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For my birthday, my daughter treated me to the three cocktail flight at the Aviary. It is a truly unforgettable experience. A team prepares your cocktails in the way that I imagine chefs at a Michelin starred restaurant prepare meals. You can watch them at work from your perch near the open kitchen. Your server will walk you through the different options and make recommendations based on what you like. Note on the menu, the further left the bird flies, the more elaborate the presentation of your cocktail. Elevated bar food is available for order, but we lined our stomachs before we visited. Three cocktails is quite a bit to drink, but I never felt rushed and was able to space things out over the length of our visit and didn't feel too tipsy. The service and presentation were excellent. Recommended as a special treat for that cocktail lover in your life.
An extraordinary cocktail experience that's absolutely worth it for a fun date night or a group outing. The bird-themed cocktail menu brings both creativity and drama, with presentations that feel almost theatrical. What really elevates the experience is how the hosts narrate the inspiration behind each drink, making it feel more like a storytelling session than just a night out. The mixologists deserve serious credit for their thoughtful experimentation with global flavors--balancing complementary and contrasting notes, surprising textures, and sensory touches that feel nostalgic and adventurous at the same time. The food holds its own too. Don't miss the giant onion ring or the Chip n Dip--both are as fun as they are delicious. Yes, it's on the pricier side, but the cocktail tasting experience makes it worthwhile. A perfect late-night spot for great conversations and drinks that ooze personality.
Such a unique and cool place!! The ambiance is chic and romantic, with dark lighting, candles, and swanky furniture. Brendan provided fantastic service and fun vibes. He brought us lovely welcome drinks because we were celebrating a special occasion. That was so kind! It was cool to look around and see all the fun cocktails and food. A lot of cocktails had elaborate presentations, smoke, and other impressive things. Really fun to watch. There are different options for reservations and I chose a la carte drinks and food and we were pleased with that choice. We enjoyed the Tom & Jerry, which included a hot and cold version. Both were tasty but we preferred the cold one. It was really phenomenal! The Vacpot was a delicious rum drink that also had hibiscus and other ingredients. It was created in a vacuum pot, also referred to as a coffee siphon where coffee is brewed. It's really elegant and they figured out a way to make a cocktail in it. Visually, it looked like flowers and other fresh colorful things were being smoked in it during the brewing. Very aromatic and wonderful. I was too enthralled to take a video. I just wanted to experience it. It was beautiful. We also snacked on the onion ring and it was huge! And very delicious and fun to eat. It came with scissors to cut it. It's beer battered with an herbed ranch dip. Wow!!! I would love to return and try more food. If you are a cocktail lover, you will love this place! It's unforgettable.
I'll start by saying I've been a huge fan of The Aviary for years. In the early days of the pandemic, I got all their cocktail books, and my friends and I bought some of the equipment (vacpot, porthole) and started making Aviary drinks. So when I went to Chicago to visit friends recently, this was my first reservation. We were kindly greeted and seated toward the rear of the dining room. Collectively, we ordered more than half the beverages on the menu. I won't go into tons of detail on them, since some drinks are seasonal, but I will say that it was a blast experiencing craft cocktails and mocktails at their finest. I love the menu concept of the birds that fly farther along the page to indicate how alcohol-forward the drink is. That's a really fun idea! One friend ordered both the spirited and the non-alcoholic Porthole to compare the flavors. And we all liked the N/A version better! Our server kindly came over and mentioned that he heard I was inspired by The Aviary and they took us on a private tour with the bar team and then down to the ice making room, which I LOVED because I was obsessed with the intricate ice making process from the original cocktail books. What a fantastic experience, and the tour put a cherry on top. Long live The Aviary!
10/10 experience! I thought this place might be overrated but it wasn't at all. My husband and I had a blast trying the different cocktails here and being excited for the presentation of each! The flavors were great for all the cocktails we tried. We did the 3 course cocktail progression and it was perfect.
1.5 stars for purgatory in the form of a poorly marketed "dinner experience" for $200 and 2.5 -3 hours of your time only to eat 5 bites of food, including dessert, and a gallon of sugary nonalcoholic forgettable drinks. Despite telling the staff I would very much like the drinks/small bites hurried up, the torturous experience stretched out so long. I couldn't wait to leave and get second dinner and drinks elsewhere. Admittedly they have a cute tie-in for guests who come from Alinea, where guests place a golden coin in the coin slot machine to get a token ball containing a secret complimentary drink! That was likely the highlight, as it maintained the feeling of "fun". However, eating at Alinea the night before and trying Aviary the next night could not have been more different. Alinea I greatly enjoyed, Aviary I regretted. Everything else was not fun. Slowly becoming more and more hungry as the tiny forgettable bites arrived was like watching glue dry. The nonalcoholic drinks were visually cool, and completely bland-- if you're here for just a show, and no flavor, Aviary's the place to be. Otherwise, the $30 juice pairing at the Michelin star Elske tasted a whole lot better.
I did the five course cocktail and small bite menu, which I would highly recommend. It might look pricey, but it is worth it. The staff was very attentive and explained the cocktails and food very well. It's a really laid-back atmosphere with comfortable seating. I also went to the office speakeasy in the basement, which was another cool experience.
I enjoyed the cocktails but my partner and I unfortunately didn't enjoy our 5-course food and cocktail dining experience. We came in with high expectations and unfortunately the food and cocktail pairings were completely underwhelming and felt subpar. The service and the presentation were the highlight-- creative and enjoyable. Even then, that alone couldn't make up for the lackluster food. We left a little drunk but still hungry, which isn't what you hope for at this price point. As for the space, the decor wasn't interesting, it felt more sterile than inviting. Overall, it was a letdown.
It's not just a cocktail bar; it's an experience. Part of the renowned Alinea group, this spot had my expectations set high from the start. We arrived too late on our first attempt, but told the host we would return right when they opened the next day, and he remembered us, which already made the evening feel special. Each cocktail was a work of art, thoughtfully crafted and beautifully presented. The creativity shone through in both appearance and flavor, leaving us genuinely impressed. The snacks complemented the drinks nicely. Our server, Ryan, was outstanding--knowledgeable, attentive, and warm. Surrounded by a cozy atmosphere, inventive drinks, and great company, it truly was a perfect experience.
April 2026; very discrete, small location, low lighting with limited seating. Light bites are offered with unique drink offerings! This was an interesting experience, as the drinks are poured like in "chemistry lab" before they are served. Libations are served in wild drink compartments and allow for a theatrical experience before indulging in strong cocktails. Customer service good; get ready to spend some money.
This was the BEST Chicago experience EVER!!! do the kitchen chefs table. You will not be disappointed! Chloe was the Beveridge director and she was so sweet, knowledgeable and funny! I am so happy with this place. Do not skip out on the truffle explosion!!!!!! Mouth watering amazing fun!!!!
Just like alinea, the bar is also impressive. Only thing I regret is not being able to drink too much and order everything. All the cocktails were balanced. The non alcoholic cocktails were also very well made and not just something briefly put together by anyone. Will be back next time I'm in Chicago.
Walked into one of my best experiences. Couldn't imagine cocktails can also look like work of art. We did the 3 course cocktail progression along with few appetizers. The Aviary delivers an innovative sensory experience and each drink is a new performance. The server helped us pace our drinks starting with lighter moving on to stronger cocktails. The chips had literal sparkle. Super cozy setup and comfy seating adds to the experience.
The Aviary is famous for their super aesthetic cocktail book. As I recently picked up bartending as a hobby, I started to want to explore some of the more creative elements of cocktails, and this place does it right. Although the flavor profiles are not outstanding relative to a handful of bars (which is probably why they are not in any top 50 best bars in the world list), the creativity is impressive. We made a la carte reservations for 4 people for a Thursday, and reservations were not too hard to get one week in advance. We still were able to partake the 3 cocktails for $75 deal, and people in the party don't all need to participate. To maximize value, I opted for the 3 cocktails and chose the more expensive ones, while my friends that don't drink as much opted for the other cocktails we wanted to try. For drinks, we got: Summer in Mallorca - fairly showy, flames cooking the drink. This one was sangria like Two to Tango - not as aesthetic, but love the egg white foam with the general composition of the drink Jungle Bird - aesthetic in color, and the popping boba is actually lots of alcohol so it was a palate shocker That Drink in the Circle Thing - their signature, infusion of different herbs and fruits, a bit sweet Ferrands with Benefits - a bit too sweet for my liking, but loved the dry ice show in the teapot (the actual drink is just the teacup) In the Rocks - nice experience, fairly strong drink as it is mostly liquor. You slingshot into the sphere of ice to break the ice so the drink flows out Each of us also got the truffle explosion as a splurge, $19 each. I prepaid for one but my friends fomo'ed and wanted to get theirs too. This is a one bite experience and there is nice truffle flavor. Not all of them arrived at the same time, so mine ended up cold. The server in the end was nice enough to give me one more truffle explosion at no added charge with the right temperature because mine went cold and we were not told there was a time window to eat it. Service overall is good based on the above and that water refills were frequent. The drinks came out at a nice pace and there were lots of explanations about the drinks so I got to learn a bit more into how they make the drinks. As a home bartender, I wouldn't find it efficient or cost-effective to make some of these drinks, so I am glad to try this place out. read more
My friend and her husband are big fans of Alinia and so they were super excited to take me to the aviary on my visit to Chicago. We made a whole night out of this experience, but this was certainly the main stop. The drink and food pairing was so interesting. I've never had an experience like this before. It felt like each bite in each step was meant to wow and Intrigue you. Some of the flavors sounded like it shouldn't go together, but somehow it all just worked. Really glad that I had this experience since it was a memorable one and everything was excellent. read more
Everything here is amazing! I've been a few times now and everytime I've had totally different and unique cocktails. Service is amazing as well, the team is polite and attentive. And the ambiance is romantic and perfect for a date night! Pictures are from the valentines day night cap read more
Very unique concept and great experience. I've been here three times. And each time I've had a different experience with their tasting menus. The drinks are strong and delicious. The food pairings are great and well thought out. The service is always kind and accommodating. The vibe and decor are very elegant classy. Great place for a date night. read more
2 years ago
What an incredible cocktail experience! It is pricey, but totally worth it. We did the 3 cocktail progression, and it was just the right amount. I recommend making a reservation because space fills up fast. Such a nice ambiance, not too loud. Inside is a little more upscale but not too fancy. Servers were very knowledgeable about the cocktails and I loved how they explained each cocktail they brought out from the ingredients and to how the cocktails are made. I had to get the Science AF because it was supposed to be the most intricate and complex cocktail, and they brought out what looked like a Bunsen burner. The flame heats up the bottom chamber then it goes up to where the ingredients are at, then goes back down when the flame was turned off, and they also added a dry ice effect! I also got That drink in a circle thing, where they used a porthole diffuser for the drink. I was just amazed at how next level the cocktails are, definitely recommend! read more
Fancy themed cocktails in a brightly lit lounge atmosphere. Cocktails: 4 Service: 3 Atmosphere: 4 Cost to worth it rating: 3 (3 cocktails $100 including tax/tip) Opentableable: no, but via Tock Return worthiness: maybe Highlights: - Some unique drinks: the rum popping boba, slingshot crack the ice orb whiskey, and signature circular infuser were the highlight presentations. - Atmosphere: felt like a lobby bar which has it's pluses for not being too dark or intimidating. - Tasting menu options: liked having 3 to try and they were full drinks and also pre-paying including tip saves you the hassle when you're there. Midlights: - Drinks were fine and appreciated the high quality ingredients, however nothing stood out on pure taste as being exceptional. - Waitress clearly had a script she repeated verbatim to each table which was a bit more robotic than welcoming to a fun higher end experience. - Menu was a bit confusing with the main order being the weight of the drink and birds on the left side for more impressive presentation. Lowlights: - Because so many high end specialty cocktail places have surfaced, it's not as much of a WOW factor as it likely was when they opened years ago. Had an entertaining stop here post-dinner at Next. read more
2 years ago
The Aviary by The Alinea Group is next-level mixology--this isn't just a cocktail bar, it's an experience. I've been a few times now, and every visit has been completely different in the best way possible. Their cocktails aren't just drinks; they're art, science, and storytelling in a glass. Every cocktail is uniquely crafted, often arriving in ways you wouldn't expect--smoking, bubbling, frozen, or served in some mind-blowing vessel. Whether you go for one of their classic creations or something seasonal, you're in for something innovative and unforgettable. The service is just as impeccable as the drinks. The staff is polite, knowledgeable, and incredibly attentive--they guide you through the menu and make great recommendations based on your preferences. And the ambiance? Perfect. Romantic, moody, and sophisticated--ideal for a date night, a special occasion, or an intimate gathering with friends. It's the kind of place that makes an impression, where every visit feels like a discovery. If you're into cocktails that push boundaries and a setting that feels exclusive yet inviting, The Aviary is a must-visit. read more
It's been a number of years since I last visited the Aviary. We went with some friends and was excited since our last visit was very impressive. We had selected The Aviary Tasting Menu which is a 5-course prix fixe menu that pairs exclusive, off-menu cocktails with small plates. Designed for special occasions which was why we went for my birthday as well as cocktail enthusiasts, the menu is said to showcase innovative techniques and rare ingredients. Cocktails progress from light and refreshing, to bold and spirit-forward, then conclude with a touch of sweetness.. The vibe of The Aviary is classy and service of the staff was on. The one thing which was annoying and uncomfortable was we felt rushed. As the course came out it felt we were being dragged pushed to bring the next not allowing to fully enjoy what we just started. The drinks were unfortunately and surprisingly underwhelming and no where near the level of the last visit years backs As for being a premier experience for the cocktail experience ... the delivery of expectations did not come close to the mark. As an absolute failure potato chips were served as the final course leaving me thoroughly baffled. I'm sorry to have to say I think The Aviary lost what it had once had and would not recommend a visit. There are some alternatives that will likely impress you more than The Aviary. read more
Very fun place and vibe! We came after dining at alinea and they were able to get us a reservation and sent us here in a car :) and gave us a gold coin for a "special experience" I won't divulge what that is but it made it super fun! The cheddar puff tasted amazing and so did the truffle pop corn. The drinks though were all too sweet imo. Even the whiskey drinks. Per my friend who's been here back in 2016, the drinks have gotten more commercialized. He ordered two of the whiskeys but was disappointed with both because both were too sweet. I tried the drink with black berry sorbet at the bottom, idea and combo was great but still ended up being too sweet. read more
1 year ago
We went to The Aviary..it was my first time at the most iconic cocktail spot in Chicago..and let me tell you, I was so excited, and it did not disappoint! Every drink was delicious, rich in flavor, and beautifully crafted. They were paired with tiny bites that matched each one perfectly. We ended the night with an ice cream dessert and a coffee liqueur drink... pure perfection! The service was amazing! The staff were so attentive, knowledgeable, professional and friendly. Highly recommend!! read more
We recently came back to Aviary after a couple of years and were excited to try the 3-course cocktail progression which was a great decision as it let us try a variety of drinks between the 3 of us and cost effective if you want to try several drinks. The menu is ordered from light to strong so we were recommended to start at the top of the menu and work our way down but you get to choose which 3 drinks you want and the order. Some standouts: - Blueberry Porthole: the classic wheel drink, I had this 4 years ago and it was so so good this time as well. Really fruity and easy to drink and I love that it gets more intense as you drink - Dungeons and Dragon Fruit: really cool preparation with a glass beaker and dry ice, it feels like you're in science class and of course the drink was fantastic - Wassuh, Bae: Really cool change in flavor, it starts off really light with grapefruit and cucumber but turns super intense when the wasabi ice melts and it turns into a wasabi shot similar to how a ginger shot tastes. Really cool and such an interesting idea! Coming to the Aviary is all about the experience - the drinks aren't spirit forward which I love as I'm not a strong drinker but rather someone who appreciates the flair more. Would definitely recommend the experience to anyone who visits Chicago and for the high-level of detail, the cocktails are worth the $$$ so don't be hesitant to come for a la carte either! read more
TL;DR: Unique cocktails with flavor and cool presentations. Be prepared to spend some money This place is great if you want to sip on a nice cocktail. All the servers are very knowledgeable and kind. If you don't care about the presentation or flavor, I would say this might not be your cup of tea. They had great presentations and it was fun to see what other people got too! Cocktails: *Chapulin Colorado: Interesting flavor with Bell Peppers and can smell how fresh they are Two to Tango: Great cocktail that is cold and would be perfect for a resort drink Affogato: High end espresso martini like taste My Neighbor To-Taro: Cool presentation and felt like the drink was very funky since it was warm, but fun to try read more
Avoid. I wanted to like this place but so many small things were done poorly that I can't recommend it for the price. Things that can be fixed but so egregious that it's not worth the price if they can't get these things right. If this was a quarter of the price I could let it go but you charge top dollar then provide top dollar experience. We did the Aviary experience with food pairing and the optional truffle explosion. So $145 plus $20 plus tip. The drinks and food were underwhelming and a little bland. Except the truffle explosion - it was worth every penny do it!!!!!! General observations about the place before the food and drinks: 1. The seating sucks. You sit on a couch and tables are low. Imagine the scene from men in black with the table and you get what I mean. The guy next to us would cross his legs so his dirty foot was inches away from me but not his fault - seating sucks. Plus zero privacy on your conversations. Not recommend for dates to enjoy conversations but maybe ok for groups. 2. The door to patio is loud and slams often. Disruptive and wind blows in. Bright sunlight messes up the ambiance. Maybe not an issue when patio is closed or Sun is down but it was awful. We were in the area with the door so it was super extra special annoying. Maybe if you are in a different area not as bad. 3. Staff never introduced themselves and very hard to understand. They all had a very strong accents so I couldn't understand what I was drinking or eating until the end when they bring out the menu. It's a surprise they say and part of the experience therefore it's an absolute mess to do this. 4. Drinks didn't fit the descriptions. Maybe due to hard to understand but it was all underwhelming. It wasn't worth the price and I've had better drinks elsewhere. The food was also very underwhelming. The best thing I can say is that it looks pretty in the pictures but very bland flavors. Overall not worth it. read more
The Alinea Group hits it out of the park with this upscale cocktail lounge. Heading into the West Loop for after marathon drinks, the Aviary staff read our reservation in detail noting all the remarks we had and remembering that we were planning to get dinner at Alinea later that evening. We had an A La Carte reservation and we seated in the open lounge area on a very comfortable couch. The menu was so fun as the staff explained the bird system. Simultaneously as I was asking my partner what the circle drink everyone else was having was called--she said it was literally called "that drink in the circle thing" a truly fitting name. The walking taco was DELICIOUS and not only full of flavor but complex textures as well! If you want to treat yourself or some friends to a beautiful night out--definitely consider the Aviary. Looking forward to coming back and trying their 3 course experience as well! NOTE: because we notified them of our plans to dine at Alinea later that evening, they gave us a cool card to elevate our dining experience! So much fun to see the properties working together! read more
9 months ago
I had come here nearly a decade ago and the first thing I did when I planned my most recent trip to Chicago was to make a reservation at the Aviary! When my flight got severely delayed, the thing I was the most worried about wasn't missing dinner, but possibly missing this reservation because I remembered this being *that* good. And boy was I relieved that I made it in time! The only downside of this place is trying to decide which cocktails to order, because you can't have all of them! Things my friend and I ordered: -Dungens & Dragonfruit - this comes out looking like a science experiment and it's pretty darn cool! -Blueberry Porthole - this comes out with a beautiful presentation as well and there's a lot of drink to be had! -Charred Corn - I really enjoyed this drink and loved the corn soda that came with it! -WASSUH, bae? - this one ended up being the absolute best and came in a bottle that had the ice inside, and as it melted, it got spicier. Loved this as it got spicier and wish it had even more kick! I will say the service was a wee bit off - and our waiter seemed to not really like us from the get go, first ignoring us for other tables, despite us coming in prior to them and then I noticed he spent plenty of time explaining the menu to other tables, and with us he merely asked if we were ready to order. I think in a place like this, with pricy and gorgeous/fancy cocktails, you expect service to be on point. All that said, I will 100% be back! read more
We had such a good time at the Aviary! What an experience. We came here after dinner at Monteverde and the drinks did not disappoint. They sat us at the gallery tables in the front and we had direct view of the kitchen. It's amazing how well everyone works together! They were incredibly busy making drinks and food. The service was great and our waiter made good recommendations. We had a few drinks with great presentations. The food was also incredible. The wagyu toast is delicious but very small - only for one person. Overall such a great place I cannot recommend it enough! read more
What a bougie experience! Extremely upscale, and a classy cocktail bar. This bar is run by Alinea which a 3 star michelin restaurant. So I had a very high expectations and it exceeded all above and beyond. My friends and I wanted to try this bar for a long time. We randomly decided to walk in on Tuesday late night without a reservation. Hostess was extremely sweet and friendly. We were called to check in within 5 mins. I've always been fascinated by their flask/vessel drink. Our primary server was very warm, and friendly. He quickly understood what I was looking for and placed the order for Ginger cocktail. I also learnt that the menu rotates and is seasonally inspired, so don't assume your favorite drink will be always here on your next visit. Between the six of us, we ordered 5 unique drinks. We got Hermoso, Affogato, Ginger, Tongue Thai'd, My neighbor To-Taro. Each drink was crafted exceptionally well. Ginger cocktail had so many interesting flavors. It's mainly mijenta blanco tequila based cocktail. For this cocktail the longer you allow it to sit on the vessel the more flavors will set. In every serve, the flavors and the taste kept getting impressive. It was not just the quality, Taste and creativity but also the presentation was top notch. That's what set them apart. The place has a very comfortable couch seating that can accommodate larger parties. One thing I noticed, considering how expensive this place is I thought the interior would be a little more upscale. It's more on the sophisticated lounge and inviting side! The Aviary is an experience, a very bougie one. I highly recommend you visit here at least once if you enjoy cocktail bars. read more
3 years ago
I had heard about this place while researching online, as I was curious about what unique bars were in Chicago. Upon hearing that this was run by the Alinea group, I decided to book the 3 cocktail flight here to see what the hype was about. I had a reservation at 5 pm here, although I think if you show up around that time when it opens you might be able to do walk-in. While the interior was nice, I don't think it was too extravagant as they probably don't want to detract from the drinks. While the inside is on the darker side, it's not too dimly lit so that you can't see much. I decided to try the Fill Collins, the Ginger, and My Neighbor To-Taro. Since I'm a fan of sweeter drinks, I really liked the taste of Fill Collins as the strawberry shrub and pisco went well with the rose tea ice that is coated on the inside of the glass. Apparently they use some type of medical equipment to do that, which really fascinated me. While the Ginger and My Neighbor To-Taro isn't as sweet (which others probably would prefer), the presentation of these were really cool and were like no other drinks I had experienced before. As other reviews might've mentioned, this place is definitely extremely pricy so I would just come here if you are willing to pay for a cool experience. Overall, if you are a fan of cocktails then this is cool place for a unique tasting experience! read more
This is the younger sister cocktail bar of 3-Michelin-starred Alinea, so it's about as upscale of a bar as you're going to find anywhere. Reservations definitely required, since it fills up fast! I went with a few friends on a weekday evening, and they were kind enough to accommodate an extra guest. The cocktails are on the pricier end (~$25-30/drink), and each of us did the 3-cocktail progression for $75/each. The service was warm and prompt, and the cocktails are really something special. They're incredibly unique: one of mine got spicier as the Thai chili-ice glazed on the inside melted. Other cocktails were infused with bell peppers; unveiled in hickory smoke; mixed live in an elaborate, bunsen-burner contraption; served in a dry-ice teapot. There was even a cocktail ("In the Rocks") that came inside a hollow, spherical ice cube, which you break with a tiny slingshot. My favorite cocktail was probably the "I Don't Like Scotch," which came with a slant of delicious hibiscus ice. I'd definitely recommend this place for cocktail enthusiasts, at least to try once. Just beware that it'll cost a pretty penny! read more
2 years ago
Friend and I came in and each got their 3 drink tasting. Our favorites by far were Two to Tango and Affogato. We also got the truffle explosion but we like Alinea's better, the rendition here was a little too salty. Service was really nice and they said if we didn't like one of the drinks they recommended they would happily sub it out. I did find the seating really uncomfortable. We were seated at a high top table right next to the bird cage area that separates the kitchen area. The couches would've been way more comfy. I also didn't like most of the other drinks which was unfortunate. I really liked The Office (sister bar downstairs) though. read more
Fabulous drink experience! Sister to the famous Alinea, I got reservations for the 3 drink tasting and everything was so thought out and well prepared with accurate descriptions of every drink and some with a whole show for pouring out and serving the drink. For what it is it doesn't seem pretentious, very laid back but do come fed or expect to leave hungry as they do have small bites only. Do get the black truffle explosion as although it's one bite, it's not something I can describe but you will be amazed by! read more
We came here for drinks on a Friday evening after our dinner at Alinea and before our reservation at The Office. After being seated at our table we gave our waitress a coin that they presented us at Alinea and we got to use it on a ball machine that earned us tequila cocktails. Pretty fun bit! The cocktail menu here has birds next to each description and the further away the bird flys from the drink the more spectacle the cocktail has when they bring it to the table. We didn't have any food because we had just finished dinner but if the truffle explosion is the same as the one at Alinea then it is a must order! Great cocktail bar. read more
My sister cousin got us a reservation to celebrate my birthday and it was one for the books! We did the 3 cocktail experience for $75. Emphasis on experience! There server recommends choosing a cocktail from each section of their menu, similar to how you'd choose food items in courses. Every cocktail is unique and exciting. From being served in a tea pot, to slinging a rock into the glass, to smoke, it was all very exciting. I was underwhelmed by the ambiance but feel like that's intentional to let the drinks shine. We are popcorn lovers and that truffle popcorn is what dreams are made of. Why would I get popcorn at a restaurant?' I baulked to my cousin. Oh we got a second order because I quickly learned. Highly recommend for a fun, unique celebration! They do mini drinks for birthdays! Got to love that extra touch. read more
Beautiful cocktail lounge with extravagant and creative cocktail options. Make a reservation! Food/Drinks: They do offer some small bites are shareables but we came for drinks after dinner so can't speak on the food here (although some passed by me and the presentation is well done). The drinks however are a lot of fun! Each cocktail on the menu has a bird next to it; the farther away the bird is on the left, the more extravagant of a show it is when you get it. Naturally our whole group went for the most show-y drinks. Loved my ferrands with benefits and the dungeons and dragon fruit one is a great show. Best drink imo is the ginger; must get this one! Service: Our server was very nice and regularly checked in on us. Ambiance: Dark and mysterious vibes. Lots of gentle candlelight the further away you are from the kitchen. I believe the idea is the entire lounge is a birdcage as there are birdcage-esque bars that separate the lounge from the kitchen. The place definitely gives me the vibe that it's meant for intimate gatherings and smaller groups. Water: Flat water, no ice. Regular refills and helps to wash out previous tastes if you're trying/sharing multiple drinks. read more
4 years ago
While the cocktails at this venue were creative and delicious, I'm not so sure if they are worth the high price tag given that many restaurants are now catching up on the level of crafty cocktails. That being said, the one-bit truffle explosion was simply outstanding. It was a flavor explosion. Overall, I would recommend this cocktail bar to anyone looking for exceptional appetizers and drinks. The ambiance, service, and quality of the food and drinks were outstanding. However, it's important to note that the bill may be on the higher side. read more
Went in without a reservation on a random week night - the place was pretty quiet with only a handful of patrons. The service was attentive and great; they explain the menu and answered all my questions. I ordered the smoked papaya - the theatric was pretty overwhelming with the server billowing smoke in your face and I couldn't understand what he was saying. Once I tasted the cocktail, I knew it wasn't for me. It was very sweet and it seemed like half of what I usually get in an old fashioned (that's what the server likened this drink to). All in all, it was an experience. Probably won't be back as my one very small cocktail was 28 dollars pre tax or tip (which everything said and done comes out close to 40 dollars for one cocktail!!!). Perhaps it would be fun if you were here with a group of people enjoying fancy drinks for a special occasion but that was not the experience I had this time. read more
This isn't just a meal people! THIS is an EXPERIENCE!!! It's like an art show (or modeling show) with food and cocktails as the participants. SO awesome! Thoroughly enjoyed our time here. Love that it's prepaid, so one can just focus on enjoying the cocktails, the food, the exceptional service and the fantastic atmosphere. Every single thing I ate and drank was FABULOUS. Words cannot describe. SO glad my friend suggested going here. read more
2 years ago
We flew to Chicago for a weekend to explore more of the Alinea Group's offerings. After previously enjoying Alinea and Roister, this time we visited Next and The Aviary. The Aviary is truly an experience, much like Alinea itself. The drinks are incredibly creative and fun, not to mention delicious. While you don't distinctly taste the alcohol, you know it's there, whether it's whiskey or tequila. The ambiance is romantic and cozy, and the service is, as always, excellent. They also offer a few bites to enjoy with the drinks. My favorite drinks were Summer in Mallorca and Too Many Melons. The circular drink was also quite good. For food, we tried the black truffle explosion and onion rings. If we hadn't just eaten at Next, we would have sampled more! We're definitely planning to fly back to Chicago again. read more
2 years ago
2 years ago
The service was top notch every drink that I inquired about was explained skillfully and detailed about the way the presentation would be. This place was beautifully designed and the location was near some other bars/ restaurants and clubs. The drinks were delicious with some unique ingredients. For sure a place to visit and expand your pallet. read more
2 years ago
A very nice, upscale cocktail bar in West Loop! My boyfriend and I came in on a weekend without a reservation and were able to snag a seat right away. I ordered the Two to Tango, which had a blackberry sorbet at the bottom which gradually melted as you drank it. It was very sweet and definitely more of a dessert than a cocktail I think! My boyfriend got an old fashioned style drink, I believe that was very smoky. I thought The Aviary was very nice and had a great ambiance. This would be perfect for a date night, but I think Chicago has so many new bars that serve elevated cocktails now, especially at lower prices. read more
Story time! 11 years ago, I saw a YouTube video with Micah Melton and Charles Joly discussing the way they make ice and drinks at The Aviary. I thought it looked so amazing I put it on my bucket list to go here. I love going to bars that push the envelope in terms of libations, atmosphere, etc and this place does that perfectly. You make your appointment via its website, there are different reservations you can make and the wife and I went with the 3 drink course. I should've done the 5 course version cause I was not ready to leave that place. The service staff was knowledgeable and friendly. I REALLY wished I could've seen the mixologists make our drinks. Hopefully next time. Speaking of drinks, I had the Jungle Bird, That Drink in the Circle Thing and In the Rocks. I'll post my thoughts on each drink in the pics. Presentation for my wife's drink was something I've never seen before. And that's what this place does. Sure other bars and restaurants have their own menu of drinks they've concocted but it's made at the bar and 50% of them look like the others on the list. The Aviary does not do this and is in a class all by itself. I will warn you that this place is not cheap and I can see why. The effort, the flare, the knowledge, and ingredients that goes into these drinks makes it worth every penny. Food! Yes they have food here and I'll admit I'm a picky guy. I tried their giant onion ring, a bite of the crab walking taco and it's not my cup of tea. My wife loved them cause she's more of the I can eat anything person. I am not. I'll try it. But I know what I like and don't so don't let me persuade you into NOT trying their food. So it's not a knock on The Aviary. That's my ways with food. I will say this, their truffle popcorn.....if I was an inmate on death row, I'd want that to be my last meal. I damn neared order more to take with me to the hotel cause it was delicious! 15$ for a really cool glass bag, THANK YOU SIR MAY I HAVE ANOTHER!! So in conclusion, I wish this place was closer to where I lived. I would go every other paycheck week. No lie. Be prepared to have your tastebuds blown by this place. Make your reservations. Don't be chewing gum before hand. And just enjoy highly dedicated mixologists crafting amazing alcoholic drinks you won't find anywhere else. read more
2 years ago
Service was great! Ambiance on the 'patio' was poor. The patio is a sidewalk with tables and it is awkward to keep telling kids you don't want to buy their skittles. The drink presentations were amazing and I thought the flavors were good but not exceptional. The small bites were good. read more
2 years ago
As a disclaimer, my review should be taken with a grain of salt as I ordered exclusively mocktails. However, they were all delicious and offered the same presentation and experience as their alcoholic counterparts. I came here for the first time several years ago and was absolutely blown away by the cocktail presentations and the atmosphere of the place. My friends and I still talk about our time here as one of our most memorable experiences together. I do feel that the ambiance has changed here; it feels much more much more casual, and less of an upscale experience. I personally can't speak to the quality of the drinks, as I had the alcoholic bevs last time, and non-alcoholic this time, but the group was overall less impressed this visit. These are all minor criticisms, but I feel that they should be mentioned considering the high price point of their drinks. read more
The Aviary is an upscale intimate unique cocktail experience. I can't think of another concept like this one and I am glad my friend and I were able to get reservations. We planned our visit about 2 months out and was only able to get a 10:30pm opening for their gallery. Not sure they allow walk ins, since everyone who came seemed to have a reservation. Service was slow and at times confusing or robotic. Considering we had a reservation, it took a long time before they came around to take our order. We had already reserved the Prix Fixe ($75/person) - 3 cocktail experience. With this there are four sections, where you pick one from each section. Drink complexity are indicated by how far the bird is away from the cocktail on the first page. We strategically picked different drinks in every round so that we can try more of their creations. In addition to the drinks we had a couple a la cart items to munch on to enjoy with the drinks. Starting off we ordered the Truffle Popcorn ($15) since it was a light fun snack. Who doesn't love a good truffle truffle truffle? Cocktail Round 1: My friend had the Three Blind Rice cocktail and I had the Wassuh, bae? The Three Blind Rice has miso, rice beer, green apple brandy, shochu and a cute popsicle inside. My Wassuh, bae? was super fresh with cucumber, yuzu, gin, wasabi and shochu. My first cocktail was my favorite cocktail for the night and definitely something I can see myself enjoying again. Cocktail Round 2: My friend had the Apparently Envious and I had the Do You Have to Let It Linger? Cute tableside presentation of how the drinks are made. My friend's drink is a hot cinnamon, pear, tangerine and bourbon drink that resembles a boozy tea. I really liked this drink. On the other hand I was less impressed with the Do You Have to Let It Linger. It has orange, vanilla chai, spiced cranberry and white rum. The staff told me the flavors would change as it seeped in the ingredients but it got worse and worse. More and more bitter like medicine. I love me some cocktails but I sent this one away. Cocktail Round 3: My friend has the In the Rocks and I had the Wakame Forever! The In the Rocks is a fun ginger, pear cider, oloroso, whiskey literally inside the rock where you can break it. I made a joke to my friend that this is where couples go on their first date to BREAK THE ICE cause you literally get to break the ice for your cocktail to come out. My Wakame Forever! had honey, rhubarb, seasweed, white chocolate and scotch. It came with a weird seaweed salad that they gave me big tweezers to snack on, which I felt was super unnecessary and random. For dessert we also had a Dark Chocolate Ice Cream ($13) that I asked them to bring out with the last round of drinks. It was accompanied by some chocolate bits and toasted meringue. I loved the toasted meringue. So I loved that we were able to watch the mixologist make their magic from where we sat in the gallery. It was prime seating. However, service was so forced and robotic they were preoccupied spilling out a script and not letting me enjoy my moment with my cocktail, which really is what the experience is about. Another service downhill is when I super had to flag the waitress down to to give her my credit card for the snacks. The drinks were paid for but not the snacks. She takes my card for a long time... comes back and says we're good. What does that mean? Don't I need to sign something. We were more concerned we double paid for the drink so I wanted to see an itemize copy. So we inquired again... then... she basically realized she was wrong I WAS RIGHT and we still had to pay for the snacks. 20% service charge automatically applied to everything even if service sucks. Overall an entertaining and unique experience but there is much room for improvement. read more
The Aviary is a famous spot for drinks that entertain, but for me it missed the mark. I was really excited to visit due to all the rave reviews and recommendations I received from friends. I was expecting smoke, and flames, and exotic smells...but got none of that. I will be the first to admit that maybe my expectations were too high, but The Aviary has a reputation that precedes itself so I thought those expectations were going to be met and I'm sure anyone visiting would be walking in with similar expectations. The good: - The drink, Do you have to let it linger?, was quite delicious. The waiter mentioned that as it sits, the drink profile changes slightly which we did notice. - The Jamon Serrano Croquettes were great! I would recommend the food/snacks more than the drinks. The bad: - The Hermoso drink was extremely underwhelming. I was expecting a lot more smoke, but there was barely any. It is presented in a wooden box and you'd expect that you can keep the box at the table to take pics, etc. but they immediately take it away once you receive your drink. Guessing they use that same box for everyone who orders it... -the ambiance was ok, but the area we were sitting in was quite small. We had some friends that wanted to join us, and since we noticed 3 empty tables, we asked the waiter if it were ok if our friends joined. They said no. I assumed the tables were being held for others who had recommendations, which is fair, but we were there for almost 2 hours and no one ever came. This place is mostly hype to me and not worth the visit, but if your curiosity is getting the most of you, check it out. read more
More info about The Aviary
955 W Fulton Market
Chicago, IL 60607
Fulton Market, West Loop, Near West Side
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(312) 226-0868
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http://theaviary.com/
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Ask the Community - The Aviary
I made a reservation for the aviary experience which is the 5 course food and cocktail tasting menu. Should we eat before we go or is the tasting menu enough?
Depends on how hungry you are...but we felt that it was sufficient.
I'm traveling with my 13 year old. Can she still join us?
THIS was on the website---While we do not prohibit children, we do discourage bringing children to Aviary. The Aviary is The Alinea Group's cocktail lounge concept and we do not have options for children on the menu. As well, our other patrons are…
Are drinks being served in plastic cups or is the presentation exactly as it was before COVID-19? I would like to know before purchasing non-refundable tickets. Thank you
Drinks are being served the same as before the pandemic.
How long does the five course pairing typically take?
It really depends on you, however it can be done in under 2 hrs. We were there a little more than 2 hrs, just enjoying the ambiance and experience itself. If you have time I suggest not rushing it. Enjoy!
With the 5 course option should I eat a meal before hand or is it enough food?
I wouldn't eat a ton before the 5 course. My experience was that I was fairly full by the time we finished. They being said - it might not hurt to have something in your belly beforehand. The drinks pack a bit of a punch!
I'm having a birthday soon. Is this appropriate for a meaningful birthday?
Absolutely. I took my wife last night for her birthday, as a matter of fact. You'll need to make a reservation, though!
Can I get away with women's fashion jeans that are ripped with a nice top and heels or are ripped jeans frowned upon at the Aviary?
It could totally pass. As long as you look put together you should be fine.
Is there a dress code?
No dress code but people were all dressed nice. Casual ok but no sweat pants. :)
How can you make a reservation for one? I see open spots for when I will be there but the reservations are for 2-6. Should I call?
I am sure they would be happy to accommodate one person, but definitely call to experience this wonderful place!
How can I go for a cocktail without a reservation at 5pm?
Unfortunately you must have a reservation
What food and drinks are included in the $135pp 5 cocktail with food deal?
I'm sure they would include their signature pork rinds, but honestly everything there is good. You may want to contact them directly if you have specific food needs. Their cocktails are the best we ever had; pricey, but worth it!
How long is the 3-course cocktail tasting? 2+ hours?
I think it took me 1.5-2 hours. But once I stood up, I wish I had spaced it out a little longer!
How long is the average wait time? No reservations available for the dates I want. :(
1-2hrs on a weekday. Closer to 2 on a Friday or Saturday. See if you can buy a pre package deal to get a confirmed slot.
Tasting menu or a la carte?
They actually have a mixture of both. Their menu can be intimidating. The staff is willing and more than knowledgeable to guide you through a tasting, and they also offer two types of tastings on their normal menu in addition to a la carte. Enjoy!
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84 reviews that are not currently recommended
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The Aviary - cocktailbars - Updated October 2026
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