I am a lover of speakeasy's, but not all are created equal. Some are fun and interactive, while others are just go up and sit down. The Gatsby was not one of those spots. They give you clues on how to get upstairs and into the room as well as a password, which was so fun! Our server was amazing and played the part of a 1920s speakeasy very well. She recommended drinks to us, which was highlighted by the Nora Old Fashioned that our server helped create. It was amazing!! We also had the truffle pizza and shrimp cocktail that were booth yummy. The ambiance, especially at night with all the candles on, was perfect. I'd highly recommend coming here if you like these types of places. Well done Gatsby!! read more

The Gatsby - Speakeasies Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

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What a cool speakeasy! So mysterious, so demure, and yet so chill. They served up one of the best mocktails I've ever had. While I can't remember the name, I do know it had ginger, honey, lemon and a nice kick to it as well. By the time my friend and I got there, the kitchen was closed but I can't wait to return again to try out their food. If there drinks were any indication, I'm sure their bites are just as delicious. I don't want to give anything away from the entrance experience but just know it's really, really cool. read more

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We have been the Gatsby Speakeasy twice and loved it both times! The first time we stumbled upon it and didn't have reservations. We were able to get in after not too long of a wait to sit at the bar. While we loved our experience sitting at the bar, we intentionally got table reservations the second time via Tock and that worked perfectly! We paired our visit with Zoolights since it is so close to the Zoo. First of all, the riddle and search for the hidden door with a pass code to get into the Speakeasy is such fun! It really gets you into the mood of a speakeasy. And once you make your way in after solving the riddle and providing the correct passcode, you enter into a beautifully decorated candle lit speakeasy with cherrywood furniture and bookshelves filled with old books. The old candles dripping with candle wax and historic art really add to the overall vibe. It truly is an experience from start to finish! While you can get some small bites and flatbreads, we have only ordered drinks. They keep their drink list rotating to keep it fresh and exciting for your visit. I started with the "Patchwork Girl" which was refreshing, citrusy, and umami. My husband got the "Nora's old fashioned" which was a gin take on an old fashioned. He loved it! For our second drinks, I got "A Dame to Kill For" which was a smoky and decadent Manhattan. It was my favorite of the two. My husband got the Maplewood Son of Juice beer. While the menu doesn't list the beers, they always have 4-6 on tap. The staff were extremely friendly and knowledgeable, the space is clean and chic, and prices are reasonable for the high quality product. We love The Gatsby Speakeasy and look forward to our next visit! read more

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A fabulous speakeasy hidden in Lincoln Park - enter by riddle inside a book case. The drinks are delicious and they make a mean mocktail. Walk ins available but I recommend a reservation (your $ goes towards drinks/food) read more

The Gatsby - Speakeasies Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

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You apparently REALLY need a reservation? We were literally turned away at the door by the hostess. We showed up as a party of 6 at 7:45p for a pre-dinner cocktail, and were not even given a wait time. Upon inquiring what was available, b/c we were willing to be in and out in 30 mins and drop a few hundred on drinks, the hostess said they had two 2-tops available and, direct quote, "I need every person with a butt in a seat." So I guess don't assume "speakeasy" to imply a bar and the associated seating capacity. Every other speakeasy I've ever been to in my life has had a large bar, with seating and standing room, slanging tasty drinks. This place definitely does not have the former. Unfortunate I could not determine if they had the latter. Kind of insane honestly. read more

The Gatsby - A thumbs down from inside the party bus on which our party arrived. - Speakeasies Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

We came in here late on a Saturday as walk-ins and managed to make it in before last call. When you go upstairs they give you a password to get into the speakeasy. We were seated at the bar and our bartender Steph was awesome and understood the assignment for what we were looking for drink wise when we asked for recommendations!! The drinks were so well made and delicious + boozy which is everything I look for in a cocktail! Ambiance: my husband and I came here with another couple. It's a great date spot or group hangout, but it's a smaller space so I'd really recommend a reservation if in a larger party! It's dimly lit and has a moody vibe while still being approachable and not too loud. Overall we LOVED The Gatsby and plan to be back!! Give it a try if you haven't already! read more

Exploring the speak easys of Chicago, The Gatsby in Lincoln Park brings a special literary allure. Outfitted with a fireplace, library, parlor and bar, the place feels authentically like transporting to the turn of the century, old time world you'll be uttering Old Sport to the person walking by. It's like sitting in a museum. I liked the soft music playing in the background, at least during happy hour, it's a change of pace from most bars. Specials listed are margarita, martini and old fashioned. Walk-ins welcome during HH. A few beer and wine options were available as well as their regular menu and small bites. The regular drink menu is broken down by writings of Ernest Hemingway. If you're a book nerd, this place would be fun to visit. The cocktails were okay for me and on the higher end (regular ice cubes). I enjoyed the Garden of Eden with the detectable matcha. Hummus and bacon wrapped dates were just fine, nothing special. At 7pm the doors close up and reservations and possibly a secret word required. read more

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While in town for the weekend some girlfriends & I decided to check out The Gatsby. The speakeasy is located upstairs & it's revealed after solving a few puzzles. From beginning to end I loved how in character the entire staff was. They really made the experience everything. The drinks were great, very unique & they're able to provide recommendations on trying something new. The snacks we had were also really tasty, I loved the bacon wrapped dates. Overall it was a great night out. I could see this being an awesome birthday party spot as well. read more

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I live in the Logan Square neighborhood of Chicago and I love having so many neat craft cocktail bars within walking distance. I've been trying to make more of an effort to find similar bars to the ones I like in my neighborhood (quiet, dimly lit, good quality cocktail ingredients, etc.) in other neighborhoods like Lincoln Park. I've been to The Gatsby twice and have enjoyed both experiences. The first time I came was on a weekday with one other person as a walk-in. For my second visit, I booked a reservation for 5 people earlier in the week. You can book reservations on their website for up to 7 people, which is convenient. You enter the Gatsby through the entrance of the Bourgeois Pig Cafe. Once you connect with the host, they will give you instructions for getting into the Gatsby. The menu offers a good variety of spirits and has drinks to fit almost any flavor profile. Most of the cocktails tend to be more spirit-forward. If you need a sweet treat, they often have items available that they can bring you from the Bourgeois Pig Cafe downstairs. Once you sit down, you can ask them about the items that are still available. The Gatsby is great for a date or for a gathering with a group of friends. read more

Husband and I took my best friend and his new fiancé here to celebrate their engagement while we were in town to visit them. We had a fabulous time! The drinks were excellent and the bites were great! We had the bacon-wrapped dates and charcuterie board. Service by Stephanie (I think that was their name) was excellent as well. Overall a super fun chill evening! read more

The Gatsby - BFF and me - Speakeasies Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

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Gatsby Speakeasy was easily my favorite bar that I tried during my trip to Chicago. I went around 7:30 on a weekend and had no trouble getting seated without a reservation, but it's worth noting this was early January so this may not be the case during busier months. The Wizard of Oz themed drinks were fun and although they were a little pricey I felt they were definitely worth the cost. I also got one of the tarte flambee's (think flatbread pizza) and it was delicious. The staff was very friendly and I chatted with the manager and bartenders quite a bit. Highly recommend to anyone looking for great drinks and a unique vibe. read more

Truly cannot recommend this place enough! It is above the bourgeoisie coffee shop in Lincoln Park and fits the vibe perfectly. I went here on a date and we got walk-in seats at the bar around 630. They give you a clue before you go in and you have to find your way into the bar. There is even a password to get in. If you love books like I do, then you will love this literary bar. They have four different menus year and each corresponds with a different book. Currently the spring menu is Alice in Wonderland themed. The service was great! They were very friendly and talkative. We loved the atmosphere and it feels very 20s esc Overall, this is such a good date place or a place to take your book, loving friends. read more

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i am OBSESSED with the gatsby speakeasy drinks, specifically the grasshopper drink or whatever one has the pistachio crème. i haven't stopped thinking about it since i went for my birthday with some friends and i will absolutely will be back. the ambiance is really moody/romantic with dim lighting. the riddle seems to be the same-ish every time (ive only been twice) but it's still fun to have that speakeasy experience. the staff is friendly! the drinks are definitely on the expensive side but they're worth it for a splurge. read more

The Gatsby - Speakeasies Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

Definitely need a reservation but recommend trying this spot! It's fun and very on theme. Drinks are good and staff is very attentive. Space is a little crowded. read more

Super cozy experience at the Gatsby! We snagged a reservation same day on a Friday. Enter in the Bourgeois Pig and check in at the host stand for instructions on how to get inside (fun riddle/puzzle!) The menu is a good size with some fun cocktails. Our server was super sweet and helped us out with some recommendations! Loved the ambiance that was like sitting in your grandparents' library: candlelight, so many books, antiques, comfy couches. read more

This was such a fun speakeasy to visit! I made a Friday night reservation for 8:30pm and highly recommend making one. When we arrived our waitress said they were booked solid for the entire night so I'd imagine a very long wait without a reservation. When we first checked in we were given a paper with a clue to find the speakeasy's entrance and then had to give a password to actually enter. It was a fun and interactive way to start the night. Once inside we were seated and given the speciality cocktail menu. They have a full bar and can make pretty much anything! My husband ordered a draft beer and I had the bartender create a minty mocktail for myself. Both drinks were cold and crisp! I would definitely like to try a speciality cocktail next time. There is also a small food menu consisting of small bites. We ordered the Devils on Horseback which are bacon wrapped dates stuffed with goat cheese. These were very savory and full of flavor. While I know the focus of this speakeasy is on drinks rather than food, I think it would be nice if they offered a couple of dessert options! My husband and I enjoyed the atmosphere and would love to come back with a group! read more

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TL; DR: Great cocktails, cool entrance, and awesome waiters I loved this place. Nora was a great waitress and really knew her menu and loved her suggestions. The ambience is great and would love to go back in the winter time. The drinks are delicious and they don't break the bank. This is a great place to come, drink, and enjoy each others company read more

What a fun speakeasy! Fun little riddle and hidden entrance to make your way in and o de your in the vibes are so cool! Our waiter was great he was fairly new, still training and in our opinion did a great job and was able to help us choose some fun drinks based on our preferences! I did the grasshopper drunk which I thought tasted a lot like mint chocolate chip ice cream ! read more

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Love the concept of solving a riddle to enter the speakeasy. The lighting and ambiance are great. The shelves of books and old antique furniture definitely fits the Gatsby theme. Shared a bottle of wine and got a sweet treat to go with it. It gets busy so try to make a reservation before going read more

The Gatsby - Chocolate cake - Speakeasies Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

Seriously this place is the coolest place in Chicago. Reservations only but so worth the wait. Modelled on the olden days where speakeasy's were the thing... take yourself back in time and enjoy the ride. From the moment you check in with your secret password, it's an experience to remember and cherish. It helps that the cocktails are out of this world as well - tasty, complex and absolutely delicious! Light snacks are available as well. The atmosphere here take your back in time from the carefully curated decor to the music. Service is outstanding. Everything is explained in detail and all questions are answered with grace and eloquence like what you expect in days past. If you get a reservation, don't give it up. It's so worth it! read more

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Bourgeois Pig is one of my favorite coffee shops, so I was so excited to try the Gatsby! My one complaint with the whole experience was the entry experience was kind of awkward. We had a 9pm reservation and still had to wait 20+ minutes to be let up to our table. One of our friends was meeting us there and they were super weird about someone joining late. I think they need a better flow for groups and seating. Logistics aside, I really enjoyed the atmosphere and the drinks here! Our server was super enthusiastic and explained the intentionality behind each drink. We came at the beginning of their spring/ summer menu which is Alice in Wonderland themed and it was cool to hear all the thought and tweaking that has gone into each drink on the menu. It helped me really understand and appreciate the quality and craftsmanship of the cocktails. I got the Cheshire Grin which has a "surprise unlisted ingredient" to it that I won't spoil but I loved this cocktail!! It was very citrusy and bitter which I liked rather than it being too sweet as many fruity drinks are. The Aquafaba foam was lovely and so was the presentation. It was really strong too! Drink was 5 stars! Definitely a fun spot to try out / come for an occasion. Not somewhere I'd come all the time (don't even try to walk in without a reservation). read more

The Gatsby - Cheshire Grin - Speakeasies Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

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The cocktails were great and the staff was friendly! Absolutely loved the real speakeasy feel vibes with solving the riddle to get inside! Would highly recommend! read more

Really cool speakeasy and perfect spot to grab fancy drinks or wine in Lincoln park! Our waitress was very nice and helpful in explaining the drinks and allowing us to try bartender's choice. We also got a charcuterie board for two, which had a nice selection of snacks to munch on. I would've preferred a tequila or mezcal option on the menu but was able to get the bartender's version of a spicy margarita instead. read more

The Gatsby - Charcuterie board for two - Speakeasies Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

Awesome awesome and awesome... Good drinks!! Service was excellent... My GF and I had amazing time

I had a fantastic time here! I took the gamble of bringing some out of town friends for my first time and was not let down! We arrived and put our name in, and told we would need to wait. We had a drink outside by the fire which was wonderful! After about 15 minutes we were let up.. I won't spoil the entrance. But it's fun! The drinks were fabulous - I did a dealers choice and the waitress was so kind to really pick my mind for something I'd like. We also had the bacon wrapped dates and they were phenomenal! All of the drinks are very unique and change weekly - I believe! The drinks are pricey so don't come here if you're expecting something cheap. read more

The Gatsby - The atmosphere - Speakeasies Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

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The place was 2/3 empty but they shooed us away after 90 min because they "need the table" (I point to a dozen empty tables and no new customers) "no we need this exact table" - please. Ordered $60 in food so we were spending. Would have been nice to know we "only had 15 minutes" BEFORE we ordered the 2nd round of drinks. I guess their goal is to make less money. The server was cordial, but the manager was rude and aggressive. Dude, I'm not going to argue with you to spend money here. I'll just spend elsewhere. And if you really do need the table, there's a classy way to move patrons to the bar but apparently that's too advanced of a skill for this guy. Because of that, I won't be back and I'm warning others. read more

stopped by for a quick drink, i believe our server was Nora. she was so charismatic and personable it was a delight! we didn't stay long because their kitchen was closed but i would love to come back to try their escargot puffs next time i'm back in chicago. the ambiance was absolutely stunning & a huge highlight of this place! i wish the riddle to get to the speakeasy was a little harder to figure out but thats not a knock to them, i just love a good riddle. read more

Shocking Racism at Gatsby Speakeasy - An Unbelievable Nightmare! Our anticipation was sky-high as we stepped into Gatsby Speakeasy, ready to be transported to the enchanting world of the Roaring Twenties. Little did we know that this experience would quickly turn into a horrifying encounter with blatant racism. Clara Rose, the delightful hostess who greeted us, set the stage for what we thought would be an unforgettable evening. With instructions and a secret password in hand, we ventured upstairs through a maze of intriguing puzzles and hidden doors. But our excitement turned to dismay when we came face-to-face with a blonde woman behind one of these doors. Instead of welcoming us warmly, she rudely scolded us for knocking - something we thought was part of the immersive experience. Confused but determined to play along, my boyfriend tried speaking up while I possibly uttered the secret password. To our shock and disbelief, this woman loudly accused us in front of other guests of screaming at her and disregarding directions displayed on nearby walls. The humiliation she subjected us to was reminiscent of a bygone era - treating us like outsiders simply because of our race. In stunned silence, my boyfriend and I tried explaining that it was our first time there and genuinely believed we were following instructions correctly. But instead of listening or showing any understanding, she slammed the door shut on us while plunging the room into darkness. Confused yet resolved not to let this racist treatment force us out from an inclusive space meant for all guests, I desperately flicked the light switch multiple times in hopes that someone would take notice. Finally relenting under pressure or due to witnesses observing her deplorable behavior through a small window panel on that door; she reopened it only long enough to accuse us again before demanding that we leave for questioning their authority. Her words filled with disdain towards people who look like me sent shivers down my spine; it felt unsafe staying within those walls any longer. Determined yet trapped between her hostility and seeking solace from Clara Rose downstairs; I mustered every ounce of strength and pushed past her forcefully demanding directions out while exposing how deeply racist this place truly felt in that moment. The manager Brian emerged after agonizing minutes from his secluded hideaway wearing smirks on his face - displaying his apathetic response towards customers who had been traumatized by bigotry within their establishment earlier during interactions with staff members like him. Tears streamed down my face as distress overwhelmed me at being treated as second-class solely based on skin color; Clara Rose provided comfort alongside assurances about management's intervention if necessary. It took far too long for Brian to address our grievances reluctantly - demanding specific instances deemed racist without grasping empathy or understanding systemic issues highlighted throughout our painful encounter here at Gatsby Speakeasy. We expected more than just 1920s ambiance but didn't anticipate living firsthand through such racial discrimination tonight serves as an intense reminder why battles against establishments perpetuating discrimination are worth fighting tirelessly until genuine inclusivity triumphs over prejudice masquerading under nostalgic themes present within this venue's decorum. read more

Tried this place a couple of times and really wanted to like it because of the vibe. The pastries and bakery items are not fresh or as good as they look, especially for the price. Ex. $7 for a slice of cake that tasted like a store bought cake from Walmart but you can buy that whole cake for $10 :/ read more

Cute concept with a riddle to enter. $10 per person for the reservation and costs us $50 for Brie, hummus and two drinks. Intimate setting and great for a date or catching up with a friend. read more

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Adorable speakeasy above one of Chicago's best sandwich shops. Enter the Bourgeois Pig to be greeted by the extremely friendly staff. They set the mood immediately by cultivating the story of the secret speakeasy upstairs. Take your slip of paper with a hint to the entrance and find your way back in time through the secret doorway leading to the speakeasy. Walls covered in real antique artwork and décor surround you as you indulge yourself with prohibition era cocktails from the delightful service staff. While the menu of house made cocktails offers plenty to catch your eye, I highly recommend the dealer's choice. The bar staff is highly educated on spirit history and blending. The cocktails are well balanced and stem from any of hundreds of classic cocktails to something more on the experimental side. Put your faith in their skills and learn a little about the history behind your drink. PS For a perfect date night idea, grab an amazing sandwich from the Bourgeois Pig below, then make your way upstairs for a nightcap or two read more

Love this cute speakeasy because you need a code & to solve the riddle to get in. Def recommend a rsvp so you don't have to wait or get turned away at the host station. Host and server were actually the sweetest people ever and kept checking in and recommending us drinks. Loved the drinks: Old Sport (for darker liquor fans) & Tender Curiosity (for sweet Smokey flavor). Will come again!! read more

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The atmosphere at The Gatsby is so cozy and intimate (but that doesn't mean you have to go with a date, it's a great place to take friends too). Each drink has been thoughtfully crafted, and the service is so personal. Everyone who works there seems like they genuinely care about the establishment and the experience. Easily my new favorite speakeasy in Chicago! read more

The Gatsby - Speakeasies Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

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The drinks were amazing & the atmosphere was very relaxing, but giving 3 stars because the drinks were extremely expensive! $17 for a cocktail!! Granted they were delicious but something I can't pay weekly. I live right around the corner and would love to make this my weekly bar but unfortunately with their prices I cannot. I also want to make mention that even though we had a reservation, we had to wait about 20-30 minutes to get upstairs. At that time we didn't know what the concept was so after we had to wait it made sense, but it threw us off to the point where we actually almost left. read more

The Gatsby - Speakeasies Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

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Phenomenal vibe, service and overall experience. The Manger was a genuine joy to laugh with.

Delightful cocktails service and ambiance. Would recommend! We ordered during the Hemingway theme and definitely enjoyed our evening read more

The Gatsby - Bar - Speakeasies Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

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We love the Gatsby!! Top recommendation for when we have guests :) They have a changing menu and we loved the Alice in Wonderland one so much and now they're on a Hemmingway themed menu :) If you have more than two people coming I would make a reservation! The woman who greats you at the stairs is the nicest and always improves our experience! Also every waiter/bartender we've had has been both super knowledgeable and very nice! Again, highly recommend! Oh and the inside is so comfy and cute and you can reserve the couches! read more

One of my fav date spots or place to bring friends for a different bar experience with unique cocktails.

Cute speakeasy! Great date night spot, the waiters are funny and sweet, and the cocktails were great. So happy I discovered this :) read more

The Gatsby - Speakeasies Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

This place is the worst thing in Chicago. My wife and I went to this speakeasy hoping for a good time and some drinks after a concert.. basically upon reaching the top floor we ran into an employee who I guess was having her worst day because she instantly made us feel unwelcome and there was like odd racial tension and we did not sign up for that at all. I never even got a drink. We left before anything because it was just a wow moment all around. read more