I think I had too high of expectations going in based on the 4+ star rating - which after stopping in tonight is puzzling to put it kindly. Drinks were served in a plastic solo cup and tasted like sugar and soda water... I felt like I was being punked paying $14. Kinda ridiculous. Not to mention it is branded as a tiki bar and there is not one single "tiki" cocktail on the menu. Very strange that bars like this can coexist next to really good neighborhood bars selling drinks at the same price. The 2 stars in this review are for the decor which is actually pretty cool and the service was friendly and attentive. But please don't go expecting good drinks. read more

The experience was satisfactory overall. The ambiance is very cool and immersive; it really feels like you're on the set of J Lo's Waiting for Tonight music video, which adds a fun and unique vibe to the visit. The drinks were decent, and our bartender was friendly and attentive. She offered some good options and made the experience more enjoyable. I would definitely consider returning in the future if we didn't already have other plans. read more

Esmeralda's Lounge - Bars Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

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Very cool bar, the service was great. I think it's a good spot to hang out or have a drink before going out. The music is very loud since they have a DJ so not ideal for catching up. The drinks were good but definitely on a stronger side. read more

Esmeralda's Lounge - Bars Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

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Came in during happy hour on saturday ~5pm during a heat wave and it was a very very necessary escape from the sweltering temperatures outside. their happy hour menu is amazing, we all got $5 cocktails that were made very well by the super cool & sweet bartender. i got a piña colada because i haven't had one in ages and it was absolutely delicious and refreshing!!! i've had similar quality cocktails for $15+. my friend had recently bought a tarot card set and pulled some here & we had a very insightful and reflective conversation, supported by the dark, magical vibes of Esmeralda's (: read more

Esmeralda's Lounge - good energy in here so had to pull tarot, obviously - Bars Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

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Who doesn't love a HH? Especially one that is during actual hours where patrons can come and indulge. My friends and I visited on a random Friday to hang out. The HH deal last till 7:00 pm. You can get $5 margarita (original), old fashion or Moscow mule. The cups are huge, moderate ice and actually tasty. Please keep in mind this is a bar. Strictly liquor ONLY. So come here for HH or a pregame. If you want food, this might not be the place for you. I do encourage people to drop by, it's really nice in my opinion. Simple yet fun. read more

Great bar experience. Our bartender was very attentive and enjoyable to be around and talk to. We came here for happy hour, which was a vibe. The drinks were really well made, and they had a variety to choose from. They do not sell food here, but there are establishments next-door where you can get great food. The ambience is relaxed, dimly light, and has a patio. They also have a DJ booth with live music some days. We stayed longer than expected, because we were having a good time. This place can get pretty lively towards the night so be ready to have some fun. read more

Really good cocktails! Great house music night and ran into a live band outside! So much fun!!! Always love coming here!!!

I think they remember me from the first visit where after **a few** AMAZING banana old fashioneds, I spontaneously combusted into a hot mess, and stayed all night. I'm a little basic, obviously, after all here I am on Yelp. I brought in friends from out of town this time around and they not only immediately took in stride my doubly obnoxious request for 1. A mojito and 2. FIRE!!!; but they also went out of their way to impress my guests and even gave them a Chicago welcome with malort shots. Which I totally warned them not to do it but they did anyways. Esmeralda's is the coolest little joint. I do not live nearby thank goodness. But I come whenever I'm in the area. read more

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Drinks service and ambiance NICE! Definitely will go back!! So glad social media introduced me to this place! read more

Esmeralda's Lounge - Birthday celebration - Bars Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

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We had a great time at Esmeralda's Lounge. We came during happy hour and enjoyed the welcoming atmosphere and the drinks. The DJ played a great mix of current hip hop, house, and cultural favorites. Service was fast and the bathroom was clean. Definitely a go to for a great night in Humboldt. read more

THEY CALL IT *THE FIRE" - @esmeraldaschicago Humboldt Park, Chicago So freaking LIT - got shots of rum on the house, and got to see this incredible show filled with fragrance, sparks of cinnamon, and blue + red flames Definitely recommending coming here, the music is awesome too with a nice chill house vibe on the weekday and more party on the weekends Drinks are on the more expensive side but quite good with a Caribbean flare - eg I got the Banana Oaxacan . Alcohol forward which I enjoy banana mezcal, tequila, bitters, chocolate flavor. Really good mix for $16 (without tip) read more

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Brendan and kitten bear (dj), including all dj's had great hospitality with music taste. Had fun great drinkssss:) girl comes through :)

This is the king of all happy hours...old fashion $5 out of this world margarita $5. Listen between the hours of 5-7 this is where you need to be. Easily the best value for drinks in the city. The place is small and the bartenders are usually always on top of what you need. You need something that's not on the menu just ask. See you guys Fridays between 5-7 for happy hour. Old fashion 7/10 and margarita 10/10. read more

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Totally don't understand the bad reviews, I really enjoyed my time at Esmeralda's! I went last Friday for drinks with some friends before heading to Wicker and I loved the vibes and ambiance of the space. There were people everywhere hooting and hollering and having fun, and we were able to walk in grab drinks, and grab a table outside (although the inside was really cool and fun too). Feels like a lowkey, divey tiki bar, which I think is the intention. The DJ has a setup at the street-facing window and had us dancing at our table. Also, there was a lady doing tarot readings on the patio, and like one of those Gatorade canisters football teams use full of water which I was so geeked about! So much easier than bothering the bartenders for water. My friend just moved across the street so I can almost guarantee I'll be a repeat customer. read more

Fun little spot for tiki drinks without the tourist crowds. Nice sized patio. Cute decor. Drinks were a bit hit or miss. I ordered the same drink twice, and it tasted totally different the second time. Lol. As a bonus, a tarot card reader was there doing readings! read more

Esmeralda's Lounge - Flaming drink fun. - Bars Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

Beautiful patio bar well situated on paseo boricua. We heard Salsa and followed the music Esmeralda's No food....Delicious drinks. Got me a Grand Poobah. Tajin rimmed vodka mango elixir. Wanted to stay longer Next time for sure. read more

Esmeralda's Lounge - Bars Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

A few friends and I stopped here after having dinner nearby, and I'm glad we did. This spot is small and intimate but cool, it was a vibe. The lighting was dim and they had a dj playing music which added to the ambiance. They feature a lot of tiki style drinks and punchbowls, all of which were pretty good. The punchbowl lost its flavor pretty quickly after a few sips, likely due to the amount of ice inside. I'd likely stick to individual cocktails next time. read more

I had a beautifully presented Mango Tree that was delicious. The atmosphere is super fun and Josie is an absolute delight!

Awesome ambiance and GREAT happy hour. 5 dollar mojitos were my go to. The customer service was probably my favorite. They were super social, cool, and helpful. I already can't wait to go back. read more

Esmeralda's Lounge - Espresso martini - Bars Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

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A cute little place in Humboldt Park, went there for a couple of drinks a few weeks ago on a Thursday (alternative music, yay!! If you like mango, I suggest rumble in the jungle! chill vibe, very relaxing... I'm going to suggest this place for my office holiday party. thanks to dj skid and dino for accommodating my music requests read more

The vibe is on point here. It's really a cool place, the music was easy to enjoy, the lighting and decor are fun. The happy hour drinks were alright, but the soda was flat in both our drinks. The anacaona cocktail was really delicious, and reminded me of a Pulparindo!! Spicy and sweet, very well balanced. The happy hour cocktails are cheap, but still worth it. The bartender was cool and offered suggestions. It seems like they have a recent change of ownership and the previous reviews don't reflect what I believe. The decor is fun and cool, and definitely does not seem like a garage sale items. It's nautical and tiki. But I'm a vibey way. They don't deserve their low stars. read more

Enjoyed our drinks here- very interesting flavors! Cute little spot, with cool decor and good vibes. My friends and I enjoyed this spot. Can get a little noisy as the place is small. Service was fine, seems to be only 1 bartender so there was a bit of a wait but overall a cool spot. read more

Esmeralda's Lounge - Bars Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

Went here with a large group after my birthday dinner. The place was nearly empty for it being a Saturday. The inside decor felt like you were in a jungle, very tropical theme - I love a good theme to a bar. I drank 1 drink which was some chocolate banana colada - that wasn't good. The drinks weren't hitting - we thought since the place was nearly empty at least we can switch up the music get the vibe going. There was a live dj mixing English house music, he was intensely into mixing. My brother and I went up to request Latin music since we were basically the only ones there, we wanted Selena, we wanted salsa, we wanted to DANCE. The DJ explains that he could not fulfill the request because we had to ask the "Resident of the night". Okay?? So we were instructed to walk outside and ask the Resident. We did as we were told, and basically ended up socializing with them for an extended period of time when all we wanted was for them have the dj play Latin music. Our request was never met - no latin music was ever played. All this time, it looked like the dj was jamming out to a prerecorded mix, just pretending to mix? Or was he only mixing a certain genre? Dk. My brother and I ended up getting a free shot from the waitress which was ok, but all in all, my experience there wasn't great. Won't be returning. Sorry. Queremos bailar ! We want to dance. My drink was a fail and so was the music. Thanks bye. read more

Came here with my friends Saturday night to check out the fire drinks and the drinks didn't disappoint, however what was disappointing was one worker and possibly his friends or they might have been workers too. Roderick was very unprofessional. Towards the end of our night a few guys approached my friends husband in the bathroom saying he was c@ckblocking! when at no point in time did any of us give any indication we were interested! Because one guy said we didn't want a photo with him doesn't mean you act like a fool and have a tantrum.. this will be the last time we go here! Clean up your act and behave accordingly to your patrons. read more

I have been here a few times. Summary: 12.00 for a bad, water downed well drink in a dive bar decorated with garage sale leftovers in Humboldt Park served by a bartender with a bad attitude. I don't think so. Oh, and this place touts music yet they must have the worst sound/speaker system in the city. Listening to music here is like being locked in the trunk of a Honda with the subwoofers cranked up. Tinnitus sounds better. Hopefully they can figure things out before they go out of business. read more

Love this place and Javi is the world's best mixologist! Great vibe and I feel like this place takes you away. You need to check it out for yourself. Nice local getaway and fun ppl read more

The outdoor patio is amazing! I love the decor of this bar and the drinks are solid! Caribbean cocktails and frozen drinks! I felt like I was on a tropical mini vacation for a few hours. Javi the bartender is excellent! Good music! Great staff! Amazing drinks! Oh, and I got my tarot cards read! Looks like I'll be coming back to this bar again! read more

Esmeralda's Lounge - Piña colada...yumm! - Bars Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

Bogus. Bad drinks, bald bartender is a giant douche, made every person he served look at him like "eww, douche". I wanted to like it, but there is just no reason. read more

Great vibe here! I went on a first date here and it was so welcoming. The unique cocktails and pleasant tropical vibe really made for an outstanding evening. The owner actually came up and said hi and bought us a round of shots! thanks Dyno! Truly great experience can't wait to go back! read more

Yo, change your dj. He sucks. Can't mix salsa music right. Also, get more Latin music. It's the community you are in.