Bouncers are on a power trip; we are two girls new to city and they randomly decided we were not good to go in.

This is a very cute bar that's great for a very small group hangout or date, though I'm leaning towards date spot. *Adding bar to dimly-lit date spots that can hide your facial imperfections.* This is a small bar with some bar seats and small tables that can accommodate up to 3-4 people, or 4-5 people if you give each other no room to breathe. It's a very warm, romantic ambiance, and the candles on the tables help illuminate the room just a tad bit. The door was kept open, which is nice in the summer but not so much in the winter. We all ordered a different drink, and I got the La Floridita #3. It has Panama white rum, Maraschino, lime, and grapefruit. The drink was decent and not too sweet, but I like Hotel Nacional better. We arrived during happy hour between 5pm - 7pm, and the wine was half off at $4.50 (though it wasn't advertised anywhere and said $9 on the board). Cocktails are priced at $12 each but aren't included in the happy hour specials unfortunately. This is not a dancing bar. That would be Hangge-Uppe next door, so dance and shimmy your way over there. This is a lounge with no music, so it's very conducive to conversation. read more

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Such a cute place. It's discreetly tucked next to the Hanggeuppe (spelling?). The vibes are speakeasy. The lighting is dim. The menu is well curated. Great date spot. Went on a Thursday night with a coworker. There were SO many couples. Resulted in excellent people watching. There's a little nook in the front where a lot of the first dates were taking place. A long bar leads to the bar which had better seating for groups. Long and narrow layout. The decor included a fake phone booth and a wall of keys, keeping in line with the retro hotel lobby vibes. I had too many grasshoppers, which was a kind of elevated shamrock shake. We had a bunch of other drinks on the menu, all of which were consistently good. The only negative was the lack of food. I like food. Would def go again. Once again, take a first date here and impress them. You're welcome. read more

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

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Sparrow is so cozy! It's the perfect vibe if you just want to come and chill with your friends over some drinks - especially on a cold winter day. The drinks are tasty and well made, but the real star is the decor. When you walk in it feels like you've been transported directly to the 1920s into a speakeasy. Come check this place out! read more

Had drinks here after a trip to Hange Uppe. This is a gem of a place. Servers were cordial and the front gate keeper was funny :) the vibe is smooth and music was spot on with a contemporary flair. In the words of Arnie "I'll be back" read more

Visiting in from California and this spot was recommended. Great ambiance. Pros behind the bar. Stellar drinks! read more

Sparrow - Astoria Martini + Hotel Nacional - Cocktail Bars Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

Great decor, loved that it looked like a hotel. The drinks were great too, I ordered the Hotel Nacional and it was great. Very fruity and loved the glass it was in. read more

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

Super fun cocktail bar. It's like stepping back in time. It's not overly complicated or overly frilly or overly showy - it's the right amount of class and fun with good drinks. I like that it's smaller and more intimate. Drinks were made well. We can't wait to come back. read more

First time in Chicago and this was our first stop! Very discreet from the street but when you walk in it's a jazzy laid back vibe. Mike made us some incredible drinks- my first was a St George Terroir gin drink and it was absolutely amazing! Highly recommend this spot read more

The vibes are good but it's SO loud. You'll have to scream and even then you might not be heard.

Really fun ambiance in a repurposed building. Great music and service. Only knock is they didn't have the top 2 beers (Oktoberfest and a local Chicago Stout) I wanted but I would return again next time in the city. Very unassuming from the outside which adds to the overall charm. read more

We love Sparrow! Looks like nothing from the outside, but inside!!! Art Deco, South Beach Miami vibe. Excellent drinks, friendly and knowledgeable bar staff. Could not take enough pictures! The drink were beautiful to look at and so well made. NOTE TO MANAGEMENT: 2 people in our party burned their hands from the hot water tap in the bathrooms. Yeowsa! FYI! read more

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14 of us on a Wed at 4:00. We were sitting in front on benches. Place was empty and so I tried to move our group to back comfy room w big chairs (again no people). Young bartender guy said, "I won't let you do that, I'm saving the back for others." Ummm Wed at 4:00-5:00! Place was empty! Terrible customer service. 50 places around the block. We went elsewhere. They lost a lot of $$$$! Top dollar cocktails and be ready to be told where to sit and stay. Business smarts-ZERO!!! 14 drinkers ready to lounge. Just DUMB. Owner ... do u even know? read more

Rudest experience at the front door. We are a well dressed group of neighbors and were blown away by how we were dismissed at the door at 6:30 pm on a Saturday. Spend your $ elsewhere. read more

Very cute bar in Chicago. I came with a friend on a weeknight and there was plenty of seating. We were able to seat ourselves in a relatively secluded area so that we can chat without having to yell to hear ourselves. They have an impressive drinks menu. I tried the cocktails La Floridta and Grasshopper. Will come again when I'm in town. read more

I came here last night randomly after having dinner and wanting to continue the evening. The ambiance was great. There was even a old phone booth that was super cool. The drink menu had a wide array of options and the music matched the vibe of the bar very well. I got seated at the bar immediately and the service was quick and friendly. read more

Sparrow - Cocktail Bars Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

On our first visit we took a chance and brought some out of town friends here for a post dinner drink on a Saturday night. We all like speakeasy kind of places and craft cocktails and had heard good things. Maybe it was because it was a Saturday night (but early!) but it was packed. And kind of loud. Not raucous, but loud and hard to have a conversation without raising your voice. But I get it. We lucked into a small table where 2 of us could sit when a couple got up to leave. Pure luck. Cocktails are rum or gin based with limited whiskey options although I'm sure they could whip you up a classic cocktail on request. Bartenders looked and acted the part of mixologists. There is no table service or servers. Drinks must be ordered at the bar which is tough on a crowded night. We all found something we liked and, despite the noise, enjoyed ourselves. It's a nice space with a pretty sweet vibe. Get here early. read more

Super cool place, the dark wood and jazzy vibes paired with a treat of a drink (grasshopper, the creme de menthe was mind altering). Really really dope spot read more

Sparrow is exquisitely decorated, serves excellent cocktails and makes you feel as if you've transported to another time. This is the kind of place that you walk into and immediately let go of your stress from the day. I ordered the Rosado and loved it. I also ordered the mojito; while good it's nothing overly special. I noticed on their board that they have a happy hour so am looking forward to going back to check that out. If you're looking for a date night spot you've found it. The dim lit ambiance and light music really set this place apart. Give Sparrow a try next time you're in the Gold Coast, just look closely because it's easy to miss. read more

Sparrow - Cocktail Bars Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

If it was possible to leave no star I would. My co workers and I showed up to have a night together. 2 of us got in and told the host we would have 10+ people with us. She said let me check with the bartender but actually she checked with the door man. Next thing I know a guy comes cover, doesn't introduce himself and tells us the door man doesn't feel comfortable letting everyone in. No explanation and says we could stay if we wanted. We obviously left. This was beyond rude and unprofessional; no one was drunk so makes me think either homophobic or racist. Poor management and service. Do not recommend. read more

Very nice and classic bar to grab a cocktail. The bartender was super friendly and they poured a delicious cocktail. Would definitely recommend to grab a drink. Wasn't too crowded Thursday night and was the noise level was fairly reasonable. I would definitely go back! read more

Good drinks and vibes was busy at 6 on a Saturday but did get seated quickly. Long rum menu

Terrible experience. We walked in and they switched our table 4 different times. I lost an item during this switch and they just told me it must be at the other tables. Even though I was promised they would find it, they acted like they would find it but refused to help me. Drinks are EXPENSIVE for LOW quality. Asked for a very simple cocktail, and when it was not of expectation, the bartender had a TERRIBLE attitude. Bartender was extremely rude when we were just talking and definitely created a bad vibe. Would not come here again. if you want to keep your property and money stay AWAY from Sparrow, Much better bars in chicago! read more

Horrible service. We got moved from our seats 3 times. That is crazy - the hostess sat us in someone else's seat which caused a fight - the drinks are strange and not good for how "original" they may be they taste off - very nice ambiance but it does NOT make up for the service and treatment of staff. We ended up ordering just normal tequila sodas which tasted off but when we told the bartender he got mad. Interesting experience felt like we couldn't talk to each other without getting rude looks even though the entire place was so so so loud I'm shocked all of the dates could hear one another. I would definitely skip this location overpriced and bad vibe Ended the night very very expensive so shitting drinks - I sure they looked good but lord they were not worth it at all- highly recommend you SKIP this experience read more

It's speakeasy-esque with old school 60s or 70s decor. The bartenders wear collared shirts and vests. Its a mature ambiance and I would say the clientele is also mature. Personally I didn't find the music to be instructive in fact I think the space is conducive for conversation. It is an escape from the rambunctious young out of college bars on Division just 1 block over. The cocktail list could be more balanced or innovative. I only get the cocktail that is similar to a pisco sour here. Other concoctions are too tart or too sweet for me. It could be just their motto to keep the list short and semi basic. FYI - There is no food which is fine I guess. read more

Sparrow - Cocktail Bars Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

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Sparrow isn't retro, its a place out of time. A hidden treasure in the wasteland of the Viagra Triangle, Sparrow can provide you with faith in boozy humanity. It transports you to some unspecified foreign territory where we are all expatriates - boozy, alcohol soaked expatriates. Nestled in a club chair or cozied up to the bar, caressing your cocktail, you can't help but luxuriate in the exotic atmosphere. The cocktail list is rum-focused, but my noble bourbon boozers need not despair, as the Manhattan here is excellent, too. If you should find yourself in this neck of the woods, Sparrow makes for a great place to stop in for a sophisticated cocktail after dinner or after work. read more

Such a cute date night spot in the Gold Coast Area. It's sexy and cozy with very dim lighting. It is a rum bar, so there are plenty of options to choose from. But they also have great tequila and whiskey options if you're not a huge rum fan. They don't serve food so come after dinner or pre-cocktails before dinner. FYI - they don't have servers to take your order. You'll have to walk to the bar every time you wants a drink if you're not already seated by the bar. Which could be annoying if it's a girls night. No biggie if you're on a date with a gentleman. read more

Nice date night spot for post-dinner drinks. The cocktails are great, and if you like thin mint cookies get the grasshopper! Be warned they don't serve food on their menu and don't take reservations. read more

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

From NY on a business trip. Great vibe and cocktails but not quiet. Very lively place with a younger crowd

It's rare I leave a review especially a meh one but as a lifelong New Yorker I'll say the cocktails were meh and I think my biggest gripe continues to be establishments need to train staff to stop calling patrons "ladies". It's exhausting. We don't need to continue to call patrons binary friendly phrases. Friends. Folks. Anything works. As a person who very clearly doesn't look like a lady it can be trained out of someone in 2023 in a very blue state. In a "cool cocktail bar". Grow up. read more

For the life of me I cannot figure out what chokehold this bar has on the northsiders of Chicago. The cocktail menu is majority rum (I understand the theme but variety is still nice) and the tables are way too close together. I asked if I could order one of the only non-rum drinks on the menu but without grenadine because I'm allergic. The waiter then said that there was no way I was allergic to the grenadine because he made it himself that day? Will not be returning and would not recommend to anyone. read more

- Classic cocktails/wine with old Floridian vibes - Heard it gets crowded at night but the happy hour was very chill and intimate read more

What a nice gem in the city! You walk in and do feel like you have been transported outside of Chicago. The space is small and intimate with some intense mood lighting, definitely gives you old school lounge vibes. May party of 3 had to wait about 20 minutes for a table, once we were let in they first took us to a high top with no seating and in 5 minutes a normal table with seats became available and they moved us there. The servers had great customer service and the bartender made excellent drinks, everyone in my group was drinking something different with different spirits and everything was tasty. I wouldn't say it's a place to go to every single weekend, but it's definitely a place to frequent for special outings! read more

Absolutely terrible server and have never been treated with so much disrespect in my life. Server was a larger man (overweight- for lack of better description) with glasses and dark brown beard. Never got his name bc he never introduced himself. Was there to celebrate my birthday with friends. My friend kindly asked him if we could start off with shots (PB and J or green tea) and the server pompously rolls his eyes and says "I don't even know what that is. We're not that kind of bar." Fine. Understandable if you can't do shots. Just tell us in a respectful manner. Rolling of eyes and abrasive attitude was not warranted. His tone was very condescending and mind you, we are all in our mid to upper 30s. I presume he assumed us to be immature 20 year olds looking to get belligerently drunk which was not the case. We were celebrating a joyous occasion in a respectful manner and in no way acting out in a way that would make anyone think we were classless. Sever comes back and we politely tell him we are no longer interested (based on previous interaction with him) and will go somewhere else. He then proceeds to grab all our waters away from us without saying a word. Grabs all our glasses all in one trip so that no one could drink anymore water. I proceed to go up to hostess (very kind lady) and complain about our server. Server sees that I'm talking to hostess and suddenly comes over to us, CUTS in front of us with his arm IN FRONT OF MY FACE to appear as if he's placing the menus back on the shelf when in reality he did not want me to finish complaining about him. So dumbfounded by how blatantly rude he was. Management- please check this guy because his rudeness put a damper on what was supposed to be a fun night. read more

Great ambiance and drinks! Fun place to hang out.............will recommend! Great service! read more

I always have the best night here, the staff is fantastic and so thoughtful and kind. Ambiance is also amazing- dim yet lively. This is my go-to spot, and I'm thankful to live so close! read more

Atmosphere: romantic, small bar. Looks like a hotel bar Food: N/A Service: order at the counter We seriously came here on a whim because we needed to kill time before dinner and I'm SOOOO glad we did. If you're not actively looking for this bar, it's so easy to miss because it's wedged in between two buildings. If it's any help, it's to the right of The Hangge-uppe. When you walk in, the mood is instantly set with their dimly set light and retro hotel decor. For such a small bar, there were a ton of seating options (a booth, wall ledge, small tables in the back and a long bar). The bartender met us at the table and said once we're settled in, we can order at the bar. I was torn on what to order and the bartender said their rum old fashioned is their "when in rome, order xyz" kind of deal. Say no more. I judge old fashioned's partially on what goes in and partially on the ice cubes. They have block cubes with a hole pierced through that kept my drink perfectly cold all night unlike the small ice cubes that melt instantly. Their old fashioned also had muddled orange peel decorated with a lime and lemon peel. Delicious! Overall: If you want a small, romantic bar where you can actually hear the conversation, this is the place for you. Their drinks and decor is well thought out. Honestly, we kept pushing back dinner because of how much we liked it! read more

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From out of town and went over the weekend. The bouncer(don't remember his name), was extremely great. Very personable and considerate to everyone waiting in line to get in. He checked IDs and would offer to let people stand in the vestibule due to the cold weather. Quickly got a table and enjoyed the drinks. read more

Sparrow - Cocktail Bars Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

Love the speakeasy vibe of this place. Great drinks, music, staff. Best bar I've been to in awhile. Easy to walk right past if you don't know it's there. I'll be back over and over! read more

What a beautiful place. We went here after our late night dinner. Loved the ambience. Nice , safe , neat place to hang out with friends for late night drinks. There is no food available on the menu here. read more