I love this place. Dark, mysterious, great drinks, cool staff, intimate and it has a fun decorated men's bathroom. And for the women who complain that they are treated poorly; I have never been witness to it. Also, how many bars in Chicago charge men admission with a "Ladies are free" policy. There are hundreds of bars in Chicago why make a big deal out of this one? read more

Folks try to pass this off as the "secret" bar they love to hide from their friends. This place is annoying, frankly. Cash only? Small as a bedroom? Uncomfortable seating? Sounds great. read more

Ah-Ha! I FOUND YOU! I've read up on Wang's for ages now, and always wondered where this mysterious bar is at?! I haven't been to Wakamono yet, so whenever I passed by the bar, I am always curious what's kept behind those ominous, tattered black doors... If you read Chinese, chances are you've snuggled up to Wang's main door during the day to read what those teared-down newspaper feature. *drum roll* The newspaper are from Hong Kong, discussing about the latest triad activities, the corrupt police force, and the numerous deaths involved in a recent incident. How shady's that?!?! May this is why I didn't discover Wang's till this week, 7months overdue since I moved into the neighborhood! Once entered, you will find the strangest combination of Rush Hour movie set + Shanghai street bits + fancy upscale martinis. Very strange indeed. You are greeted by 2 red columns with golden dragons swirled upon them, with posters with women in their Chongsum from the early 1900s that's most likely acquired from Shanghai's street vendors (come closer, and you'd see that half of the posters were adverts back from the days). AND the bar is cash-only, are they evading Uncle Sam for the tax-break? Hands down, I am happy I found Wangs because this is the ONLY, I repeat, ONLY bar I've been to in the U.S. so far that knows how to make a decent Lychee Martini (Wangs =Litchi). It's a shame that 5 stars is the highest compliment I can bestow you. read more

The reviewer that described the vibe as a "Chinese brothel" really wasn't kidding (in a good way if that's possible). Look, the vibe is purposely kind of edgy and I think that's what really gives Wang's their characteristic. Be warned though, the vibe isn't really for everyone. I was personally excited by this very different vibe for a place to grab drinks in Chicago. It was certainly not something i've experienced before and I'm truly glad I stopped here. Their cocktails: they're strong, some of the strongest i've had. But also pretty damn cheap. Overall I thoroughly enjoyed the drinks at Wang's. Their bartenders are kind and their drinks are actually really pretty. Definitely a place to start your night out if you're feelin' like a party read more

I like Wang's. I like the charm and character of all the odds and ends on the walls, the string of lights haphazardly hung behind the bar, and the low lighting. I'd be totally in love with this place if they had some more comfortable seating for getting cozy with your drinking companion. It's an intimate bar and good for your last drink of the night before heading home...hopefully not alone. read more

my frend DRAGGED meout cuz she wanted sushi. After dinner i neede a HUGE martini cuz I can barely smell sush without fainting LOL!!!! turns out this palce was right next door.... IT lookz like chinatown threw up inthere but the matini's were relly good!!!! I had one was green Tea whitch i didn't think I would LIKE.... but itwas supa sweet!!!! They says this place is Gay, but I coldn't tell???? BEST martinis evah!!!! I had12 many.... : / read more

Wang's was good until I decided to go to the bathroom....and then was surprisingly exposed to pornographic pictures of dudes doing things to themselves. Luckily I'm really not easily offended and was able to laugh about it. Understand that this is likely cool to a lot of the clientele...not my cup of tea...but regardless of preference, not everybody wants to see that while they're taking a pee. Have some class, Wang's! I wonder what's in the women's bathroom (and if a double standard exists) -- ladies? On the plus side, my drink was strong and mixed well....which is just what I needed afterwards. read more

When I read about this place, I didn't realize it was so tiny. It has maybe 6 small tables and a 10-seater bar, and a little corner for the free happy hour wings, but I was glad it was so small. I also didn't know it doesn't have a sign. It's the door just to the left of Wakamono, or you can walk through the restaurant. So anyways, It was a perfect after work drink spot, complete with well crafted, absurdly feminine and extravagant martinis that made me feel almost embarrassed to drink them and the adorable $6 house bubbly that really did the trick. It feels dark and sexy, like somewhere Don Draper would come to meet one of his mistresses. It was filled by the time we left at 8, and the crowd was pleasant and friendly. My favorite part was the bartender. He clearly had been there for a long time, but he moved so s l o w l y. It was ridiculous. Possibly one of the most awkward people I have ever seen, but girl, he can make a drink. He was also playing music off his computer. Good music. You know those red patent heels you never have a chance to wear? This is the place because we all know the perfect accessory to a martini glass is a red stilleto. And it's small and dark enough that no one will notice that you can't quite walk in them. heaven. read more

Wang's seems to have an identity problem. The bar advertises and promotes itself as this muscle-bear, quasi bear / leather, uber masculine men's bar (think an upscale Touche / Manhandler? :) but every-time I go in there it is full of girls.. what's up with that? There is nothing wrong with girls being at a bar but then the bar shouldn't promote itself as Men's Bar. On a recent Saturday Night over half the customers were these well dressed, Lakeview / Lincoln Parkish 20 some YO girl's that I don't see them on the bars Facebook page (the bar has a great Facebook page :). Some guys walked in Wangs when I was there last night and left after seeing the girls everywhere (I am sure they don't dislike women it just wasn't what they were expecting...). Besides the marketing / branding disconnection the drinks are good, strong and really, really expensive, at $15 a drink you might need to take a line of credit out before you go to this place but at least they are awesome. The space is cool, Small intimate, lot's of cool stuff on the walls etc. Service is generally speedy and the bar tenders while not overly chatty are nice. A great to place to grab a drink but if you are looking for a leather / muscle-bear / hyper masculine vibe you might want to keep looking. read more

Super cute, good location, good drinks and prices. Not much more to say, they have good house wine for cheap! I want to try to martinis...and so some day I will! I really liked to atmosphere here, and it wasn't crowded when I went. Artwork is great too ;) read more

Chinatown had a garage sale and days later, Wang's was born. This place is pretty interesting to say the least. First of all, it is pretty small and attached to Wakamono. I'd imagine that most of their business is from the restaurant wait list. So here you are sitting in this small little nook of a space. Four walls and a bar. Only each wall has at least one different slice of oriental patterned wall paper. I counted five patterns in all. The rest of the decor is pretty random and collectively, it doesn't have a direction other than eclectic. Nothing really matches and the only common bond among the design elements is that they are Asian themed. Having said that, it is kind of cool in that way. So mismatched that it actually kind of works. The bartenders were great. They seem to thrive on specialty martinis for $10 a piece. I'm sure they have more options but I don't know that I saw anyone without a martini glass in the entire bar. Including me. read more

Yelp says they open at 4 pm but they don't they open at 5 pm. Don't get it mixed up because even at 4:50 pm they will not allow you to come in and sit down. They will also point to a sign on the door and say that it's posted there. It is NOT posted. It says "Wangs Monday through Friday open till midnight" and something else but does not say 5 pm. So :-P ! Also they DO NOT accept plastic. Which is surprising to me because the bar has $10.00 drinks. Which roughly translates to me that it's expensive enough to be able to pull off plastic. But alas this is not true. Okay out with the bad in with the good... My drink was delicious. I had a pomegranate cosmo and it was just enough of all flavors to tickle my tongue and leave me a little tipsy after two drinks. I also got orange peel and a flower as decorate in my drink. Me likey. The bartender is also pretty nice. I may be a little biased seeing as how I know him through other Yelper but still he's nice. I'm sure there were more good things but I can't remember any of them. Oh well! Just remember to bring cash and don't go before 5pm! read more

So, I never realized this place existed til a friend asked me to meet her there. It's pretty quiet (or was the night we were in), and decorated like Chinatown exploded on the wall. But in a good way, if you can imagine that. It's a tiny little place right next to Wakamono, and just going in the door boosts your cool by 10 points, since you were able to find it. I'm generally not a martini drinker, but I really enjoyed the two green tea-tinis that we had while we sat and watched people wander by. They were $10, which is a bit more than I usually spend on a drink, but the service was great and there was a small buffet of Chinese food over in the corner. I don't think I'll ever be a regular here, but it was a nice enough night and I'll certainly keep it in mind the next time someone suggests a "girl's-night-out" kind of evening. read more

Amazing Bartender, he really puts the tender in the word bartender. Great drinks, fresh ingredients, cool ass atmosphere. When your drunk, and you will be, you can order food from wakamono. There are pictures of Dongs allover the bathroom and the bar looks like a movie set. It is small as fuck but fun as shit. read more

UPDATE: They now take credit cards!!!! Be wary though, they hold an event once a month called "Mens' Room" and it is not for the light hearted. Check their online calendar or call to learn more. read more

This place is sort of bizarre, but I really like it. It definitely has 'character.' It kind of reminds me of a movie studio's rendition of a Chinese brothel. But that is not a bad thing. The cocktails are not 'mixologized,' but they are solid. I don't think (?) there are any TVs, which I appreciate. The only thing I really have bad to say about it is that it is drafty in the winter. read more

Its rare to find a spot in Chicago that the size + crowd = balance. Wangs is such a place. Discreetly located on Broadway, Wang's is the lounge off Wakamono sushi. Clever aesthetic touches abound, such as the faux red pillars, ornate wall paper, and red rice paper lamps. Yet its more than the sum of its decorations. The bartenders are cute, nice and make a mean lychee martini. The DJs on Friday night add a little funk to the vibe, but overall its a pretty chill spot. Its not huge inside by any means, but the cozy atmosphere is central to its charm. There's a small food menu too, if u need some munchies. Overall this place succeeds by being by being far more than any dive joint, and has the substance to back up its style. read more

Loved the vibe and decor. Went here on a visit to Chicago. It reminded me of the old noir movies I love. Had the Pear Martini. It was delicious. Recommend to friends who visit Chicago. read more

Yep. Wang's is still my favorite bar to go to! I even upgraded my stars this go round because of my last experience. I took two friends who'd never been there before on Friday night on the promise that the martinis and atmosphere wouldn't disappoint. As we trudged and slipped through the snow, I worried to myself that "oh no, what if Wang's is having an off night? What if my friends resent me for passing up the multitude of bars we passed on our walk here?" But, thankfully, Wang's seems absolutely incapable of disappointing (phew)! Not with those amazing drinks and always upbeat attitude. I ordered my go-to saketini, one friend ordered the greyhound martini (with fresh grapefruit juice) and another the pear martini (with fresh pear slices). I had tried both of them a while back and knew they were good but still waited in anticipation as each gal took her first sip. Delight passed over their faces! Both were so happy I brought them there and vowed to add it to their "must return" list. Hopefully they'll be returning with me, otherwise I'll be fighting them for a seat in the tiny shoebox of a bar that Wang's is. Was I really surprised that they loved it? Nope. But still overjoyed with just how much they actually did! read more

Nice lounge (albeit small), and wasn't expecting 'that' on the bathroom door (think....a men's wall of....um....fame). Went here after another fantastic dinner at Chilam Balam for a drink, and the place definitely has character. It certainly helped to grab one of the 4, maybe 5, tables, and then the martini's were generally good. I had the pear, which wasn't what I was looking for, but all others seemed to be enjoyed. Prices also seemed relatively in line with the size drink poured. As this is central boy's town, expect mostly a gay crowd, but in no way is it exclusive. I'm sure we will go back (especially after another stop at Chilam Balam). read more

In a perfect world, Wang's would be my neighborhood watering hole. Small, intimate and crowded on a Saturday night, we had no problem grabbing a few bar stools earlier in the evening, and a small table on our return after dinner, as customer turnover is pretty lively with the sushi restaurant next door. Strange in the way that is comfortingly familar, the ambiance is Shanghai 1920s jewel box festooned with 21st century kitch, veiled by wafts of mist from a fog machine behind the bar. I ordered a 'green tea' and a 'geisha' martini (complete with floating orchid) from the menu, each $10. Both were perfectly balanced and delicious. Make sure to tell the bartender if you don't like it too sweet. \Ö/ Caveat: Wang's is a gregarious, magical good-time that is cash only, so make sure you have some twenties in your wallet. You don't want to lose the only available seat at the bar schlepping to the ATM. read more

Fantastic Ginger Martini. Maybe the best I've ever had. Not sweet, but instead it was full of fresh minced ginger. The bar is VERY small, but very unique. Funky Asian decor. Loud club/top 40 music, but I was there early enough that you could still talk over the music. I was there around dinner time on a Saturday which was perfect. I imagine it can get slammed/louder later in the evenings. Service was the only thing holding this back from a 5 star. Our first server was a lovely, attentive young lady, but she was replaced mid-shift by an aggressive, snooty man. Too bad. But service aside, I'll go back for the atmosphere and the drinks. read more

Luckily I have friends in Chicago that live in the neighborhood and took me to Wang's. It's the BEST. The decor is fantastic. Small, Asian, Dive, Porn, jewel of a neighborhood bar. It's a tight fit so be in the mood to have lots of energy and in a good mental place for socializing. Otherwise, go at a slow time of the week or stay home. But if you stayed home, you would miss the best drink I've ever had. (Believe me, I've had a few drinks in my day.) It's the Ginger Martini. Perfectly spicy and sweet, smooth and beautiful. I have dreamt of them since I've left town. Anyone that enjoys a great drink in a small neighborhood eclectic bar needs to go to Wang's when they are in Chicago. It's sooo good in sooo many ways!!! read more

I didn't find much to love at Wang's. The specialty drinks were well made but pricey. The crowd was very laid-back, which kept the small space from feeling too tight. There was a DJ spinning quietly in the corner, which seemed contrived and a bit dated. It's a nice place to wait for a table at the connected Wakamono, but not really a destination unto itself. read more

Who knew martinis can be so crazy? Obviously Wangs does and some of the creations they came up are quite exquisite. I did like their Green Tea martini and even their ginger martini was pretty interesting. The look of the place is just right for the bar and a very cozy feeling too. The bar keep was fairly new to his post but made some mean drinks. Also, I should mention that on the Thursday I went, they had free appetizers available. The wings were really one of the best I've tasted in a long while and this is coming from a drinking bar? No doubt, I'll be back a plenty just for the martinis and those yummy wings! read more

I read a review once about this place that says it has the feel of a gay opium den and that was exactly the look of this place. Wangs is a treat and a gem of a place. read more

This is a lounges lounge. I almost hate doing this for fear of finding a line to get in one day. It is what any been there done that would want in their bar. Great decor! Really feels like you just walked into the 1940's. I would compare it more to Japanese Cinema Noir then opium den. Great drinks and food too. Getting the munchies after a few martinis is very me. So I can just order of their appitizer menu. Finally a place that knows what volume control is. Wangs is not a pick up joint. I come in with friends often. We love it so much because we can hear each other talk, and after a few drinks they do not mind if we get a little loud. A final note. Last time I was at Wang's a patron dropped and shattered a glass. When I turned to look, one of the owners was sweeping it up. Something I have seen only once before. Respecting an owner adds even more to the business for me. Keep playing The Smiths Wangs. We love you for it. read more

Unexpected and downright cozy...in a hyper-eclectic "this is sooo not an afterthought waiting area for the restaurant" kinda way. Great bartenders and perfect martinis. One of my favorite joints. Fill up your wallet with green before you go, you will want to stay and enjoy - a gem. read more

Awesome spot. Moody and mysterious, but not too scene-y. Everyone's just there for a good time. Had a great DJ (I think he was Norwegian) spinning the night I went. Sadly, the dance floor didn't fill up as much as I'd hoped. Strong cocktails--gin wins. No girls restroom, so make due with the boys'. read more

Been here once and yes I will be back. Read other reviews for the goodness here. I like funky places, esp. when they're empty....we must have just gone there on a cold weeknight or something cause it seems to get packed at certain times....darn. that would only take a star away, cause i'm not into packed little bars unless there's plenty of eye candy. yummy drinks & appetizers, within walking distance from my place, cool & cozy inside and adjoined to a delicious sushi restaurant :))) read more

Update 9/8/2016: they accept credit cards now; and the pear martini (with Grey Goose) is still my favorite this many years later!! ---- I love this bar, that's for sure, but they have changed the policy and credit cards are not accepted anymore. Not happy about that. Pear Martini is my favorite. read more

- Dark and exotic atmosphere - Delicious and exotic martinis (Ginger, Pear, Lime Cilantro...) - Cash only - Kind of obnoxious techno music, but good to be in a place with no tv. - Quite a unique place, I will definitely go back sometime soon! read more

The first thing I loved about the bar was the interior (very lavish) and the intimacy/smallness of the space. No matter where you sit, you're like one step away from the bar. But I like it for a good one on one with a friend over drinks. The drinks are usually pretty good, but then again, I don't usually get anything more complicated than a vodka tonic. The only thing I'm not crazy about is the fact that their "last call" time seems to be completely up to the bartender. It says a certain time on the board at the front, but you never know. Once, the bartender just felt like leaving, I suppose, and turned on all the lights when it was way before the said closing time. Oh well. Good for a drink or two. read more

I love my Wang... (sorry it was there, too easy to pass up). Stumbled upon here ("stumbled" the operative word) thinking it was the Wakamono door and found this cute treasure trove. One of the boystown bars that truly has character. You step in and you feel like your in a seedy bar in Asia ( or my mom's basement - minus the bathroom pics). Lot's of drink options. Beer, sake, martini's. I had the ginger martini (perfectly finished with the orchid bloom) and became a big fan. One down side. . . pass on the wine it always seems to be opened too long and tastes "vinegar-y". Maybe because the other drinks are so great that why would you bother with the wine. Love it. read more

Bewarned - this place will get you. Two of their martinis and a big ol' hangover to show for it. Can't say it's not worth it, but you should know what you're getting yourself into. The bartender was great. Made recommendations and stirred up something that didn't taste like piss water (I'm not a fan of martinis). It was delicious, delightful, and a wayyyyy overdone Thursday night. read more

Loved the ambience- lighting, wallpapers, mood, seats and cocktail selections. I got a mango mojito and I definitely recommend it. I had always walked past this bar and seen it quite crowded in the weekend. So I am glad I finally made it, that too on my birthday read more

If Wakamono is the prim and proper son, than Wangs is his crazy, schizophrenic sister. I had plans to meet friends at Wakamono for dinner last night, and since I arrived about 20 minutes early, I decided to stop into Wang's for decompression and a cocktail. Although Maggie R. told me she'd cut me if I went to Wang's without her, it was a risk I was willing to take. Mama needed a cocktail last night. For those not in the know, Wang's is the bar that's attached to Wakamono. They may be attached, and you can order booze from Wang's and drink it at Wakamono, but that's really where the similarities cease. Wang's is itsy bitsy. Seriously, it's about the size of my work office, which isn't saying much. But what it lacks in size, it makes up in decor. What kind of bat-shit crazy person decorated this place, I'd like to know! Nutty old-lady flowered wallpaper, Chinese lanterns, tons of crazy posters, knick-knacks and chotchkies adorn Wang's. Definitely a departure from the serene Wakamono. Can we now talk about the drinks? I ordered a pomegranate martini, which was expertly crafted by the very cute bartender. It was sweet, but not too sweet and adorned with an orchid, which was a nice touch. And at $8, not a bad deal, either. read more

Oh jeez. Thought I was going to a chinese bistro and ended up at a sausage factory. I did not want any of the beef and broccoli they had on special that night. Nice friendly men though! read more

I've been to Wang's a number of times and always enjoyed the crowd that's drawn there. It's certainly not your typical Lakeview scene. At the same time, it really bothers me that women are openly refused service unless they're accompanied by a man after 11 pm. As a gay man I understand Wang's management might be interested in fostering a gay clientele, but blatant gender discrimination is likely a violation of the Illinois Human Rights Act. The act forbids discrimination based on gender when obtaining public accommodations (at places like restaurants). If Wang's has refused you service based solely on your gender in the past 6 months, consider filing a complaint with the Illinois Department of Human Rights. http://www.state.il.us/dhr/Forms/CIS-Pa.htm read more

Wang's was introduced to me by my friend Maggie R. I have only been a handful of times, but each experience has left me with a sweeter taste in my mouth. Or maybe that due to the gallons of Pear Martinis I drank? Either way, this place is sweet. Their martinis are an art form. Each one comes garnished with something refreshing and fantastic. My favorite, the Pear Martini, comes with a deliciously fresh and juicy slice of pear, a few hand-picked pomegranate seeds, and on the rim lies a beautiful pink orchid. All for only 8 dollars! The Mango Martini is also just as delightful. The service has always been friendly and prompt as well. I highly recommend Wang's and although I have never tried their appetizers, I heard they are outstanding. Go Wang's! read more