Great place recommend getting there early so you get a seat up close. It's hard to see from the back and there is often a line to get in.

I'm not sure, but I recall this place being much better pre-Covid. We had a 45 minute wait last night (after being told it was only 15 minutes and that was on the high side), and the performances are only one every 45 minutes. Including our wait time we were there more than 2 hours to see about 8 or 10 minutes of performances. The drinks were average, the toasted chick peas were good, and the performers were REALLY good, but too few and far between. And it's not like it's easy to talk between performances with the music blaring. Not sure if they have less performers than before Covid or if it was always so long between acts, but sadly, I'm not interested in going back. read more

Located at the bottom of the stairs of the Green Tavern, behind a bookcase, this was one of the coolest bars I've been to. Great prices and cocktails (options given on tarot cards) -- overall 5/5 perfection. Service was so nice too. We were too early for the burlesque shows (on the hour every hour from 7 pm - 1 am) which was a bummer. We came for drinks before dinner, so we arrived at 5 and were the first ones there. Usually they say there's a 1 hour wait. Loved it !!!! read more

The Drifter, what a place. Visit if you want to have great drinks in a romantic environment with spurts of random entertainment. This was the third stop for my girlfriend and I on our quest to unlock the "soused" badge. We tried going around 7pm, after eating at the Green Door upstairs. They were full up, but took our name/number with an estimated 45 minute wait. The followup text arrived pretty much as scheduled. We got two seats at the bar. It was great that only a certain number of people are allowed in the Drifter at a time, as it's a small space and would be really annoying if packed. Ordering from tarot cards is a fun touch to a very atmospheric room. Our bartender, Alexis, was helpful as we decided on drinks. Beyond the drinks and the atmosphere, there's entertainment every hour or so. We were seated right as a three piece band took the stage. Later on, we got treated to some burlesque dancers strutting their stuff. I would recommend the Drifter to anyone who wants to have a unique experience, great drinks, and fun entertainment. It's worth checking out this self proclaimed "Freakeasy" for yourself! read more

The Drifter - Sit and Spin cocktail - Speakeasies Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

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What I love most about The Drifter is how efficient their whole game is. This place is like a well-oiled machine. Like previous Yelpers have said, if you go early, you don't wait. If you go later or on a weekend, you will likely have to wait. I showed up with three friends around 10pm on a Saturday, and we waited for a few minutes for the hostess to come talk to us. She asked for our name and number, and said she would text us when she had room for us. The wait was estimated to be an hour. I took that as anywhere from 45 mins to 2 hours, really. I mean, how can you estimate how long it will take 37 patrons to enjoy forbidden 1920s Chicago, right? After about 65 minutes, we received a text that our table was ready. Boom. Right on the money. We went downstairs, and though our table was not quite ready (the previous occupants had settled up but then decided to do another shot), the hostess updated us throughout the whole process. She was polite, engaged, but also no nonsense when people who try to skip the line. I respect that. When it was our turn to go in, the service was once again excellent. Drinks were strong, server was attentive, and the late night bites were amazing (deviled eggs and Nutella sandwich, I'm looking at you). The hourly entertainment was a short burlesque show, which was very well done. The only thing I would change is the music. It would have been nice to have heard old stuff. Everything else was great, and I would definitely return. read more

Irish Dive Bar on top and Speakeasy below. you get the best of both worlds here. Drinks are good and the show is risque. Definitely worth a shot. read more

The Drifter - Goooooood - Speakeasies Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

We came during the second half of the night. We got in fairly quickly, maybe within 5 minutes! All the staff were nice and helpful. I was disappointed in myself because I didn't realize the random stage acts ended earlier in the night until we were already there. But then to my sweet surprise..... we got a couple more acts past midnight!! (Or whatever time it said they cut off online). I was so happy! The acts were entertaining and interactive with the crowd. The drinks were perfection. Loved the tarot card menu. Love the history. What more can I say read more

I've been to a few speakeasy places in NYC and SF, and I feel like the legit ones don't try to entertain you. You're there just for drinks. The ones that claim to be speakeasies might have performers and good food but will also have neon signs with arrows pointing to the entrance. This space is a real speakeasy with performances, and that's a rare gem. Got here on a Friday night at 7pm and it wasn't packed yet. Easily got a table and had a few drinks along with a side of cheese curds. Husband had a Campari cocktail that was light and refreshing, and I ordered one with Malort. I had never heard of it before and wanted to try something new, but it's REALLY bitter. If you've eaten the Chinese bitter vegetable in a restaurant, then it's like that but in a drink. I finished it, but it was a struggle. The performances were short but entertaining, with one guy singing Michael Buble style and another lady that did a burlesque dance. The shows don't seem to start on time nor throughout the entire night. It's spaced out so people can come and go. It did start getting packed around 9-ish when we left. There isn't much of a waiting area, so don't bring a date or out-of-towners to this place too late and have them stand by the bathrooms for an hour just to get a seat. read more

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So the speakeasy craze is sweeping the nation. I've been to them in San Fran, Austin, NOLA, Atlanta, but had to go to one in Chicago where they all started. The Drifter was a speakeasy​ back in the day, you can drink while waiting, and they have decent seating so it was a win win. Drinks were good, but I've had better. You're there more for the setting I'd say. I did think it was awesome that the cocktails are on tarot cards. We had the Nutella​ sandwich. That thing was huge and yummy. Burlesque​ was the ​icing on the cake, though I'm not a fan of a ​contortionist. read more

Good drinks! Good performance! Had a wonderful time at this speakeasy. The tarot cards were unique! read more

The Drifter - Speakeasies Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

Didn't know what to expect but was absolutely please! Amazing that anyone knows this place exist but word gets around. Very intimate atmosphere. Heard some blues music and saw a burlesque show while I was there. Prices where what you would expect for being in the city! Would highly recommend visiting when in the city, one of the highlights of my trip! read more

The Drifter - Bar area - Speakeasies Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

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I love visiting speakeasies when checking out a new city and The Drifter has a fun concept/atmosphere. We arrived shortly after it opened and the space filled up pretty quickly. We loved the tarot card drink menu, in particular the Bye Felicia and Suns Out Guns Out, and the try your luck option for $10 where you pick a fortune cookie and risk getting a shot of melort - or a cocktail. We had hoped to see a performance, but had tickets to Second City so we might have left too early. Definitely worth a visit! read more

What a cool speakeasy! There is a cover charge when they have shows, but the shows make the experience even more awesome. You never know what the show is gonna be, but they're usually pretty short (5-10 min each). They go throughout the night while you sip on cocktails and enjoy company in this dimly lit atmosphere. Their menus are quite cool too, with playing cards with different drink options on them. The people that work here are all great and friendly as well, even on such a busy night. Finally, there are food items to snack on if you get hungry too- though not a full meal per say. We ordered the cheese curds, which were okay and nothing special. Otherwise, the night was special and unique at this swanky venue! read more

The Drifter - Speakeasies Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

So much fun!! Great cocktails and performances. Went Saturday at 8, took about 20 mins to get in. Would recommend going early, long line when we left at 10:30. About 12 cocktails to choose from on tarot cards. Cozy room, would go in party of 2 or 4. Will definitely come back. read more

Drifter, Drifter...You are one sneaky Mister! Once you get past the front doors of Green Door & find your way to the secret doors of the Drifter, you better believe your ass is gonna have to wait to see what's inside. And I'm not talking about 10 minutes, I'm talking ONE HOUR (during the weekends). I had tried numerous times to go these past two years or so they've been open but each time their wait was so ridiculous that I blew that popsicle stand while laughing in their face. This chic does not wait. Nope. But one quiet week night in May, my friend and I decided to give it a go. We knocked, we entered (right the F*ck away). Yasss! We sat down, were greeted by a pretty chill, nice bartender, given the tarot card "menus" (I do practice santeria, lol, JK), and were on our way to drunk town - or so I thought. Though shocked at the drink prices, I was excited for the supposed stellar libations. What was delivered to me was an exceptionally mediocre old fashioned and what was delivered to my friend was a 'meh', super-girly cocktail that made us think she should have been walking a pink-collared poodle. What was worse? When the bill came, they tacked on a cover charge that we were NEVER notified of.... W-A-C-K, nay! He explained that it was because they do a burlesque show during the week but since we left before the said show, I find it unfair to charge this ridiculousness. I will gladly pay to see some covered PG-13 nipples and cool old-school dancing but not when I didn't even get to enjoy the show. Boooo. Thumbs down. Ps. The place is tiny! read more

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I absolutely loved this place! First off the difficulty to find it adds a little bit of excitement. You enter through Greendoor Tavern, follow the signs to go downstairs to the bathroom, then knock on the unmarked door to the right. The room must be sound proof cause it's quiet then all of a sudden you enter into this magical "dungeon" speakeasy. It's funny cause I think 90% of the patrons at the upstairs bar don't know it exist. So this place is super sexy. Take a date to impress or why not take your friends to impress (I did and they loved it!) Now this place has a little bar area and only about six tables, so don't walk in and expect to be seated right away. I had a party of 4 and we went on a Friday at 5:15 and got the last table (they open at 5). This place is definitely a cocktail place versus food. So unique that there cocktail menu is listed on tarot cards and the drinks always change. The drink I had wanted to try wasn't in rotation that night, so I went with a rum based drink with chocolate. Delicious!! I have to mention the names of the drinks are hilarious. Two of my friends went with the "Bye, Felicia" Food was just okay. Portion size is already tiny but you can tell it's still meant to shared and to not be your means for dinner. We went with the devil eggs and bacon wrap dates. (Good). We also got some live entertainment with this old guy strumming a guitar on stage and talking about getting some on the regular...moving on its a great place, get there early, and enjoy the reasonably priced cocktails. read more

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"Only VIP'S can get into this place. You must be special. Just follow my lead and you will be welcomed amongst the ultra-cool" This is what I told a couple of my friends I went with. I think they are buying it. As we wiggle our way through the Green Door Tavern and go downstairs towards the bathrooms I am looking for this Fricken hidden door. So there I go just randomly knocking on everything downstairs like an asshole. Where is this door? Finally found it, I played it off as I was checking the foundation considering it's a building built in the 1800's. Now this is a speakeasy. It really was back in the day. Vacated for decades it has been restored To It's former glory. Small, dark, cozy, boisterous and alive. Everything a speakeasy should be. We had a couple drinks each. Craft cocktails that can rival any place in the city. Some fruity and light others will get you seeing trix in the sky. Each drink presented on tarot cards. A rotating option of about seven boozy libations to choose from. Our food option was Chickpeas with salt, although my friend evidently needed more salt. I guess if he was eating a salt cube he would put more salt on it, goof!. An all female staff, which was a pleasant change, was there to help liberate our souls and furnish our body with these funky elixirs. While our drinks were soaking in we enjoyed a gypsy - like hula hoop show. Yoga like flexibility while doing hula hooping is some pretty good stuff. After these strong drinks it went from one girl to three (look at the one in the middle) and 2 hoops to 5. Damn girl! The music was on the low as we did not have to scream to talk to each other. 40's soft porn was showing on the screen. All this entertainment in a gritty, dark basement with old speakeasy decorations. Pretty cool! read more

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What sizzle! What steak? In re: Sizzle - Perfect score for conceit. "Speakeasy" in a very old "real Chicago" bar; it's cool that this place exists. $5 cover was totally worth it when we walked in to find a burlesque show. Cocktail "menu" comes on tarot cards which is really cute and cool. But if the show isn't on or that's not you're thing... In re: Steak - The drinks aren't that good; they're average at best. The Drifter serves like it just discovered the rediscovery of classic cocktails. A manhattan by any other name kinda thing where they list the liquor, vermouth, and bitters by name in an attempt to get you to think it's something you've never had before. Yawn. Our server indicated as much when asked for suggestions. "If you want a martini try "x" or a manhattan there's "y". Meh. Get thee to Gorilla Tango or the Violet Hour. Or both, I guess. Depends what you want. read more

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What a fun, unique spot for burlesque dances and great cocktails. We headed there for a date night (without reservations) and we waited for 45 minutes, which wasn't bad. I recommend. read more

Really cool hidden bar! Burlesque shows every hour from 7pm-12am. The shows are very tasteful, yet still sexy. The drinks are pretty good, not the best but good enough to comeback. Each cocktail is printed on a tarot card. The idea itself is creative but can get annoying because they have a limited set and you have to keep asking the waitress to bring them. It's also a bit difficult to read them as it is pretty dark inside. Otherwise, definitely will be coming back. Tip: try to come early because there is limited seating and the wait list can get pretty long. But if your wait is too long, head upstairs for a beer at green door tavern. read more

The Drifter - Cocktails - Speakeasies Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

Da Bomb dot com.... Look for the hidden door Enjoy reading the tarot cards...for the drink choices Not much for bites so if you're hungry, head upstairs for yummy food Make sure to come with small groups or all in your party...its hard to 'save' seats for future guests or add after you are there Small, super, cozy space...great servers. We had some food...and it was delish...just was expecting more bites...there are only like 4 on the menu We loved it read more

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This hidden speakeasy was a treat! Underneath the Green Door Tavern, you would never know it was there unless you followed others downstairs and through the secret entrance. Once inside, the space is small. It seats around maybe 30 or so people, with very little standing room. I arrived at 6:30pm with a group of 4 and got one of the last open tables. There is live entertainment every night I believe from 7p-midnight on the hour (jugglers, burlesque, etc) but they add a $6 cover charge per person for this entertainment on weekend (I think $4 weekdays). Drink menus are on tarot cards, which was fun and unique. The drinks themselves were small but nicely crafted and run around $12. Definitely worth seeing if you like speakeasy style bars, but would be challenging for a large group of people. read more

Really enjoyed it. The shows were short but fun and the drinks were good. Loved the whole ambiance.

Total jerks....left wife's in while we paid bill up at green door....would not let us in until it came to pay bill then they were all too happy to let us in.....total BS read more

The experience begins with you trying to find the secret door that takes you to the bar! I had a blast! Small speakeasy bar with a small stage where they do a short presentation every hour. Drinks are great and if you stop by on a Tuesday you're going to experience the "Saturday morning cartoons". The menu is in a cereal box and you can even get drinks with cereal, eggs, Reese's, etc.The playlist is all related to breakfast lyrics and they keep showing old school cartoons on a screen. I also met some nice people at the bar and the bartender was extremely nice! It's a must to go there if you're visiting Chicago. read more

The Drifter - Drink menu printed in tarot cards - Speakeasies Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

If you're a sucker for cool concepts like I am, stop by The Drifter. They have a wait list you can join which eliminates having to make a physical line which is great. Their drink menu is great and all, but the cool part is the tarot cards. They give you about six cards with different cocktails on them. We were brave and picked cards at random. In all honesty, one of the cocktails sucked. Maybe it just wasn't our preference, but it tasted like licorice or anise. The other one was okay, but pretty spicy. Still give this place five stars because it's different and has a nice vibe. Music wasn't my style though. We were lucky enough to see two shows which we super fun!! I went to the bathroom while here and when I tried to go back inside, I got lost. The door is a bookshelf and I was like where do I go?! Lol anyways, give it a try! You'll have a great time read more

The drifter is a MUST if you are in the chicago area. I would have never known about it if my local-friend did not inform me. Situated under a rather run of the mill watering-hole, the Drifter is found behind a secret door. It's a speakeasy! And from what I'm told, one of the oldest and longest running in the city. We arrived and put our name in around 11. We awaited upstairs at The Green Door until we received the text that we were in. A Cover charge is added for the performances ($6/per person). We were only able to see the last act (cabaret) but it's old school. So cool! Food stops serving at 10, drinks are listed on tarot cards. The Suns out Guns out is delicious! Fun little hidden gem for something other than nosier bars in River North. read more

We stumbled upon this place while getting a few drinks at the Green Door Tavern when we overheard a tour group talking about the original speakeasy in the basement. When we asked our waitress about it she said that the space had just been renovated and opened for business. She told us that in order to get in we had to go down the stairs and jiggle the door knob on the hidden door disguised as a book shelf. Deeply intrigued, we headed off in search of this new speakeasy and we were not disappointed. The space is small, but has an extremely cool and authentic ambiance. Some original artwork is retained on the walls, and some bottles that have been saved since the prohibition era are displayed on the top shelf of the bar. There is also a small stage which is used for unique short performances which I am told vary from night to night. When I was there I saw the 9 pm show and it happened to be a belly dancer. When no one is performing on the stage there is black and white video playing vintage burlesque. The cocktail menu is printed on tarot cards which is an approach to a menu that I haven't seen anywhere else. I tried some of every available cocktail that night and they were all very well made and balanced. The one drink I didn't like was the only drink on the menu which contained Malort. This only serves to further convince me that not even the most masterful mixologist can make Malort taste good. As I have previously mentioned, the space is small and although there was no wait when I arrived at 7:30, by the time I left at ten there was a small line out the door. However, if you do find there is a wait to get in, you can give the doorman your cell and have a few beers at the Green Door Tavern while you wait for some space in the Drifter to open up. I am sure as word gets out about this great little place, the wait times will only increase. But this is such a unique bar with some great Chicago history, I think it would definitely be worth the wait! read more

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What a cozy spot! We were looking for a place to have cocktails after dinner and stumbled upon this "secret" under the Green Door Tavern. The wait was about an hour for a small party on a Friday night, but totally worth it! Can't wait to go back read more

The Drifter - Speakeasies Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

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Really just wasn't impressed. Cocktails: 5/5 for the old fashioned, one of the best in the city Space: Not worth the wait. Very underwhelming and not too original. The best part about the space was the bookshelf door to get in. Service was fine. The show was also fine. Probably won't be back. Its a fine place to check off the bucket list but I will be happy to hang out at the bar upstairs. read more

Loved it. We went on a Friday after work and got two seats at the bar with no wait, but they hadn't been open very long at that point... so that might have been part of it. The cocktails are great, and we had a few of the small share plates as well. The food was a bit pricy, but was nice if you aren't trying to make a full meal out of them. The fried chickpeas were a favorite. There was a random hula hoop performance in the middle of our visit, which was a fun surprise. They have a tiny stage. Not sure what other entertainment they have. It is a smaller venue, so you can't expect to show up with a big group on a busy weekend night and be seated immediately. It has a really nice vibe. Favorite new spot in Chicago. read more

The Drifter - A cookie on my drink! - Speakeasies Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

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Solid cocktails and ambience, but a very rude staff. We waited over two hours for a table, and spent a considerable amount on drinks plus tip. Both a hostess and a server were very rude to us; about standing in their way or taking too long to put our jackets on. I will not be back and do not recommend it. read more

1) Get there earlier if you don't want to be on the waitlist for a long time (8-8:30pm at the latest). After then, expect a wait! Either way, it's fun hanging out in the Green Door Tavern while waiting for your table. Take the time to look around, there's plenty of history and antiques to check out. 2) Wait for the host/hostess to greet you OUTSIDE of the door for The Drifter, so he/she can seat you or put you on the waitlist. I felt The Drifter was worth the wait. Great cocktails (Non-alcoholic options as well), fun entertainment, and a cool ambience. I'd recommend going here with your significant other or a couple friends (it's a small space) Great Chicago experience! read more

If you love anything related to burlesque/prohibition/speakeasies, you need to check this place out! However, the place itself is very small so I don't recommend coming with a large group, as this will increase your wait time to get in. I went with one friend and the two of us had no trouble getting in (about a 15 minute wait). The ambiance of this place is wonderful. There is bar seating and tables in front of a small stage that every hour has short performances. While I was there, this included a man performing a few original songs on the piano followed by two burlesque performances. My only complaint was that these shows were extremely short and hit-or-miss based on the performer. As for the drinks, I loved the presentation of printing them on tarot cards and the very unique names (for example the "Spruce Jenner" and "Bye Felicia"). The cocktails were tasty and the bartender was very helpful when giving recommendations. Overall, I was slightly underwhelmed by some of the shows but everything else about this place made up for that. Definitely coming back to see what entertainment on other nights is like! read more

The Drifter - Basic menu and specialty cocktails printed on tarot cards. - Speakeasies Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

Great atmosphere! Oreo drink was unbelievable that both me and my husband fought over it lol We will be back!

So funny story, I discovered this place by chance! I was having a beer at the Green Door Tavern and got up to go to the restroom. Walking down the stairs, I heard the sounds of laughter and merriment, but to my great confusion, I saw no people! Slowly I made my way along the walls, listening as the sounds grew louder. Once I had pinpointed the section of wall where the sounds were loudest, I saw just an ordinary set of shelving, but upon closer inspection, I noticed a door handle! I pulled. Imagine my delight in finding a small, dimly lit speakeasy, playing black and white cartoons on a curtain on the wall! This place is definitely a step into a grander, less complicated time, when people hid away from prying eyes to let loose and enjoy some adult-themed entertainment. Really unique vibe (their drink menu is on tarot cards) and they have a small stage that features different bands/acts/burlesque for about 10 minutes every hour. The place seats only about 30, so don't try and bring a big group. This is the place to impress a date or just travel back in time. 1 star off because they only have Ketel One for vodka read more

The Drifter - Speakeasies Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

I really want to give this place a better rating, but I can't. Since I'm feeling positive today I'll start off with the positives. The place is cool, good decor, bartender was wonderful and the show was fun. I loved my drink and would have loved to give the drifter a better rating but I have some serious problems with it. It's tiny, which I knew going into it. But if you have more than two people you'll be waiting all night. The wait doesn't bother me because I like going upstairs for a pregame. When we first got there the doorman was nice. He took our name chatted with my fiancé a bit and told us it's a 45 min wait. Cool! That's not too long to wait since we planned on stopping upstairs anyway. After about 1.5 hours after we realized we never got called, unbothered we thought maybe we just missed it. My friend went downstairs to ask and apparently the doorman gave him a lot of sass. Told him it's going to be another hour. After my friend said that's annoying (still not really caring since we were already having fun upstairs) the doorman went on a rant about how people are having fun so they aren't leaving and he shouldn't ask why. Okayyyy? So we still waited another 40 minutes. Finally we get down there and the doorman was just so rude! Same situation as everyone else, we just bought a round and had to chug it before coming in or we ran the risk of losing our seats. Lastly, there's a cover. I'm fine with the cover charge but it would be nice to know about it upfront instead of leaving it on the tab. We had four people so $40 total cover. We tipped 20% on the entire bill, which means we tipped on that cover charge too. Not that big of a deal, but still annoying. read more

The Drifter - The entry door - Speakeasies Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

This secret bar was so fun to find! If somebody didn't open a door that looked like a bookshelf, I'm not sure my friend and I would've known it was there. The ambiance was great, although you had to wait quite a bit between each performance. The wait to get a table was also long, but thankfully we were able to go to the bar upstairs to wait until they texted us to tell us our table was ready. The cocktails were okay, but the menu was definitely unique since it was written on Tarot cards! read more

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Great drinks, I like the vibe - a cute speakeasy environment. I got the gnome means gnome which was pretty spectacular - it has egg whites in it which makes everything better in my opinion. I also ordered something mcflurry but it wasn't as great - creamy but forgettable. $12 per drink. There's a $5 cover on weekend nights sine they have performers. The tarot drink cards are really unique. read more

Fun little spot! The drinks are on tarot cards and are very unique. There were 6 total in our party and we waited about 30 min to get in. We were able to see the last show of the night which was burlesque. $6 cover charge on the weekend and they add it to your tab. It's dim lighting but it adds to the vibe. read more

The Drifter - Speakeasies Near Me - Chicago, Illinois