We stopped by the Victor Bar after dinner on Saturday for our first visit. It is a small place with a booth running the length of the bar and stools along the bar. We had to wait for a few minutes for a seat but got scored two seats at the bar. We tried several cocktails including a dealers choice one based on green chartreuse and one with mezcal, both of which showed off the bartenders skills. Highly recommend!! read more

Victor Bar is very cute!! I was very impressed by the cocktails and the service from Caesar was phenomenal! Definitely will return! read more

The Victor Bar - Cocktail Bars Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

So great for date night. The vibe is sexy romantic and I love it. Service is great and there's street parking. Seating is limited but they try their best to accommodate you. The drinks are amazing. read more

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I loved our time at The Victor Bar, the moment I walked in, I was amazed at the decoration and the intimacy of this bar. I was looking for a speakeasy kind of feel for Halloween and Victor's gave just that. The place is low lit and very intimate, the best part was that it wasn't insanely loud. The crowd was enjoying their drinks and conversation which was refreshing from the usual bar scene. I loved the drinks as well, we had two drinks and each one was a hit. I will say they are strong but very tasty. I'd definitely stop by again. read more

The Victor Bar - Cocktail Bars Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

I love The Victor Bar! We went with friends and they recommended here. Spent a lot of time enjoying the low-lit room. Ambience was perfect. Staff is very attentive, even with a full house. I forgot the names of our drinks from last time but I think "on the grass" was the name of one. We sampled quite a bit so, even though we got a little forgetful, the experience we remember and it's what keeps bringing us back! read more

The Victor Bar - Thyme-Piece & Curious Traveler - Cocktail Bars Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

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Had been excited to visit and finally was in the neighborhood- it was a busy Friday night so we stood at the front and ordered drinks to wait for a table. We were told two tables were coming open for our party of 4. The first table opened and half our party was seated no problem. The next table opened and we were seated by one staff member, then the bartender Caesar came over and told us the table was for somebody who had been waiting. I replied oh I think it was for us, the other person sat us here. He said "no you seated yourself you have to move." So we stood up and spoke to the other staff member. Another table in the corner opened and she directed us there. Again, Caesar came and told us that we could not just seat ourselves and nobody told us we could sit there. He was incredibly rude to our party. The other staff member then spoke to him beside the bar and he was visibly rude and dismissive to her. A group that arrived after us was then seated, so we finished the drinks we ordered standing beside the other half of our party's table. While standing, three seats opened at the bar. Again, multiple other parties who had been waiting tried to sit there, only to be rudely denied by Caesar. The three bar seats remained empty for the next 15 minutes while people stood throughout the bar waiting for... Caesar's permission? The other staff member (I believe her name was Shan) was very kind and understanding and was clearly put in an awkward position multiple times. We won't go back. read more

Stopped by after dinner on a Saturday night. Place was pretty full. It's small but cozy. There's seats at the bar. But also booth seating that faces the bar. We were greeted by a server who took us to a corner standing spot at the bar. We were reviewing the menu when another staff member greeted us and asked if we had just arrived and if we took our selves there. It was a very weird and awkward interaction which is why I'm giving this 3 stars. She stated she sits people and had this spot for another couple ( there was no one else waiting when we arrived) she then said nevermind and told us we could stay... We ordered our drinks which were delicious!!! I had the use it or lose it and my friend got the Spanish caravan. She then moved us to a booth. Over all great drinks but interesting interaction. read more

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A very cool cocktail bar with sophisticated drinks and friendly staff. I tried three cocktails (unfortunately I don't recall all their names) but each was excellently crafted, complicated flavors, and fresh ingredients were used. We never had to wait to be served, the staff were attentive and as soon as we neared the end of a drink the bartender came by and asked if we wanted more. We arrived here at 6:45 and the bar was pretty empty, by 7:00 it was full and by 8:00 people were standing / waiting for seats to open up (definitely try to get in earlier to secure a seat). I would recommend this spot for a fun date, happy hour, or to anyone who loves a great martini. Please note the menu is drinks only (no food). The ambience is cool minimalist in design but sophisticated. read more

The Victor Bar - Example cocktail - Cocktail Bars Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

What an absolutely gorgeous, little jewel-box bar of cocktail goodness. It's small, intimate, yet has a good amount of seating. It's in a sort of weird area off Irving Park, but that's okay - it's a more mysterious, yet festive world inside. The cocktails are predictably expensive - but delicious and well crafted. The beautiful bartender, with her gorgeous botanical illustration tattoos, was personable and friendly, even as she was quite busy, concentrating on making complicated cocktails for a good size crowd. Really beautiful place, perfect for an elegant after-grocery-shopping cocktail. I'll be back. read more

The Victor Bar - The Bandit. THREE types of rum! - Cocktail Bars Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

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Came across this place on a random Saturday and were pleased with the service and our experience! The bartenders (Cesar was exceptional) were keeping busy but very attentive and professional. You wanna talk hidden gem, here it is. Cheers read more

Drinks were very good and decently priced! Staff was really nice as we had to wait for a table but still got us drinks while we waited! read more

The Victor Bar - Cocktail Bars Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

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I never regret stopping by here. The cocktails are always great and the bartenders are always super nice. It's one of the simpler things they have, but their Gin Old Fashioned is my favorite (but honestly all of the cocktails I've ever had here are great!). read more

The Victor Bar - Gin Old Fashioned (left) - Cocktail Bars Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

I visited this bar and was extremely disappointed by the experience. I came in, paid for my drink, and waited patiently for a seat while trying to be respectful. Meanwhile, other guests were loud, aggressive, and disrespectful--screaming and causing a scene--yet somehow I was treated like the problem. They didn't wanna serve me anymore . The staff was rude and dismissive instead of managing the situation. This place clearly doesn't know how to create a welcoming or respectful environment. I won't be returning. read more

Came last night for some drinks with friends. Sat in a booth. Had a good view of the people making the drinks and people sitting at the bar. It was a Saturday night. Lights are dim, not too dim. Hadn't heard of the bar before my friends invited me. Seems like a great date spot.I ordered the Thunder in Pearadise. My drink was balanced, somewhat sweet; not too sweet. Waiters were good at refilling water and being welcoming. read more

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Charming place to grab a drink or two. Enjoy drinks by candlelight. Fun yet romantic vibes .

As others have said, the atmosphere of this place is incredibly dark and moody. It's a fairly small spot, but didn't have trouble finding a spot to sit down. I ordered the cocktail that had the name "anxiety" in it and it tasted fairly of cough syrup - definitely was a pleasant drink. However , I imagine some of the other options on the menu may have suited me better! read more

This place has become one of my favorite cocktail bars in the city! I got introduced to it late 2021 by some friends and they were right about its awesomeness. Located a couple of blocks from the Irving Park brown line station or right off the Damon bus at Irving Park Rd, its very easy to find. The place isnt very big and can get crowded at times, but you will notice there is a nice flow here where seats at the bar or tables open up. The staff is really good at managing folks that have waited longer to get a seat. I like the old fashioned here as they do a great job with it. My favorite drink here is the Used Book. The Used Book is Rye, strawberry, cynar, meletti and angostura bitters. A very delicious cocktail and now one of my favorites. Bartenders and servers are very cool here and the menu is great! You can definitely come here solo, with friends or a hot date! I can dig it!!! read more

The Victor Bar - Me and some friends enjoying Used Book - Cocktail Bars Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

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Top tier cocktails in a super relaxed environment. I wish this could be a regular stop for me. Unfortunately, a lot of other people feel the same way and since it's a small space, getting a seat can be a real challenge at times. Good for them, bad for me. I need to start drinking earlier in the day I guess. read more

I was denied entry. Hey, I am a a 64 hear old with my wife who has neuropathy. The mgr said that they woulld not let us in due to my wife not getting of out of the cab the way she did. RIDICULOUS decision. Will NEVER go back. management is trash - stay away. read more

Great atmosphere, nice signature drinks. Great place to take a date for cocktails and conversation. read more

The Victor Bar - Cocktail Bars Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

Really cool atmosphere, great place for cocktails, and unique ones at that. even if you just order one and sit there and watch them make the rest of the cocktails it's a very cool experience. The place isn't large, it's cozy. I don't know what it looks like when it gets packed but I was there in the middle of the day on the weekend and the crowd was pretty manageable. Really fun place if you're in the area and you like craft cocktails. read more

A small dark mysterious bar give you a feeling of dark fairytale. The cocktail here is damn strong could knock you within 3 glass. No TV or pool good if you wanna have a conversation or a date night. The bartender here are professional as well could give you recommendation according to your needs. Love the harry potter vibes here read more

The Victor Bar - BEHAVE YOURSELF - Cocktail Bars Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

Great ambiance & service! Delicious cocktails , the guys there made us feel at home & we can't wait to go back!

We love coming here for date night. The ambiance is so romantic and intimate. The bartenders are always so kind and super informative. The drinks are always a 10/10 every time we've been there. read more

The Victor Bar - Bar area - Cocktail Bars Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

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Really great cocktail menu and staff. I love that they have a "trust your bartender" cocktail option where they just make you something based on your tastes! I had On The Grass and Behave Yourself. Loved both but On The Grass was my fave! Fiancé had the Fire In The Hole and something else that I forgot, but the fire in the hole was excellent! Nice layering of sweet spicy and smoky. It was super busy at like 10 pm on a Saturday but we were able to sit. Some larger groups left though after not finding a spot. It's super dark in there so don't go if you want to read or see your date lol. read more

This is my new go to and I'm so happy it's somewhat close by. The way I describe it is a New Orleans dark corner of an old hotel. Definitely dont come here to read or see far away but they say we all look better in dim lighting anyway. The bar staff is always super nice and amenable, haven't made my goal yet of becoming best friends with them but it's because they're all the fancy art school older sibling of your friend. read more

Love the SpeakEasy type of old school ambiance this place has. The drinks were really good, especially the mezcal cucumber drink. The place is small but the bartenders and workers were very friendly and attentive. read more

The Victor Bar - Cocktail Bars Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

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Holy moly mother of. This is the most tastefully stunning cocktail bar in Chicago. It is dark AF. If you have anything less than 20/20 vision, and certainly if you have night blindness - or, God forbid, if you are drunk - you won't be able to see anything. Trust me though, it's gorgeous. Had a delightful digestif consisting of fernet, vermouth, and gin. My friend had some grassy amazingness with celery juice, lime, basil, etc. The wallpaper in the bathroom rocked my world. Some barely visible maroonish and golden peacock composite. The music ranged from appropriately ethereal EDM to acceptably morose Depeche Mode. The candy on the way out hit the spot. Classy AF. I imagine a tortuously competitive shitshow on the weekends. Go on a Monday. read more

The Victor Bar - Cocktail Bars Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

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Very sophisticated cocktails therefore not the taste for most. Great service and seated quickly!

Have been getting the cocktails to-go the past 2 months every couple weeks. They are great!! I cannot make a good cocktail for shit. I have all the bells and whistles at home but it always just tastes bad and unbalanced lololol. The bottle and tag they provide is cute. They do say the cocktail can last a couple days in the fridge but I usually have the whole thing in one night oopsie. I really like the Fire in the Hole. I've also tried the Rush Hour and one of the grapefruit/gin forward options. Highly recommend for pick-up. Don't forget to tip! read more

The Victor Bar - Drinks to-go at home - Cocktail Bars Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

As we slowly and cautiously return to our favorite haunts, I made a point of stopping by an old favorite. Just as intimate and special as I remember it, I asked the bartender for his favorite drink, and this beauty didn't disappoint. Try anything on the menu though, they're all pretty fantastic. read more

The Victor Bar - Cocktail Bars Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

Amazing unique cocktails and great low key vibe. True neighborhood gem. Great knowledge bartenders! read more

The Victor Bar - Cocktail Bars Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

I really wanted to like this place. Kentucky Waterfall on the left, Used Book on the right. Both really good. Sadly, the two servers are beyond UNFRIENDLY or maybe just tired. When I told the first bartender it was our first time here he barely acknowledged us. The second bartender barely raised an eyebrow at us, even tho he made a mean cocktail. We r part of the industry and enjoyed the atmosphere but the two bartenders come across as massive dicks. I usually give a spot two chances...don't think I will here. Victor's Cocktail Bar #victorcocktail bummed... read more

The Victor Bar - Kentucky Waterfall & Used Book - Cocktail Bars Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

I enjoyed watching how a bartender made cocktails. The interior was classic and I liked its not too bright lights. Each naming was unique and probably around $15 per cocktail. Good mood and luxury, so it would be good for dating. read more

The Victor Bar - Behave Yourself - Cocktail Bars Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

A must place to visit for inventive and delicious cocktails! Outside it doesn't seem like anything special but that quickly changes as soon as you come in. I recommend sitting at the bar so you can actually see the cocktails being prepared. The music was a bit loud but perfect for this atmosphere. The bartenders are great and very knowledgeable. Will have to come back to try rest of the cocktails. read more

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Even though I'm not quite giving it 5 stars, this bar is like a 4.5 in my book. The drinks are always SO GOOD here, the bartenders are awesome, and I like how enjoyable this place is. I don't mind that it's dark inside here, either. The only thing that can be annoying here at times is how loud the music can get(and only reason it's a hair short of 5 stars), but I overlook that issue since the drinks are nice here. The bathrooms are clean here, which is another plus. Remember this place doesn't serve food, and it is BYO food if you come here. Just know around here there aren't a lot of 24/7 places to eat except Diner Grill(closer to Irving and Ashland), so just be advised if you do come here. I should probably come during earlier hours for a drink before going to other places more often, and when it's less crowded here. Since lol the older I get, the more I think I'm becoming less of a late night person. Versus years ago, when I was a lot more like that. read more

Fun vibe. Small bar with great cocktails and other offerings and great ambiance. Would recommend!

Not sure if this was just an off night or perhaps by not sitting at the bar my words were getting lost in translation, but in the past, the "dealer's choice" was more collaborative where you could give some notes on what you were looking for and they would come back with an amazing inventive cocktail - past experiences have been 5 stars. Last night, I asked for the dealer's choice and said I had a ginger cocktail at Love Street, their sister bar, that was almost like a gimlet, but ginger instead of lime. I get my cocktail and it's exactly a gimlet, no ginger. So I think, maybe they misheard me or maybe they've changed how they do things. So I ask if the format has changed, this drink isn't really what I had in mind. They say no, they're happy to try again. I clarify what I'm looking for; the drink I had at Love Street was actually a take on a South Side, but really I just want a "ginger-forward" cocktail made with a clear alcohol - the only requirement is that the taste of ginger comes through. I get back essentially a gimlet + a south side, as in gin, vodka, lime, mint, cucumber, and maybe a splash of pineapple, but NO ginger. I had the people I was with taste it to confirm I hadn't recently lost the ability to taste herbaceous perennials - I had not. At this point I'm a little baffled so I just smile and nod, making a mental note that this place is not what it was; I'll stick to Love Street. Also, I got charged for both cocktails, which was a little annoying. All this being said, if you're looking for a high quality cocktail that's *on the menu* this place still does that really well. read more

I will keep this intro short and sweet, the Victor Bar is absolutely amazing and I highly suggest checking it out. I have recently become a huge fan of cocktail bars and kept seeing solid reviews for this place. We decided to come here on Friday, 9/27/19, and were really glad we did. We got here at about 8pm and were able to snag some seats at the bar. We were met by a very friendly bar staff l, given menus and some water. We ordered a drink called "On the Grass" which is honestly one of the best cocktails I have ever had. It has Gin, celery, lime, lavender honey and some other things. The drink was absolutely unreal. Tasted great, made well and very refreshing. A couple things to note... there is decent street parking here, but not a lot a parking lot. It's also a smaller place and does get crowded (because it rocks) so plan your trip accordingly. This is an absolute gem of a cocktail bar in Chicago and a must visit. I'm plotting my return trip since there is a tequila drink that looks awesome I want to try. read more

The Victor Bar - Amazing - Cocktail Bars Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

Solid cocktail bar. They have amazing drinks on the menu and the place has a cool vibe to it. Definitely one of my favorite cocktail bars in Chicago. read more

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