bar- seemed like a cool place to check out. Had to wait 20+ minutes to get a drink at the bar. Service was extremely slow. As someone who bartended for 5+ years, I've never seen someone move so slowly behind the bar. Will probably try again on a different night to get a different bartender. read more

Bartender didn't know how to make any of the drinks to save her life. Two of the three drinks we ordered were shakened, off balanced and unpalatable. Returned one and asked for another and received attitude from the bartender. Kept the other bad one and couldn't even finish it. Will not be returning. Entire staff was messing around and on their phones because it was slow. I was looking forward to coming here but avoid the hype. read more

We stoped by Dorian's on the way home after dinner. The spot was cute and I appreciated the discrete, speakeasy style entry. The interiors was quiet and well appointed. I could totally see them hosting some live jazz in here. It would have been great to have a table server, but the bartender was efficient and we got our drinks in no time, even with the place being relatively full. A fun stop and would recommend to others. read more

4/5 stars for this super cool, hidden speakeasy bar! When you walk in, it looks like a mini record shop. The host asks for your name and radios someone that meets us at the entrance of the secret bar. When the second hosts meets us at the secret door, we are taken into a dark speakeasy lounge. The drinks were amazing, and our server was great with the recommendations (cloud dreams is a must for someone looking for a sweet cocktail!) I can't wait to come back to enjoy live music and the shared drinks! Taking one star off for lack of communication :( I was planning a mini surprise birthday get together, and was trying to make a reservation, but the reservation site said the bar would be closed on the date. I called and emailed to see if I can confirm, but never heard back. Good thing the bar was indeed open. I originally said to get seated for 2 (the rest of our party showed up later to surprise) but I couldn't coordinate a better seating area ahead of time. So when I asked for an extra seat when the full party arrived, I got some mild sass from one of the employees read more

Honest review: (foods good, drinks meh): ambiance its really cool n nice inside n the musics awesome loved the record store vibe just there needs to be a sign or something cause couldnt find it when i was driving service: was alright typical bar service but not the worst bar service didn't describe things n didnt give new plates or silverwhere was nice though. One issue is the drinks took forever to come out like theres 4 bartenders n like it wasnt crowded idk why it took so long like i would say a drink took like 10-15 minutes to make drinks: they were ok not good not great felt they all tasted the same no matter the alcohol used or how the drink was described on the menu was like meh wouldnt order drinks here again there are better places for that food: its good but needs to be updated n there needs to be more menu items wish it had more unique things like entente. The food theme is asian theres Vietnamese/ chinese/ thai would love to see noodle dishes like felt that brian could have done better with the food. Wish there was desserts. Best things: mushroom wanton/ banhmi/ chicken liver/ porkbelly lab sriracha fried peanuts $8: these were good but not worth the Price there just spicy peanuts wish there was a little sweetness to give it complexity Chicken bao $8: it was lukewarm it was good but i had better baos it was just chicken with hoisin they needed a crunch cause it was mushy. The cucumber really didnt add anything Mushroom wanton $9( be warned temperature wise supper hot inside): I usually hate wantons but this was phenomenal the filling was so flavorful tastes like there's meat inside the wonton supper crispy without being greasy the dipping sauce was supper spicy and Delish wanted to order more that's how good it was bottle the hot sauce Bay scallops $22: meh didnt care for them the scallops were perfectly cooked but it wasn't flavorful like the sauce was meh n the garnishes were meh needs flavor Humus $12: this was good not great. There was a spice that was really overwhelming. the pita was burnt. Loved the fried chickpeas wish there was more. Loved the cucumbers wish there was more. Libertad still has the best humus Short rib banh mi $16: this was amazing bread was toasted which is key n its good bread not that crappy banh mi bread. Shortrib was really tender Flavorful loved the veggies just put more n more herbs for freshness. Loved the sauces. Wish there was more heat n pate thats what makes a banh mi like when i put the chicken liver mouse in this it tasted a million times better or even putting foie in this :) hint hint the fried sunchokes were alright a lil over fried wish they had a dipping sauce Chicken liver mouse $15: this was delish. Liver wasnt funky tasting. The bread was toasted with olive oil just put more bread. I loved the candied ginger n the passion fruit for acidity wish there was more sweetness but this was delish Porkbelly laab $16: this was delish but was not traditional its more like a fried rice. It reminded me of chircharon or like deep fried pulled pork then pork belly its really crispy n flavorful loved the lemon loved the mango for sweetness n loved the lettuce for freshness. Just add more pork belly wish there was a sauce read more

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The security guy & door women were unnecessarily surly & rude to me and engaged in lies to not allow me in.