Michael was fantastic and his charismatic knowledge of rum cocktails is unmatched. The care and attention is pink squirrel is next to none.

Elegant, Refined, a spot well worth the wait. 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. read more

If I lived in the city, I'd be here daily--just wow. Metered street parking is plentiful and easy. As someone who loves rum and tiki bars, this place immediately won me over. It's tiki-adjacent but unmistakably a rum bar, with an impressive selection of special bottles and rotating pours. It truly feels like Disneyland for rum lovers. That said, the bar program is exceptionally well curated overall, with quality options across every spirit category. The atmosphere is quiet, upscale, and refreshingly relaxed--very much a come-as-you-are kind of place. We sat at the bar about an hour after opening, and it was already about half full. Seating options range from intimate tables to cozy two-tops, and the space is designed so you can actually hear your conversation. The only disruption came when a large, very lively group arrived, but the staff handled it with grace and professionalism. Our bartender, Nick, was outstanding--knowledgeable, personable, and clearly passionate about rum. Thanks to him and a special pour night (details are shared on their social media), I discovered several new rums I wouldn't have tried otherwise. I can't wait to return. read more

Sparrow - Nostalgia - Cocktail Bars Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

Sparrow was yet another spot that has long been on our list that was well worth the wait! Almost certainly the best cocktail bar in the immediate Gold Coast area, a speakeasy vibe that takes you back to the art deco era of the 20s, with rum forward cocktails that are unique and skillfully crafted. The Perfect Perfect is a play on a Manhattan, the rum and vermouth playing perfectly together to balance the sweetness while keeping it grounded. And, I mean, who even makes a Grasshopper nowadays, let alone probably the best I've had. It's a hip vibe with reasonably priced cocktails for the area, a must try if you're lucky enough to grab a seat (they open at 4, and if you're not there by 5, boy I don't know). read more

Sparrow - Grasshopper - Cocktail Bars Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

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Second time visiting Sparrow! I love the 1920s/30s lobby bar vibe. There's a vintage phone booth near the entrance that's pretty cool. It's a bit dark inside, but it feels cozy and romantic. They sat us in the seating area this time, which was completely full of people having a good time and enjoying their drinks. I got the hotel nacional cocktail, made with pineapple rum, apricot liqueur, and pineapple & lime juices. read more

Sparrow - Cocktail Bars Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

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This is a well-known cocktail bar in the Gold Coast area, and one that has been on my list of visit for a while. My wife and I stopped by on our self-made anniversary tour, where we just frolic around the Gold Coast area and visited bars and different restaurants. We went to sparrow shortly after a private event ended there so we were able to get a seat at the bar quite quickly. I love the ambience and the decor; it's your typical speakeasy, but has a very Cuban inspired style. They have a really nice cocktail list and true to what I usually order, I got a old-fashioned, which was pretty well made. The bartenders were also really nice and were super kind to my wife and I when we told them we were celebrating our anniversary. Overall, this is a very cool place. I will certainly come back to hang out for a nice drink as a pregame to the outing or as a nice nightcap. read more

Sparrow - Rum old fashioned - Cocktail Bars Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

Lovely little bar. Had a great time. Ambiance was great, service was remarkable, drinks were even better. read more

Sparrow - Cocktail Bars Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

This place was so intimate and cozy, I loved being here as a date night!! The menu had so many options, so plenty to choose from for any palette. Staff was very attentive and could be seen all the time, also gave fantastic suggestions. read more

Sparrow - Interior - Cocktail Bars Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

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Really cute date spot! Get there early to avoid lines. Delicious cocktails. Service at the bar. I will return.

Came into this place with a friend on a Friday afternoon before dinner reservation plans. Glad we did because we had great service from the bartender and the space itself felt very intimate, a little sophisticated, and had that dimly lit speakeasy vibe going for it. We didn't realize it, but they had a happy hour going (even on a Friday) so we absolutely partook in that. Our drinks were overall very good and we enjoyed our experience and time here. I'd recommend to others for sure! Will be back! read more

I was very excited to come here however did not meet my expectations at all. First off upon trying to enter this place i opened the door and the bouncer came barging out for IDs. . Then a lady came out to ask how many people and then allowed us in. So far i wasn't impressed with this encounter... This place is too dark and extremely loud. I ordered the Rosado cocktail which I enjoyed. However we couldn't even have a conversation because we couldn't even hear each other at all! So I honestly couldn't wait to leave. Sadly i would not come back here. read more

Loved the vibe of this place, it's perfect for a date night. The cocktails were amazing and worth the price. There is no reservation, so you need to stand in the line for minimum 30 minutes. We ordered three drinks and were really enjoying the vibe and our cocktails. However, we did notice the servers checking in on us quite a bit once we were finished, which made us feel slightly rushed. We completely understand it was a busy Friday evening and there was a line outside--after all, we waited too--but it felt a little like we were being encouraged to leave if we weren't planning to order more. Just wanted to share this as gentle feedback, as we really did enjoy the atmosphere and would love to come back again. :) read more

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Swung by sparrow to try out their famous cocktails. They don't accept reservations and hence, are walk in only. We walked in early on a Friday night and were lucky to get a table immediately. They don't let you enter the bar unless the whole party is present. Upon entering, we were welcomed into a dimly lit, beautifully decorated chic and tropical bar. The service was fast. We tried the grasshopper, La Floridita and Hotel Nacional cocktails. The menu is very rum forward and they have rums from different countries and continents to try. We loved the Grasshopper. It's very mint forward so it won't cater to all tastes but I am a big fan of all things mint and I was definitely impressed. Overall, a great place to grab some nice rum cocktails! read more

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Sparrow is SUCH a great date night spot!! The vibes are warm and luxurious.. the bartenders know exactly what they are doing and they craft such an amazing cocktail. No matter what you order.... just know it's going to be good. Super easy to grab a two-seater table or a place at the bar if you decide to stroll in. Come with your girlfriends, a new date, or just a solo trip for a nice cocktail! Either way you won't regret it read more

Super cute vibes!!! It gets busy and noise levels can get a bit loud, but it is what it is for a bar. Def a good choice for a girls night out or a nice date! I got the grasshopper cocktail and it was sweet and creamy. Definitely will be coming back in the future to try their other concoctions!! read more

Sparrow - Grasshopper - Cocktail Bars Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

It's a vibey place for a date night or to catch up with friends because of their good drinks and dimly lit ambience. However, the music is always very loud so you're kind of shouting at the person you're conversing with. Their menu is very rum forward. My go to drinks is the La Floridita and Hotel Nacionale. The Hotel Nacionale is fruity but not super sweet. La Floridita is more spirit forward but always a solid choice. They don't take reservations and you need your full party present to be seated. I've never waited more than 10 minutes. read more

Great spot for a drink! We stopped here to get a drink before a concert and we were not disappointed. There was a short line to get in. Once we were inside we found that it was dim lit and intimate. Felt really nice for a date night or a night out on the town with friends. We both enjoyed our drinks and felt the service was great! Would definitely come again if on the Gold Coast:) read more

Sparrow - Cocktail Bars Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

I found out about Sparrow on instagram and am happy that we stopped by during our visit to Lincoln Park. We came in the day time and I must say the mood was fly and sophisticated. Loved the drinks and we have to come back next time we are in Chicago. Even took a keychain as a memento of a great experience. Perfect for happy hour early evening dinner or late night vibes. The lighting is perfect for a date night. read more

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Everything was absolutely perfect. It was our first time and the ambience was great, very relaxing. Our bartender was very knowledgeable and made two drinks for me, including one that's not on the menu anymore called the pink tuxedo. I highly recommend it. Our drinks were some of the best we've ever had. We will be back! read more

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I have personally frequented Sparrow many times over the years, which makes this experience even more disappointing. My group and I were denied entry simply because we had just come from the Hangge Uppe (Mind you it is a Sunday and drinking was not heavy) That is not a substantial or fair reason to refuse service, and it felt more like profiling than enforcing any legitimate policy. We arrived respectfully and were looking forward to enjoying Sparrow's atmosphere and cocktails, as I have on many previous visits. Instead, we were met with dismissive treatment and told we couldn't come in solely based on where we had been earlier in the night. As a loyal customer, I expected better. A bar's reputation should rest not only on its drinks but also on the hospitality and fairness it extends to its guests. I truly hope Sparrow's management reconsiders these practices, because this kind of treatment is exclusionary and deeply disappointing. read more

Sparrow is a cool art deco cocktail lounge and a great spot for an occasion! At 7:30 on a Friday night we waited about 5 minutes for a table. They do bring you to a standing table before seating you, which is a nice option / alternative to waiting outside. The man checking IDs is very intense lol. The space is dark and moody but also quite loud which leaves a cool intimate atmosphere that's definitely hard to hear if you have more than one or two other people with you. The first time I came was with a group, and we ended up having 2-3 separate conversations to hear each other. Definitely keep that in mind with the goal of your evening! The drinks are quite good. My first time here I got the rosado because I love an egg white moment. The texture was awesome but it was a little too sweet for me. Second time I got the Astoria which is basically a martini and it was absolutely phenomenal. Would go back just for that!! Love the elevated atmosphere too. Side note they also have matchbooks if you collect them like me :) read more

Sparrow - Rosado - Cocktail Bars Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

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It's hard to find places with good rum and when this place was referred to me I had to come before I left town and they did not disappoint. Very cute speakeasy feel but a little noisier than your typical speakeasy since I used that example. Very great decor love the low lit ambiance. I sat at the bar and I enjoyed watching the bar tenders in their element they had a really good system they had help behind the bar that made their job easier and everything just flowed. They worked together and were overall friendly Drinks Hotel Nacional - This was a good drink to start with iT was a perfect balance in flavor the pineapple and apricot was an amazing mix. My second drink I asked the bar tender to make me something sweet and spicy and that didn't disappoint. I love a good sweet spicy drink I asked for my second one to be custom and Shawn (friendly, really knowledgeable and helpful) the bartender chose probitas a sublime of Jamaican and Bajan rums which I had never had with lime, grenadine and raspberry syrup and it was really good. read more

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Low-key, I thought this was a gentleman's club from the many times I've walked past and you can't see inside, always a bouncer at the door. While any gentleman should feel at home at The Sparrow, it's definitely not THAT kind of place, lol. It's a very cozy space reminiscent, to an extent, of a vintage cruise ship or hotel. There's a slight tiki/mid-century vibe to the cocktails, which I don't mind in the least. I started with the Hotel Nacional, which is one of their signature drinks, and it was such a great choice. I had the Pink Tuxedo as well, which was fun to try, but I might not get again. It's a very complex sweet-bitter cocktail with melon liqueur and absinthe, among other things. This is a great after-dinner spot if you've dined out in the Gold Coast, are too full for dessert, but not ready to call it a night. Love the wallpaper, love the No Dancing sign, love the drink menu--but if you're not a rum fan you may have a harder time finding a drink on the menu. They have a nice wine and beer list as well, if you must. read more

Sparrow -- A Hidden Gem That Brings the Mood After dinner, we wandered into Sparrow, and it was the perfect cherry on top. Lowkey and moody with old-school charm--this place is effortlessly cool. The drink menu? A tough choice (because everything sounds amazing), but I went with the Hotel Nacional and my date had La Floridita --both were beautifully crafted and so smooth. If you're into intimate spots with great cocktails and ambiance that feels like a secret, Sparrow is the move. 10/10 for the vibes alone. read more

One of my favorite speakeasy-style bars in Chicago. Unassuming exterior entrance with only a lit-up Sparrow to let you know you're in the right place. The drink menu has something for everyone, and everything is done well. If you like mint chocolate chip ice cream, you have to get their grasshopper drink. I probably wouldn't have more than one of these as it's rich and almost a dessert but wow, it's delicious. They also make a perfect old fashioned if the trendier bs isn't your vibe. Interior is inviting and has such a comfortable atmosphere. Just a lovely place to have a cocktail in the Gold Coast. Bartenders are always helpful and service in general is good. Recommend! read more

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I had amazing service here - our server was super friendly and helpful and didn't rush us. I was able to order a margarita, which isn't on their menu, and it was great. The vibes are very classy and dark, and there was some decently loud music playing but we could still hear each other. I got here at 6ish on a weekday and we were able to be seated right away. read more

As soon as you walk in, it feels like your rubbing elbows with 007 or Ethan hunt. Vodka martini shaken not stirred. This space exudes chic elegance. Something pics won't capture - you need to visit. A time to complement your partner on how amazing he or she is as you sip martinis all the while afro-cuban music plays to complement the mood. We had a toasted almond concoction called a Pink squirrel. This is basically liquid desert- simply amazing! The capstone on the whole experience is our bar tender Sam, a mixologist whose mastery of craft must be experienced. Highly recommend. read more

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Ambiance is perfect for a date night. The menu is mostly rum based drinks so keep that in mind.

This has probably got to be one of my favorite bars for a cozy intimate environment! Great music, the cocktails are unique and if you love rum this is the place for you! Heads up that it is walk-in only and there's not really a lobby area to wait. read more

Sparrow - Cocktail Bars Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

Second time there, The first time was just great ! We sat at the bar,staff were wonderful. Went last week. Party of 4, unfortunately no bar seating. Seated instead in a booth far to small to seat 4. The space for the booth could use a redesign rather than attempting to shoehorn 4 into the space P.S. In case you were curious. No one in the party could be described as obese. read more

Enchanting speakeasyesque cocktail lounge, with amazing drinks. We waited a bit in a line outside and then were seated at the bar. The line went by pretty fast even considering there were larger parties waiting. We tried the espresso and pornstar martinis and both were amazing. Great spot for a date or an evening with your friends. read more

Sparrow - Pornstar martini - Cocktail Bars Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

Amazing speakeasy in Gold Coast. It's a small space but very sceney/vibey. The theme is Cuban/latin American influenced. Highly recommend making a reservation because the space fills up fast. The service was knowledgeable, professional, and very attentive. No food, just cocktails and a ginormous rum list! We loved the Nacionale drink. Most of the drinks are rum based but they have manhattan's, gin martinis, etc! Would absolutely go back for a date night or night cap. read more

Located right next to the Hangge Upper, Sparrow is a cute and low-key cocktail bar. The inside is a little small, so we did have to wait in line for about 10-15 minutes. I ordered the Grasshopper and it is one of my favorite cocktails in the city. It was perfectly sweet and minty. My boyfriend and I ordered two rounds of drinks and I ended up just getting the Grasshopper again! If you like your cocktails to be more dessert-ish, I would highly recommend! read more

Sparrow - Grasshopper (left) - Cocktail Bars Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

Exactly what you would expect from a cocktail bar here. Interesting crowd. Dimly lit. Knowledgeable mixologists, and a generally fabulous...if definitely fully priced... experience. read more

Great rum bar. A wide variety of selections from all over so if rum is your thing, then this is your place. Immaculate vibes in this place, like a speakeasy. Bartender was great as well, can definitely see myself being a regular here. read more

Super cute ambiance! Loud environment but perfect for a casual conversation with friends. Crowded and there is no waitlist, able to be sat within 15 mins. Drinks were good too, I got the mint o chocolate one, it tasted like an Andes chocolate! read more

Tried Sparrow for the first time a few months ago. The drinks were fantastic, and service was friendly and fast, even though the bar was packed. But the noise was SO HORRENDOUSLY LOUD, even for Chicago where a lot of places tend to be loud. We were sitting at a table for two and we had to shout to hear each other - just adding to the problem. My husband had a decibel meter app on his phone, and the sound levels ranged between 90 and 105 dB over the time we were there, and we left with our ears ringing. While technically this just skirts the edge of the allowable sound levels for employees if they only work a few hours, I don't understand how they can treat their employees and customers this way. The server said they had tried some noise mitigation efforts, but from what we could see (and hear) they were not well-advised and didn't work. So we won't be back, despite the excellent menu and service as I can't stand trying to have a conversation in this kind of environment. read more

Full disclosure: I've never been a big rum drinker. Before you judge tho, hear me out! I had one too many Captain & Cokes in my college days... although real rum drinkers will say "That's not rum", I've been traumatized by the Captain so I wasn't expecting to actually like the drink I got. I can't remember what it was called (I know, I'm really selling this place!), but it was one of the board specials and it was the perfect balance of bitter and sweet! The rum wasn't overpowering and it really was quite tasty. The service was great and the ambiance was great, too. Definitely will be back! (And next time, I will go earlier in the night so I can remember what I order. :p) read more

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Sparrow is a great neighborhood spot! The bartenders are knowledgeable and the drink menu is creative and affordable. The Grasshopper in particular is creamy and refreshing. I also tried the Rosado and asked for a Last Word. All were excellent! As mentioned in other reviews, it can get quite loud and the lines (or mobs) outside are long on weekend nights. Definitely stop by if you are in the area! read more

Sparrow - Grasshopper - Cocktail Bars Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

This Cuban inspired cocktail lounge is such a fun spot. Beautiful decor and an amazing cocktail list. This place is like a retro hotel lobby bar. The list has 9 cocktails with 1 mocktail option. They're all within the same $13-$14 price range, which is reasonable for a craft cocktail in Chicago. My favorite cocktail was the el Diablo. It was just the right amount of spice and honestly so delicious. This lounge is great for a date night or an intimate night out with friends! Be aware they do charge a 3% surcharge for credit card payments so bring cash if you want to avoid that. This lounge was a vibe, and a must try spot if you love craft cocktails or checking out cool spaces in in historic building in the city. read more

Sparrow - Hotel Nacional - Cocktail Bars Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

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