We had a really fun night at The Drifter! We went on a Saturday night for a friend's birthday party. She "reserved" the part of the bar closest to the stage. We got there a few minutes late, but the host/manager? was really nice about it. The bar is REALLY cool looking. It's hidden behind a shelf in the basement of the Green Door (you can tell by a hidden knob). The bar has these amazing, huge vintage signs. Totally beautiful. The drinks we had were VERY tasty. They weren't perfect or 100% balanced, but I think that's because we were there as they were "closing out" drinks and still developing. But, they were totally tasty and boozy. We also witnesses two "shows"--a hula hooping girl, and two strong men. It was really fun, and totally different. We can't wait to go back. The Drifter is a much needed, very cool addition to the neighborhood. read more

The Drifter - BB Gun - Speakeasies Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

Living down the street from Green Door, this had always been a spot that we take visitors towards the end of our bar crawls. Everyone is always so impressed with the Drifter! The wait for me has either been nonexistent or an hour (its nice that you can get drinks and socialize upstairs to kill time). When it's your turn, you head downstairs and it is explained that theres a cover charge that gets added to your bill. The cocktails are presented on tarot cards and are all very yummy! There are short shows every hour too, I've seen a juggling act, and various burlesque type dancing. All in all it is a great experience that anyone would enjoy! read more

The Drifter - yummy cocktails - Speakeasies Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

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Sold to me as one of Chicago's oldest, if not the oldest, standing speakeasy in town. Situated in the basement of The Green Door, this joint offers live entertainment (burlesque in our case) and excellent drinks for a modest cover charge. The staff is very friendly and knowledgeable, catering to your needs even on the non-alcoholic side (someone has to be a designated walker or driver, right?). The place also offers certain pub style snacks and provides water to make sure you stay hydrated during your cocktail journey. Some of the drinks are pre-made so there will be a limited amount of opportunities to make substitutions but a lot to add spirits and personal touch. Trust the bartenders if you have no clue what to order, they are world class and won't steer you wrong. We had a group of four and went in around 8pm to secure a spot on a Friday. A must for those vacationing in the area and know of the prohibition. The experience is hard to replicate and not worth spoiling. Venture on your own, you won't regret it. read more

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

I often post positive reviews, but sadly last night's experience was terrible. This looked like a neat place, but the issue we experienced was the guy on the door who seemed unable to manage, and so we never really saw it. Myself and two colleagues arrived ahead of the remaining 4 of our party, and entered, whereupon this guy appears and says "you need to wait outside", so we went back outside into the stairwell and waited. After waiting quite a while in the stairwell, and watching several other groups walk in without being harassed by the door guy, he came back out and advised there is a $4 cover charge that will be put on the drink bill - no problem at all. I tried to tell him there were 4 more of us but he kept talking over me and ended up kind of rushing us in. He walked us to a table and then asked "how many of you?", to which I advised there would be 7. He suddenly because extremely rude and aggressive, and accused us of telling him there were only 3 of us, and said we had to wait outside again. I stated very politely that I had tried to tell him, and that at no point did any of us tell him there were only 3, but he was agitated enough that It felt to me like if I said anything else he was going to get physical, even though we were nothing but honest and pleasant. Back outside, in a very annoyed tone, he told me he would take my number and text me when there was space. I gave him my number and name, and checked his note for accuracy to ensure he had it right. But I was fairly sure I was never going to get a text, which turned out to be correct. So, after this odd experience, I can only say that the hiring practices of this establishment must be suspect to have a door guy who treats pleasant people like that while being unable to manage. I can't recommend the place because it didn't seem safe based on that staff member's behavior. read more

This is actually a speakeasy, HOW COOL IS THAT? During my first time here, I asked the bartender at the Green Door where the Drfiter was and he actually pretended like he didn't know what I was talking about. It is not advertised, and most of the people in the bar upstairs have no idea it is even there. However, on the weekend, the line can get pretty long, so make sure to get there early. Great 2nd date spot...I went there on a 1st date and it was a little awkward when the dancer came out. LOL. read more

Went on a Saturday after hearing about it on a promotional video. Definitely recommend! $6 cover was well worth the entertainment. Beers were great, as well. We didn't try the mixed drinks, as we were so tired and about to call it a night. But they looked good. Also - props!! Bartenders were all so friendly and helpful. read more

Horrible for tourist/visitors! I had a group of 4 who were asked to wait to get a text to enter. 1.5 hours later, after watching multiple groups walk in, we were still asked to wait. After checking in 3 times we finally decided to leave. So disappointed, a local (friend of ours) recommended this place. My gosh, so disappointed. STAY AWAY! Give us the courtesy and respect our time as guests... let us know we won't be able to be seated or be able to enter for a long time. Don't make us wait while you seat others who just walked in... we literally watched people who just entered walk in! read more

Super cool spot. Impress your friends by taking them here. Creative and delicious cocktails, great entertainment, and just a super unique, historic spot overall. read more

A delightful surprise! Sent here by another bartender (thanks Sparrow!) and so happy with the recommendation. Almost don't want to say too much except take your sense of wonder and adventure. read more

The Drifter - Speakeasies Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

Fun speakeasy with lots of history. Great place to get a well made cocktail and see an amazing show. Can't wait to go back post Covid19 lockdown. read more

Great entertainment set up, horrible customer service. Good place to experience once and never come back. Plenty of other places with great entertainment. Female hostess was rude. Server doesn't know anything about cocktails. Asked the server to explain what the two gin drinks would taste like. His response, "well, depends if you're looking for more boozy or light and refreshing" I went with the "more boozy" which really just tasted like straight up olive juice. Took one sip and said I couldn't drink any more of it - later to be charged for it. Any other decent cocktail bar would offer a different cocktail at no charge. On our way out, the people next to us had the same experience with her drink. She said it came out tasting nothing like he described and she couldn't drink another sip of it. You come here for the entertainment but the drinks are half of it. They need to hire more knowledgeable servers and a friendlier hostess. read more

I hate to say this since I'm all for girl power but the women bartenders/servers here are so bad I have to give this place one star! They don't know how to make a drink and have the worst attitudes I've seen in a long time. Such a shame because the restaurant above the place is great but unless you want to spend $15 for a horrific drink made by someone who hates their life at this place, I say stay away!!! read more

After looking through a list of typical bars found through Chicago, my cousin suggested checking out this super unique bar, which features burlesque showers hourly. Tucked away beneath the green door tavern, this small, intimate bar featured very drag queen like bartenders and featured prohibition style era decor. I really enjoyed the ambience and the small little touches that makes this bar truly unique. The tarot cards featured many interesting cocktails that fall on the rather herbal side. If you're brave or feel like doing something fun, there's the fortune cookie drink which features 6 random cocktails. You pull a random fortune cookie from the jar and whatever is on that fortune is the drink you end up with. Overall the service was great, the style was definitely really interesting. They do charge a $10 cover when you pay for your drinks. Definitely would revisit in the future! read more

Took way too long between acts the mixed drinks were not very good. We did like the atmosphere!

I think I have found my new favorite place in Chicago!!!!!!! I am seriously in love with this place! My girlfriends husband found this place online and we decided to check it out on a date night. We came around 9ish and put our name on the list and within 40 minutes we were texted telling us our table was ready and we had 5 minutes to be back! You can go upstairs to the bar or we went across the street to Nacional 27 for a drink! So we were literally right in front of the stage and it was awesome! We were lucky enough to see two acts and I wish we were able to see more! They were so fun!!!!!! The tarot drink cards are a nice fun touch! The wait staff is wonderful and attentive. We ordered the cheese curds which were pretty decent! Love this place and I cannot wait to come back soon! read more

I hate to give a low rating, but this place left me disappointed. 1. More than two hour wait. 2. Burlesque show that was not at top of hour and was two minutes with a man. 3. Waiter didn't take our order for long time then offended us as we ordered a snack. He said snack menu not available even though the hostess gave us a snack menu. Seems unorganized read more

Amazing venue just diwn the road fron another favorite the Janitors closet. Making a great evening better. Stay for the show

Sold to me as one of Chicago's oldest, if not the oldest, standing speakeasy in town. Situated in the basement of The Green Door, this joint offers live entertainment (burlesque in our case) and excellent drinks for a modest cover charge. The staff is very friendly and knowledgeable, catering to your needs even on the non-alcoholic side (someone has to be a designated walker or driver, right?). The place also offers certain pub style snacks and provides water to make sure you stay hydrated during your cocktail journey. Some of the drinks are pre-made so there will be a limited amount of opportunities to make substitutions but a lot to add spirits and personal touch. Trust the bartenders if you have no clue what to order, they are world class and won't steer you wrong. We had a group of four and went in around 8pm to secure a spot on a Friday. A must for those vacationing in the area and know of the prohibition. The experience is hard to replicate and not worth spoiling. Venture on your own, you won't regret it. read more

This strange and unique hidden speakeasy bar is not advertised anywhere. To find it, one must follow a strange staircase down the back of an old haunted bar. You then go through a secret passageway behind a bookshelf to the entrance. Are you intrigued yet? The Green Door has an interesting history. In 1872, immediately following the Great Chicago Fire of 1871, James McCole built this two-story balloon frame wooden structure with a detached cottage in the rear. Engineer McCole rented the front of the building to Mr. Lawrence P. Ek who ran it as a grocery store. Vito Giacomo then purchased it in the 1920s and made the first floor a restaurant. He painted the front door green to indicate a speakeasy was on the premises and renamed it The Green Door Tavern. The Green Door Tavern from the outside looks like any other Chicago bar, but once inside a secret lies below. If you walk in through the front door and make your way to the back, there is a staircase. Once you get to the staircase, walk down. There will be a bookshelf with no signs or indications something is behind it. Look around, find a handle and turn. This will lead you to a secret strange Prohibition-era-looking speakeasy called The Drifter. Once inside, you will see vintage Betty Page era movies playing on a big screen. Strange live acts perform multiple times throughout the night. Be warned, they are not for the faint of heart. Try and find yourself a seat. It can get very busy with a capacity of around 35 patrons. Once seated, order one of their cocktails off of a Tarot card. The Drifter is not for everyone. You will definitely need to enter with an open mind. Many of the nightly acts can be very strange and risque. The acts range from comedians to exotic dancers or piano players. The live shows run every 45 minutes for 10-15 minutes per show. There is also a fun game they host. For 10 dollars, you can buy a fortune cookie and whatever drink is revealed in the fortune, they will make it for you. They do not accept reservations, so it is first come first serve. Also, drinks are pre-made, so substitutions are not able to be accommodated. I want to also mention that many have claimed this establishment to be haunted, so be ready to see anything. I really enjoyed my time when I visited here. The Rum and banana drink was my favorite. It can get really packed and the wait time to get in can be long, so be prepared for that. I will say it is a unique experience and I would suggest checking this out even just for a one-time experience. read more

Love love love this place! The atmosphere, awesome! The service, incredible. The drinks, exceptional! The talent, incredible! So much fun!!! read more

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Lots of fun! You will have a 45min+ wait to get in, unless you (1) show up early, or (2) are good with words. Drifter is small, exciting, and unique. Stay away from the Buddha, unless you want to "get Malort-ed". The burlesque shows were well done and erotic. If you go with a date, make sure you're comfortable with each other. It was interesting to watch the way different couples reacted to the shows as the night progressed. read more

Been on my list for a while. Went for the first time at midnight on a Saturday. Got in almost straight away. Fun concept, entertaining performances. Drinks and snacks were alright. Waiter snapped at me for asking questions, though. Would come back! read more

Came here for a night cap after a wedding and LOVED IT. The drinks are incredibly good, the service is very friendly, and, as we found out, the bar is open until 3AM on Saturdays! WOOT! Extra hour! Its a bit tight so wouldn't recommend it for groups larger than about 4, but even for a Saturday it really wasn't as busy as I was scared it would be. We got there around 1 and luckily were able to get a table pretty quickly. Unfortunately though since we were so late, we didn't get to see any of the shows. Would really love to see the shows because I heard they have some pretty fun burlesque shows, so that's pretty cool! Downstairs by the bathroom. Watch for the knick knack cabinet. read more

I've been here twice and tend to tell the bartender what I like, but not once have I been impressed by a drink here. I think you're really just coming for the atmosphere because the shows are frequent and - for the most part - great. However, one of the times I came here, our table was over-billed; when we asked the server about it, she was very rude and refused to adjust the bill. read more

(Visiting Chicago, having a great time, trying to find a burlesque place, found one! The drifter yeah! let's get a good show and a pre-game in this cool advertised place, yes!!) We walked in... 3 steps later... "Who let them in?!?!!!" "Guys is $12 for the cover!!! Let me see your ids!!! (We were 2 steps from this fake smile weird hostess, and 1 step from a seat in the bar, is not like we're running away, the freaking place is half my basement come on) ooook... we seat, my dumbass made a comment about the Buda filled with fortune cookies with your "fortune drink" and this same individual burst with a "Yeah you gotta ask for those!!" No shit!! I'm just gonna dive in his belly weird woman! With a obvious chuckle and change of voice trying to be friendly to this Mexican older woman cleaning glasses I said "Uuuuuh so many ruuuules" (please hence the joke) this woman comes back with a "Yeah, dhats güat it is when a place is difffrent" me: yeaaaah so many rules her: YEAH! RRRULES!!! Me: (Different? It's a bar woman! Travel more!) ooook...trying to have a good time, blond lady bartender was nice ‍ we order our drinks, my fortune has to be the worst cause that grapefruit liquor was Yuck! Lol, after that weird start a very nice gentleman starts playing the piano, aaand that's the only reason I'm giving any stars, even told him outside, that he was the only reason that place was nice, we left after 15 minutes and $42 spent on cover and whatever drinks, no burlesque, they have a "Show" every hour and as the bartender said "We never know what they're going to be, go there... but not with big expect Hello yes, i stand with this, i didn't enjoy your establishment and have nothing good to say about it, I'm not misinforming that's exactly what happened, so I'm actually going to keep it briefly: - Get your recommendations from google and yelp in check because it does say you are a burlesque place - The Guatemalan lady that we're talking about it's rude and that has nothing to do with her being a hard worker, I don't care about that - The gross drink was a itty bitty jk, ha? Ha? Haha? Know what that is? - Thanks to the universe, my thick accent and hard working ass I don't need those $42 or even talking to you This is Yelp and when we have a bad experience we are going to talk about it, your employees are rude and your place is bleh, if you want 100% perfect reviews don't be on Yelp read more

Absolutely love coming here! The drinks are great the shows are phenomenal as is the service. If the descriptions catches your interest you will be 100% satisfied. The wait can be a little long but based on the size and experience of the location it is completely understandable. This is always my top recommendation to anyone I know coming to Chicago. read more

Step back in time with this prohibition 1920s speak easy hidden bar. You have to know of the sneaky entrance behind the book shelf near the bathrooms :) in the basement of the Green Door Tavern. Their cocktail drinks are pictured on tarot cards and the surprise stage is fantastic. We didn't even realize their was a stage until the screen went up and we were greeted with a beautiful burlesque dancer. The drinks are EXPENSIVE, come for 1 and stay for 1 show. The shows are the last 10 minutes of every hour. They only last for 10 minutes maybe. We have seen a variety of different acts, burlesque, 1920s dancing and piano playing, magic acts. It's really fun. The intimate ambience is perfect for small groups to talk. Anytime I have out of town guest I take them here and they are always impressed. read more

The Drifter - 1920s classic cocktail, great dressing with the flower - Speakeasies Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

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Drinking it up in Vegas while it's Prohibition back in Chicago... Drifted in here a couple of Wednesdays (or was it Thursdays? back) I'll never tell, maybe I was here, maybe I wasn't, but I seem to remember some very proper cocktail concoctions. Printed on tarot cards? Perfect. What is your fate? Mine was the perfectly assembled "Gnome Means Gnome" and HAZARHH! only now do I read the card more closely from a clandestinely snapped photo and I see: "Junior Ryan, Portland, OR" (at the time, I was only concerned with the ingredients: Hayman's Royal Dock (because I only drink Navy Strength Gin), Strega, Earl Grey, Lemon, Egg White!) If you are a fan of the frothy, this lovely is your lovely. But this particular evening there were eight specialties from which to choose - all with lesser known and high quality brands. Of course you also have your wine and beers (friend bypassed the cards and went straight to Surly Hell (their Munich Helles Lager that is!) Or get yourself a highball - happened to be "cocktail of the week" and only sets you back seven bucks, that, going with the Cutty. First things first though: Begin it (the night,the moment, the day) with the house shot and you surely won't be disappointed... If you like bourbon, that is (and they add rootbeer liquer and fresh citrus.) Toss in some deviled eggs and salt and vinegar chickpeas and call it a night? No. Stay. If you lucked into drifting in a little on the early side, you may be surprised when the curtain comes back. We were fully enjoying the screen: black and whites and old reel-like film and were finishing up, about to sneak off, but then we parked it again to catch this brief show. (Didn't even know about a $5 cover charge, but I wouldn't have balked at it, show or not...) The entertainment varies without a schedule and so you just sit there and enjoy it. You can also find entertainment in the easily overheard conversations at other tables. Speaking of finding it...look around the outside of the Green Door, if you don't see the entrance, head inside and figure it out from there. No cheating reading other reviews. Live a little you lushes. Tiny menu, big tasting drinks. Tiny elbow room, big five stars for carrying out the Prohibition theme without forcing it, excellent concoctions (both food and drink), unique atmosphere and really excellent service. It's out of the way, it's underground, it's windowless and lawless, circa 1920 something. read more

The Drifter - Reading by candlelight - Speakeasies Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

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When I first read the reviews about The Drifter, I was insulted by the cover charge that's imposed. Ranging from $3-5 (depending upon the night of the week), I scoffed. "This isn't a bro-fueled dance party at the Mid!" It IS only $3-5, however. And it IS totally worth it. I told my wife to meet me at the Green Door for an after-work cocktail... when she walked in, I piped up, "Have you ever been here before?????" She looked around, took in the dive bar, said, "No...." and I said, "Me neither.... but this isn't where we're spending our evening." I packed up my bag and took her to The Drifter. Side note: I am slightly disappointed that the moment we descended the stairs, a gentleman walked out of The Drifter to use the facilities, somewhat spoiling the "hidden" aspect of the door, etc., but my wife - still confused and not sure why we're in the basement of a bar - didn't really catch on. So I opened the door and .... her face lit up! The Drifter is fantastic. Small, intimate, stellar cocktails and AMAZING staff. So sweet, attentive and charming - those ladies are awesome. The thing is, though, we sat and watched three different groups of dudeguys totally miss the mark.... this isn't a place that sells Bud Light (seriously? go upstairs if that's what you're looking for. Or... just... go to a Cubs game.) Yes, the cocktails are whimsical and packing many flavors. ("So, they turned a basement into a bar that overcharges for frou-frou drinks?" - Another group that had departed way before we did.) It's not The Drifter's fault.... it is being what it is being. A speakeasy joint with damn good drinks and a very small menu of shareables (those freaking deep-fried chickpeas were outtathisworld) meant for a certain clientele to enjoy and relax in. A group of six bros is four bros too many. The place is set up for pairs. And it's SMALL - seats less than or around 40 people. It's not a party place. It's what it is - intimate. At 7 p.m., to our delight, the curtain was pulled back from the tiny stage and a Charlie Chaplin-esque performer came out. Probably a five-minute sketch of silent antics (top hat balancing, cane tricks, "MAGIC") that was both funny and cute. I really enjoyed it. Overall, what a place. I'd probably avoid it on the weekends as it'd be crowded and that's not my scene. But on a Wednesday or Thursday night after work? I'll definitely be back. read more

As this is a very cool bar/venue with great prohibition history, the elitist attitude of the head bartender was appalling. The hostess was delightful and offered a bar seat to grab a drink while I waited for the rest of my party...I was then denied service "because you're not seated yet." I am trying to give you money! Upon entering, there's no mention of a cover fee (later realized it's on a sign on the door), which I would have been more than happy to pay as I was seeing a performance, but no one at the door communicated with me that there was a cover fee until the bill came around. Also... we had to vacate the table after 75minutes "due to a waitlist." Why are customers paying a cover fee if I cannot see the whole show?! Zero communication that once I was officially "seated" there was a time limit on the table - I would've waited for the rest of the group in the standing zone if the minute I sat down the timer would begin. As much as I enjoyed the performances by the artists on stage, the bartender was beyond rude and made me want to leave before even getting the chance to order. And with no communication about the stipulations of time or cover charges, we all felt rushed out as the bill came when everyone in the party had a full drink. Let people know when they walk in the door that they only have an hour at a table and maybe there shouldn't be a cover to only watch 2 performances, especially when you're not even granting the performers and their guests respect and appreciation. Get off your high horse so I don't have to get on mine. read more

Go here at your own peril, especially if you are brown. The hostess took our name and number and never really gave us a place to sit and kept us waiting for an hour. A couple of white people went after us and got a place. When I went and asked her finally, all she told us was that the last show got over a couple of mins ago and we can go sit now like she was almost doing us a favor. So screw her and this place. read more

I'd heard about this place years ago and finally had the chance to go last weekend. We went around 8pm with a group of 6 people and were very lucky to get seated within about 5 minutes of arriving. When we left 45 minutes later, there was a line up the stairs. The place only seats maybe 30-40 or so people tops if I had to guess, so we were lucky to get in quickly. The theme, presentation of cocktail menu and intermittent performances are all really weird and interesting (without giving too much away) - although I'm sure others have posted in their reviews. I ordered a scotch cocktail that was okay- not phenomenal, but I think everyone in our group enjoyed their drinks overall. They also had a $6 or $7 shot of the day which was Makers Mark which we took advantage of before departing. Definitely a fun and different bar to try out if you haven't been to a speakeasy. read more

***THE MANAGER EMBARRASSED THE ONLY TWO WOMEN OF COLOR AT THE VENUE. Manager is an embarrassment. Be prepared to sit for one show and be expected to leave. The performing talent was beautiful, the cocktails were good and the service was okay for a busy Saturday night. The manager came around after my table of four had been seated for nearly FOUR HOURS, spent $100 EACH, food and drinks for everyone, and was presented with the cheque without asking and insisted, after another guest and I asked for two more cocktails, that we were going to be pushed to the back of the room if THE WHOLE TABLE didn't order cocktails. NONE of that behavior was exhibited to other customers as none of them stayed for longer than an hour. She attempted to defend herself by claiming that the staff "continued to ask us if we wanted anything else" WHILE WE STILL HAD FULL DRINKS IN FRONT OF US. That "the tab had closed" WITHOUT US ASKING FOR IT, and that "They needed the space!" AFTER TWO OF US HAD ORDERED FRESH DRINKS AND ASKED FOR WATER and just wanted to enjoy our time. ***I'd like to be clear: we were quiet during stage performances while men were leering and recording on their phones some of the loveliest singers. I'm absolutely disgusted at the behavior of the manager. AWFUL way to treat women and an absolutely ATROCIOUS way to treat WOC who had to slink out of the bar out of embarrassment in front of an entirely white crowd. Seriously. SHAME ON YOU. read more

Went here on Friday night around 9 pm. The Drifter is actually in the basement of the Green Door Tavern. You go down the stairs and knock on an unmarked door. The Drifter is super small so if it's full you give them your name and they text you once you have a spot. One of the few pros of the bar is it's likely one of the few bars in the neighborhood that you're not packed into on a Friday night. We waited about 45 minutes before we got the text that they were ready for us. The drinks were fairly unremarkable and the bartender wasn't very nice or friendly. If you are looking for a bar with a cool speakeasy vibe I would recommend Untitled over this place. Definitely not a good place to bring a large group of friends. read more

Very quaint speakeasy. I loved the burlesque theme and variety entertainment. The playing cards with specific cocktails were a very unique touch. The bartenders were very attentive. read more

The Drifter - Speakeasies Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

I totally missed the door. Hint: It's NOT the black door next to the men's bathroom. Also, don't knock, then you just look silly and you're just the weirdo staring into the men's bathroom. For those who do find the door just at the foot of the stairs, you immediately enter a small underground, brick room with a capacity of 37. They check ID upon arrival and ask if you prefer bar or table. I had a party of 3 but was the first to arrive and had no issues getting seated. Also, I arrived at 5:15 on a Thursday in a panic that it'd be packed. Nope, not at all. The crowds came around 8pm. The menu is on tarot cards; menu changes every so often. Small menu, but preferred it. My drinks were delicious. Both evenly balanced and crafted. They have very small food dishes. We ordered the bacon wrapped dates and salt & vinegar chickpeas. I suggest the chickpeas. Light and salty. Awesome atmosphere. Dark and cozy. We sat right next to the stage. Around 7:30 there was a short, 20 minute hula hoop performance. It was a pleasant surprise. Fridays and Saturdays are their busiest nights so I suggest coming early. I had no issues on a Thursday 15 minutes after their opening. GREAT service, staff was knowledgeable, helpful and attentive. This place is not best for large groups. read more

Very cool set up in the basement of The Green Door, and something probably a lot of people would never even know was going on downstairs. Neat drink menu by posting individual drinks on a tarot card and regular prices (about $12 per cocktail) that you would get anywhere else in the city. Definitely don't agree with a $5 cover charge per person to cover the cost of "entertainment though." We were there on a Saturday night around 730p and stayed for an hour and saw a 5 minute belly dance. Would have made more sense if we had come back later in the night, but when not doing that paying the cover is definitely a rip-off. Check out if you are looking for something different from the regular bar/pub, but be prepared to pay out. read more

We were excited to try this speakeasy. Needless to say the doorman left us uneasy. As they can only accommodate a certain amount of people, you have to put your name on a waiting list. The doorman told us to have a drink upstairs until he would text us when a table was available. The second we received our drinks order at The Green Tavern and only waiting less than 5 minutes, my friend received the text saying our table was ready. So we cashed-out and walked back down stairs. The doorman then told us that we weren't allowed to bring out drinks into The Drifter- after we had just paid for them 2 minutes earlier. We had to either leave our full drinks outside or lose the table. I had asked him why he didn't inform the group when we sent us upstairs that we couldn't bring them down again? He then preceded to have a hissy fit about how we couldn't bring 'outside' drinks in from Green Door Tavern. Bear in mind that both The Drifter and Green Door Tavern have the same owner and both are in the same establishment. Half our party went back upstairs to finish our drinks and the other half sat and waiting downstairs. When we came back down to join the rest of the party, the doorman said whilst rolling his eyes: "Oh you two again- fine, join your party". The two stars are for the decor and the drinks- the drinks were very tasty and fun idea with the tarot cards. The show however was a huge disappointment and could have been a lot more entertaining. We found out only later that we were charged a cover fee that we were not informed about upon entry. If it wasn't for the rude doorman, we might have had a better evening. read more

Amazing! To locate: enter the Green Door Tavern, walk straight through avoiding eye contact with waitstaff, head for doorway with stairwell marked with bathroom signs, open door disguised as bookcase. Show ID, and if they have room, you're in! Very intimate space (seating for about 25?). Cocktails of the night are displayed on Tarot Cards (7 each night) for you to choose from, as well as a menu of beers, wine, and finger foods. Cover charge was waived since we showed prior to the live show (starts at 8pm pm on Thursdays) and cocktails are $12/drink. The waitstaff know the cocktails well and will give input for whatever you are feeling or whatever you normally drink. Serve water with drinks and constantly refill them. Will return! read more

The Drifter - McFlurry, Sibling Rivalry, Tall Tumbler (?), Sibling Rivalry - Speakeasies Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

Loved this place! Was such a great find for our visit to Chicago! We went early which I think helped with getting good seats at the bar and quick service. Came in right when a ukulele performer came up and it was such a nice surprise. The performances are great too because they aren't too long so you can enjoy the entertainment but also have time to chat with the people you came with. Drinks overall were nothing too exciting, but the kitschy location made up for the quickly. Go early and enjoy! read more