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    Ghost Donkey

    4.0 (66 reviews)
    Closed 4:00 pm - 12:00 am (Next day)

    Ghost Donkey Photos

    GHOST DONKEY ATMOSPHERE

    What's the vibe?
    Casual
    Happy hour specials
    Good for groups

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    Recommended Reviews - Ghost Donkey

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    Niranjana S.

    What a cute space!! I believe this is a hidden speakeasy but it's not too hard to get to. They have a fun and inexpensive happy hour that extends weekends too! The guacamole was tasty and I enjoyed the marg!

    Environment
    Joel Jr. M.

    Stopped by Ghost Donkey on a whim and so glad we did as it ended up being a blast! Even on a quick visit, the energy was contagious as the bar was filled with upbeat music, bartenders spraying drinks through water guns, and everyone just enjoying their lives there. I grabbed a round of margaritas, and the bartender threw in a complimentary slushie which was surprisingly refreshing. The place looks amazing at night and not to mention they even have a photobooth. Definitely a spot I plan to visit next time I am in Chicago and ready for good night out!

    Stealth Margarita
    Joneice B.

    Ghost Donkey is a cute bar that gives off club vibes. We were able to reserve seats but the bar was open on my second visit there. I thought they had more food options but it is really limited for this venue. They are attached to Blue Sushi so make sure to get some yummy food downtown stairs before venturing up here for good tequila and music. On this occasion my besties were in town and we indulged in some yummy food downtown cocktails. In addition we played around in the Photo Booth. The DJ was on point when we were there and kinda bummed that we had to roll to our next location. Ghost Donkey is a some good vibes with reasonable priced cocktails. Check this place out if hanging in River North.

    Inside
    Khadijah H.

    Had was a time! And a time was had! Ghost Donkey is the place to go for fun, good music, amazing drinks and fun photos. I came here for happy hour with a dear friend and we made the right choice. I love that their HH is during the right hours of 4-8 and they offer true HH prices. I wish I'd gotten the name of our server. She was a true gem and knew the importance of quality service. I do plan to return and suggest others get there too!

    Tyler C.

    Fun space above a sushi place. Secret speakeasy vibe. Limited menu. Chips were super salty. Salsa was blended into a paste and had a nice kick. Mixed drinks We're small and weak. A lot of groups went for the shots which seemed to make People happy.

    Steak Quesadilla
    Candace W.

    Came here the other day with a group and was immediately annoyed because their happy hour deal in the menu is not what's posted on their website. On the website, drinks are $7 and quesadillas are $9-10. My group paid $13 per drink and $13-14 for each quesadilla. They need to update their website or honor their deals bc that's deceptive pricing. On top of that, the quesadillas were not very filled, the salsas were thick and just ok. Margs weren't impressive. Overall: wouldn't go back bc their happy hour isn't what is advertised and the food is very mid.

    Miss A.

    Speakeasy vibes on the heart of River North. Bartenders are welcoming and the drinks are strong. The ambiance is really unique with a Latin flair. It's not been too busy either time I was there but apparently it's more of a late-late night scene.

    Chicken Tinga tacos
    Jazmine P.

    Happy hour was a great time! Their specials are really good and their service was too, my only thing was the limited seating. reservations are encouraged for sure! Would definitely come back again. $2 chicken tinga tacos, 5/5 $10 carne quesadillas 3/5 $7 casa marg, 3.5/5 $7 Paloma, 4/5 **not on happy hour candy shots 4/5 frozen shots 1.5/5, that's cucumber was too strong

    Brianna R.

    I love the vibe of this place and the way it's decorated but I didn't like the service. Our server kept forgetting things and then her or maybe who seemed to be the manager would seem annoyed when we asked for things. The margaritas were just ok. I bought shots of tequila to make mine stronger. Don't know if I'll be back

    Rosé
    Jessica S.

    Since January, I've been seeing ads for this place on my social media, so I felt compelled to try it out. A friend and I went for happy hour last week, and we were really impressed. We ordered the ceviche, guacamole, chicken quesadilla, and steak and mushroom tacos. The food was excellent! My friend had a margarita and a paloma; she preferred the margarita over the paloma. I tried the rosé, which was a generous pour for happy hour; it had a lovely aroma and taste that reminded me of enjoying a summer patio. The decor features a lot of pink and dark colors, giving it a nightclub vibe. The staff was fantastic, from the moment we were greeted by the host to the time we cashed out. I will definitely be back! This place is great for catching up with someone, having a coworker gathering after work, or entertaining family in town.

    Welcome drinks frozen margaritas
    Ojuolape M.

    You must come ready to dance the night away! The DJ will keep you moving, and the food is affordable. Sit by the bar and ask for Mel--she'll hook you up. If you're on a date, grab a booth or sit by the bar. Wait for the bubbles and the swinging lamps--I promise you'll have a great time. And if you're lucky, you might get a donkey... or end up being the donkey of the night yourself!

    Inside
    Katrina M.

    I really love the vibes in here and that they're staying true to their other locations around the country. I came here for happy hour and was pumped to see they included both margs and tacos! The vibe is very loungey so the tables (at least by the bar) are super low, like a coffee table rather than a dinner table which is fine for just drinks, but probably a bit of a hunch over if you are eating food off of it. It looks aesthetically pleasing but not the most practical.

    Inside
    Rahima J.

    As a bar - I love this place so much. It is so vibey, the music is fire, and the happy hour is to DIE for. They have happy hour from 4-8 pm with foods ranging from $2-$8 and drinks ranging from $4-$8. Cannot be beat. The food itself was decent - nothing to rave about but I definitely will be coming back for the happy hour.

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    Ask the Community - Ghost Donkey

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    King of Cups

    King of Cups

    4.4
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    2.4 mi

    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!

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    Geja's Cafe

    Geja's Cafe

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    My friends were wanting to get fondue so we searched online and found Geja's cafe. We came on a…read moreSunday night. The atmosphere was nice and cozy. It was dimly lit inside and there was a guitarist playing music. We decided to do the 3 course Prince Geja's combination. The first course included swiss Gruyère cheese fondue with assorted breads, vegetables and fruits. After that they brought out Prince Geja's combination which was beef, lobster tail, shrimp, chicken breast, and sea scallops which you were able to cook in the boiling hot broth. I really liked how there was 8 different side sauces brought out so you could add some more flavor to the meat and seafood. The last course was chocolate fondue served with marshmellows and a side of fire. It was as if you were making smores because it also came with some graham cracker sprinkles. It also came with some fruits to dip into the chocolate fondue as well. The service was great. It was nice they had a coat check. Our server was very knowledgeable and guided us through the experience.

    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.

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    Gemini

    Gemini

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    2.2 mi
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    As a Gemini celebrating my birthday season with other Geminis, it only felt right to celebrate at…read moreGemini! When we arrived, I was a bit concerned because we hadn't received our menus. And that's because the menus were being printed with a personalized birthday message! Our server was attentive, knowledgeable, and struck the perfect balance of checking in without being overbearing. The mussels (provençal-style) were delicious and enough to share among three people. The truffle-parmesan fries: We couldn't tell if they were too salty or just salty enough, but somehow we couldn't stop eating them! I ordered the baby wedge salad with chicken, and while the chicken looked small at first, it ended up being a large enough portion to last the salad. We were also surprised with complimentary desserts: the Chocolate Chunk Cookie Skillet and Buck Russell's Cake. Though I'm not a sweet person, my dining companions thoroughly enjoyed them.

    It's Summer Time Chi season in Lincoln Park. Extensive patio at Gemini is super inviting. Jacob our…read moreserver was exceptional in his engagement & making reco's on drinks and food. Even though half my party was late, I never felt rushed. The FKG mocktail was sweet and flavorful. The Spritzer was a good alcoholic next drink. Truffle Parm fries were a table fav. Burrata was smaller than I expected for $18. Enjoyed my beet salad with salmon. Will def be back and highly recommend!

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    Nice view inside restaurant
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    Le Mistral

    Le Mistral

    4.9
    (14 reviews)
    2.4 mi

    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.

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    Esme

    Esme

    4.0
    (154 reviews)
    2.3 mi
    $$$$
    Fine dining
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    Esmé, consistently One of Our Favorites in Chicago…read more We went to Esmé last night on a Monday and were pleasantly surprised to see both an event happening in the bar and a solid number of diners in the dining room. Not many Michelin starred restaurants can pull that off on a Monday, but Esmé always seems to have energy. This place has become one of our most reliable favorites. They change the menu a few times a year in conjunction with rotating local artists, and the restaurant itself feels more like a refined art gallery than a traditional dining room with white walls, clean lines, simple and elegant. Last night was no exception to their usual excellence. The experience is really anchored by Chris Gerber, a longtime Chicago hospitality pro, and his team. They are flawless. This is true hospitality in every sense of the word. They usually keep two signature dishes, and for good reason. The caviar supplement sounds odd on paper, but in your mouth it is absolute perfection. The cod sounds simple, but it is anything but, rich, decadent, and always one of the highlights. Everything new on this menu was also outstanding. Every course had beautifully balanced sauces that made sense with the dish, and the presentations were creative without being gimmicky or over the top. The plating always ties in with the featured artist in a way that feels thoughtful, not forced. One tip. Be careful when choosing your beverage pairing. We did not read closely enough and ended up with the more inventive pairing that included cocktails and a beer. It was fun, but afterward we wished we had gone with the higher end wine pairing instead. Bottom line. Esmé remains one of the most consistent Michelin starred experiences in Chicago. It is not just very good. It is reliably excellent every single time.

    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!

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    Willow Room

    Willow Room

    4.2
    (430 reviews)
    1.9 mi
    $$

    Loved everything. Delicious really great foods. Group of four, zero complaints. The service was on…read morepoint. Nice wine pour. Bright fun atmosphere. I thought for the quality and portions and fair prices this is a really great choice. Looking forward to returning.

    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.

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    Ghost Donkey - mexican - Updated June 2026

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