The Berkshire Room is one of my favorite speakeasies in Chicago. While they offer a fantastic…read morecocktail menu and a full bar, I almost always order The Dealer's Choice. You simply choose your preferred spirit, flavor profile, and glassware, then let the mixologist create something just for you. It's one of my favorite cocktail experiences in the city, and they've never steered me wrong. What I especially appreciate is how knowledgeable the bartenders are. They're always happy to offer recommendations if you're unsure what to order, but they're equally excited to create something completely unique if you're feeling adventurous. Watching them craft each drink is part of the experience. I've even hosted a birthday gathering here in their private side room, where we enjoyed charcuterie boards alongside our cocktails. If you're just stopping in for drinks, though, I'd recommend grabbing dinner beforehand, as the food offerings are fairly limited. More often than not though, you'll find me sitting right at the bar. I love watching the bartenders showcase their craft and chatting with them about the incredible selection of spirits they have on hand. It's a great spot for anyone who genuinely appreciates well-made cocktails and the artistry behind them. I'm also a member of their loyalty program, which is well worth joining. It can be used at The Berkshire Room as well as several other excellent restaurants, making it an easy way to earn rewards while exploring some great dining spots around the city. Whether you're a cocktail enthusiast or simply looking for a sophisticated place to unwind, The Berkshire Room consistently delivers. I'll definitely be back for another Dealer's Choice soon! #YelpEliteSquad

I added a photo and was surprised to see I've never reviewed this popular cocktail spot. I've been…read morea handful of times over the years, as it's a solid standby in River North. Tucked away in the Acme hotel, the vibe is loungey with plenty of different types of seating. We came around midnight on a Friday and it was packed but we managed to find a cozy corner. For drinks, I've always enjoyed their "Dealer's Choice", which is a fun novelty. However, on my latest visit I decided to try the Frijolito ($18), which was basically a spin on an espresso martini but with mezcal. Wow! Perfectly balanced, unique, and delicious. For food, they offer some "bites" but I've not tried them. Our server was fine, nothing special. I can't remember ever having bad service here.

Z Bar is the lounge at the Peninsula. There's a terrace if the weather is nice or huge windows if…read moreit's not. Getting there was a bit complicated - you take elevators up/down depending on where you come in. I chose to sit at the bar, but there are nice loungy spots too. Expect well curated and well crafted cocktails, along with a nice menu of snacks. I Enjoyed some very nice champagne (Perrier Jouet) and mini samosas. The samosas were really nice and an absolutely huge portion. Yeah, it's expensive but it's the Peninsula and you're worth it.

Elevated cozy bar/lounge experience within the city. Seats may be limited but if you can grab one,…read moreit's worth the wait. Great drinks, good service definitely worth coming back for a nightcap. -Mr.

After we experienced the Tilt, we went directly to the Observation Deck, which is where the…read moreCloudBar is located. Once you enter the Deck, go to your right. We bought the tickets that included the Tilt, the Observation Deck, and the CloudBar. That was the way to have the complete experience on the 94th Floor of the John Hancock Building. The views are spectacular!! Look up and there are mirrors on the ceiling! Lots of cool photo ops! We enjoyed it here. There needs to be more organized seating all around the 360 because the place is packed. There are some tables closest to the Bar but not around the entire deck. You have to hold your drink the whole time and get bumped into. There is no obvious line at the bar and you accidentally go in front of other people who thought they were in line and they get upset. There are also mini bleachers where people were spilling their drinks because there was no place to put their drinks. The floor was sticky and wet. We got alcohol spilled on us from those climbing down the bleachers. Not a pleasant experience. The drinks were ok. My Magnificent Margarita was too sweet for my taste and it was a generous pour. My daughter had the Crossbeam and was able to select what she preferred. I should have done that one. The bartender was friendly and nice despite how busy he was. There are restrooms for men and women but the women's is not very big or wide. The line is mostly outside the restroom. It was tight in there. Would we go again? Yes.

This was a cool experience if you've never been in a skyscraper before. I don't think I've ever…read morebeen in a building with 90+ floors. We bought the cheapest ticket which was $30 just to go up. I feel like this is a bit pricey since nothing is included, but it was still a very cool view. Went to the Cloud Bar and got the Feeling Tiltsy. I enjoyed it and it was quite refreshing. There weren't too many people there so we got our drinks served fast! Drinks are $23 which is also a little pricey but you're paying for a great view.

A Mother's Day Feast! A spectacular display of food that was fresh and platter pleasing. A LIVE…read moreJazz band was playing (not pictured) only during this special day. The wait staff was helpful, the decor was unique and fun. Inside the EMC hotel, this gem was a nice getaway from the usual. Reservations were required and main courses of either Lamb Chops, Salmon, or Prime Rib was the perfect dishes to any meal.

So I took myself to a place that was on my "must go to" list. Called The Albert. Menu online is…read morewell designed and great looking food. Advertises as $100+ pricing so I'm like ok this is gonna be a nice dinner. What you don't see unless you're looking closely - It's in a medium end Marriott - not mad at that but it's not a stand alone restaurant. The menu looked absolutely nothing like they show on the restaurant website. It was cheap looking. Same food options as website. The ambiance was well designed but - hotel restaurant vibes. Ordered the tuna crudo. Nothing to write home about. The mussels - I'm maybe gonna wake up with food poisoning tomorrow. The bucatini pesto pasta looked like regurgitated peas baby food and overcooked pasta. I sent it back kindly. And the chicken thighs were cooked. Like, that's all I can say. So I paid, still hungry. Cause the chicken thighs had basically no meat. Crudo is naturally so small and the mussels equally. Left and am now at Hampton Social eating a delicious lobster roll and tomato bisque. The highlight! The people sitting next to me asked me if o was a good critic! Haha - best compliment ever! But disappointment of a restaurant.

My husband and I came here for our 26 year anniversary. It was my first time in Chicago. A local…read morefriend of ours recommended NoMi. It was a great recommendation. We were so happy with everything! Our server was wonderful! The entire staff was so friendly and on top of their game! We never waited for anything. They were immediately refilling our waters, offering more bread, removing dirty plates, replacing silverware, and offering the next course. It was perfect! The views!!! I think there's not a table in NoMi that doesn't have an amazing view. The main, large window faces the lake (East). Arriving just at 7, you get the full affect of the city, and lake, and then the sunset and lights of the buildings. It was absolutely magical. I couldn't get enough of it. The inside of the restaurant is beautiful and clean, but honestly it could have been a pit and I wouldn't have noticed. You'll be focused on the views for the entire evening. The food!!! Everything is very fresh. It's all well-prepared. Everything was delicious. There's a good variety of dishes to choose from. Plenty of healthy, low-carb options. We each ordered our own appetizers. I had the crispy Maitake mushrooms and my husband had the mussels. We both loved our food and left nothing on our plates. Excellent choices, that we highly recommend. As our main course we shared the sushi platter. The seafood was fresh and the sushi didn't have too much rice. It was the perfect amount of food with our appetizers. They have an extensive wine and drink menu. For drinks I had a glass of the Sauvignon blanc and my husband had a red blend. For dessert we weren't really hungry enough to eat anything else but my husband wanted a pallet cleanser. They have a few sorbets. My husband settled on the cherry cola sorbet. They brought it out with a little chocolate that said "Happy Anniversary" in French. They did not add it to our bill. Very sweet of them. It was probably one of the best anniversaries we've ever had. The bill was about $230 before tip. We highly recommend coming here for any special occasion.

My husband and I popped in here to escape the cold and found that NoMI was doing a hot coco…read moreexperience! It was SO awesome! We were able to choose between an alcoholic or non hot coco and load it up so many different toppings. It warmed us up and was decorated so beautiful! My husband then snagged a lobster roll which was so good. We are so excited we found this lounge and will be back!

I really enjoyed this hotel. The lobby is a vibe. I love the industrial feel it gives in the room…read more The big floor to ceiling windows are great when waking up in the morning to get a view of the city and at night to see the skyline. Pac-Man in the lobby is a classic. Lucky we stayed therr and were able to use the machine. No wait.

The Moxy brand is geared to young people who want a cool work vibe. It's a chain that focuses on…read moreminimalist amenities at a more affordable price in central locations. This hotel was located within the loop near the river, shops, bars and restaurants. The hotel rooms are basic and small. We were fortunate to get an upgraded room with two queen beds and an amazing view out the window of the city. The window was large and clean. The beds were comfy with ample pillows. Four pillows were provided. The hotel set up is a bit awkward. Room is best for one person as lacks storage for large luggage. Plus there is not a defined bathroom. The shower is within the bedroom. Fortunately the shower was frosted but you walk right into the bedroom so you must be comfortable with those you stay with. Plus the room does really have a deck and chair to work. The desk is a fold down from the wall. The chair for the deck is located on the wall and not really suitable for long term working on sitting as does not have a back to it. The best thing above this hotel are the staff. The front desk staff are super friendly and accommodating and aim to please. The bartender was super friendly and attentive as well. Lastly parking is not available right at the hotel. You have to walk two blocks. Plus parking cost 59 dollars and that's the discounted rate. Also not really a suitable place to drop luggage off. If you pull up to the front door, you are blocking traffic. Base on price of 400 dollars the night we stayed, I would say it's not worth the stay. Maybe it's worth 200 or less for Chicago.

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.

Elegant, Refined, a spot well worth the wait…read more Sparrow's ambiance, customer service, and drink menu could have been better in my eyes even if they purchased all of my personal data from Meta and Google and tailored it. I would venture to say it is the best cocktail bar in Gold Coast, or at least my personal favorite. Great for a slightly more upscale, special evening out. Lots of food options near by.

Loved everything about the Rose Lounge... I enjoy a good speakeasy and the Rose did not disappoint…read more The service was A+ Santiago really enjoys what he does and you can tell! He was helpful, attentive and had such good energy! My favorite cocktail was the one he made me, that wasn't on the menu! He just listened to flavors I told him I enjoy and made the perfect gin based cocktail that I loved! The space is sexy and chic, I will return! ...a DJ was setting up as we were leaving... we plan to go back after 9 to see what that's about although I also enjoyed the tunes that were playing while we were there. It's a gem for sure!

Hands down the most lovely, peaceful lounge you can visit in Chicago. You will never be…read moredisappointed.