Ward Eight had incredible drinks and incredible service! My friend had a birthday gathering, and easily accommodated our sizable party. Get the La Paloma! read more

Excellent food and cocktails! Killer service too. Sometimes you go to places of this quality and they're a little pretentious but there's not a whiff of that here. Pedro, the chef, rules! read more

I've heard good things about this place and I am happy to say they certainly delivered. Although it was a bit noisey once 7pm hit, the drinks were amazing! I had the French 75 and corpse reviver, both well balanced and tasty! We also had the meat and cheese combo platter which was also great! Great addition to the neighborhood, so glad they are walking distance as I could've easily had two more drinks. There will certainly be a next time!! read more

Love this place. Hidden gem in Evanston.

Looking for a cocktail to change your life? Look no further friend. A little dark and mysterious this recent addition to Evanston is a gem, offering fantastically unique cocktails that don't come across as esoteric. read more

Frank Sinatra, anyone? That's who you expect to walk into Ward 8. It has a 1950's feel - in an excellent way. Classic drinks, on the dark side, quiet but there's conversation and interesting people. Fascinating artwork . read more

We have been here three times and still think about it. Their craft cocktails is what sites it for us. They are tasty & delicious. Try the Blood & Sand of its on the menu. My favorite. The atmosphere is perfect, small and intimate. Enjoy! read more

I live semi-close to Ward Eight, and bring friends here from out of town and other neighborhoods; this place is always a hit! Each drink is not just delicious, but lovely to look at. The food is spot-on, as well! read more

Love the hot buttered rum, great black interior. Awesome staff

Ward Eight is an awesome gem on the northside. Great for classic cocktails made to perfection! I love how the menu cites when the cocktail originated! The small plates were delicious and went with our drinks perfectly. We had the cheese-stuffed dates, the carmelized brussel sprouts and the charcuterie and each bite was fantastic. The whole staffwas nice and attentive and Anders (our bartender) was so helpful in making our choices and always full of smiles. We will definitely be back! Thanks Anders! read more

Okay, I'm a former bartender, er, mixologist and have waited years, even decades, for the new thing that's been happening in Chicago (and Evanston): the craft cocktail lounge. Wow, you've got The Violet Hour, Three Dots and a Dash, The Punch House, Lost Lake and now, Ward Eight. The cocktails, ambiance and, hey, even the food are all outstanding at this cozy, dusky, jazz-infused gem. Very impressed with everything ... except for something Evanston cannot really control. That would be the harsh lighting and relative tackiness that awaits one just across Howard St. in Chicago. No, I can't expect Ward Eight to take a wrecking ball to the blaring eye-sore that is Popeye's Chicken just across the street. Besides, that's a neighborhood favorite, I suspect Such is the price of gentrification, whereby you have the excellent pairing of Ward Eight and Peckish Pig on one side of the avenue, and Popeye's, Pawn Shops, and run down mom & pop joints just across the boulevard. Then again, this is how all 'new development' begins. Being a long-time denizen of Roger's Park, and living only blocks away from Ward Eight, I can't help but feel a tad queasy when pricey, upscale joints catering to virtually all-white hipsters (perhaps such as I) move into what is essentially a nearly all black and latino neighborhood. No, this really isn't a criticism of either business, per se. I'm glad they are both there and intend on frequenting both on future occasions. That being said, there's something Ward Eight could do quite simply to take our minds off both tacky, yellow neon lighting for fast-food and the cognitive dissonance of gentrification: darken your windows. Or, put up more of those black shades which deflect the awful Popeye's lighting which hits one's gimlet eye like laser beams. My ladyfriend was facing the door and just couldn't get that fast-food chicken sign and lighting our of her line of vision. The overall effect even for me, facing away from the door, was that this dark, womb-like 'let's get lost', elegant booze joint - snatched out of some classic noir sans clouds of cigarette smoke (no, I don't miss it at all) - just wouldn't let me forget I was on Howard St., just across from Popeye's, Pawn and Loan shops, urban decay and neglect, and, sadly, the occasional drive-by shooting on the farthest northern edge of the big city. Hey, I'm as aware and aggrieved of urban blight as anyone else here. And I'm also keenly sensitive to the water and oil pairing endemic of gentrification. I just don't want to be constantly reminded of it as I'm sliding into a carefree 'lost weekend' - sipping on an exquisitely crafted Old Fashioned or sublime Sidecar, grooving to Monk, Miles, Ellington and Coltrane, heavily eying shapely passersby, and gazing lovingly into my femme fatale's eyes. Let us enjoy the inside world for a couple hours, Ward Eight. Before we are forced to return to what it is that truly ails us all. - J. Dalessandro in the Naked City read more

Friendly staff. Classic cocktails. Cool ambiance. Have been twice, once during off hours and once at a busier time, and I found this bar charming. read more

Really friendly staff and a really chill bar experience. I really liked their ambience and overall a nice bar. We all had a couple drinks and they all looked really nice and tasted great! We didn't get a chance to get food but it was an overall great place and I would def come again. Also parking was pretty easy - if you park more than a block away after 6 it's free. read more

Huge fan of this place, really great drinks with fantastic small plates. Everyone loves warm nuts!!!

Excellent cocktails, cool vibe. A bit small can get packed sometimes. Cocktails are slightly cheaper than many other places in the city.

This place is nice we have been there a few times. Drinks are great service is great. My only reason for not giving them all five starts is we went there on a Friday night when it was supper packed.People were so packed together it was way to much.All over they had sings for reserved tables and even some High tops by the bar.If they had opened those tables up it would have been great. We also want to get a cheese plate and that would have been hard to hold while just standing packed together.Normally this does not bug me if the place take reservations which they don't so I am confused as to why the seating was reserved ? We live around the corner so we like to go to local places. But the bar was so packed we couldn't even get to it to get a drink so just left with no drink no cheese plate. We went back to the peckish pig that we just can from and had more drinks and a place to sit and have cheese. read more

It's fabulous. Great drinks, friendly staff, and a cozy atmosphere. Don't let the location fool you. Howard Ave. is getting better, and Ward 8 is at the forefront. read more

Great cocktails, some recipes dating back hundreds of years. Wonderful, low key, but very attractive space. Tasty, although limited, food offerings. Perfect quintessential lounge. read more

Absence makes the heart grow fonder. After moving back to Texas, we visited our old RP hood, and made my mandatory Ward Eight stop. I revisited my old review, and realized that after experiencing their craftsmanship again, Austin has nothing to offer me anymore. Is it advisable to schedule a move back to Chicago just to visit Ward Eight daily? When you throw Pedro's food into the mix, the answer is yes. read more

i really like this place, a lot! i love the quiet ambiance and decor the bartenders are super friendly and knowledgeable. we ordered the pisco punch and the bees knees. i gotta say i really love the taste of the bees knees- it has gin, lemon, and honey in it. the service was great and the bartenders were knowledgable. if you're looking for a chill lounge to drink, ward eight is the place. read more

Hands down, best cocktail bar. Not only because the cocktails are perfectly-executed (and reasonably priced) but because the owners and regular bartenders are wonderful. My husband is a cocktail enthusiast so when he called out his list of random classic cocktails and they made them all perfectly, often the best version we've ever had, we became instant fans. Their specials always offer something new and fun and the food is simple and delicious. Don't hesitate, go now! read more

Great cocktails, a little on the expensive side but you really get what you pay for (a good, handcrafted, strong cocktail). The atmosphere is really trendy and unique, however it's pretty dark in there and can be bit loud. Overall solid place read more

The staff is very knowledgeable. The sushi is some of the freshest and most inventive i've come across. Matched with the cocktails, there's simply not a better place for sushi and/or drinks. read more

Been coming here regularly for several years as it's walking distance from my house. It is my favorite bar in Chicago, full stop. Tuesday nights are "Tiki Tuesdays" with special tiki drinks on the menu - some classic and some new interpretations, all amazing - plus tropical music and Hawaiian shirts on the bartenders. Anders is an ARTIST. If you have a yen for a certain cocktail not on the menu, he'll give it a go, and his taste, craft and balance is impeccable. Every cocktail I've had by him is the best I've tasted of the type, and his new creations are just as fabulous. Highly recommend his Mai Tai, the Angostura Piña Colada, the Port Light, and the Saturn. They use good liquor, fresh fruit, and handcrafted mixers, the staff is friendly and generous, and the bar is usually quiet enough for conversation, especially on off days/hours. Solid food menu, too - I have to keep myself from INHALING the gnocchi with beurre blanc served with warm bread, and their bacon sandwich is savory and fabulous with a spicy kick. Last time we were there, they had a croque monsieur that has now become my new favorite and I hope they keep it around. I treasure this bar, and while I adore how quiet it is, I also want it to be a roaring success so Anders never, ever leaves. read more

If you are looking for a bar to spend some peaceful time and enjoy a drink , this is the place. Great cocktails !!

Cozy, classy, neighborhood bar. Jazz is playing in the background. Great interior. Limited small plates food menu. Great drinks. Friendly bartenders. read more

A little overpriced but the drinks are incredible. You cannot go wrong with anything you order and the staff is so knowledgeable. The empanadas are also delicious for a small snack. Otherwise grab a drink and head down the street to Peckish Pig for dinner. They have a good thing going on between the two establishments! read more

I absolutely love this cocktail bar, located near the Peckish Pig. Inventive cocktails and super friendly service, too! The ambiance is like a speakeasy and is so relaxing. I highly recommend this place for a before or after dinner cocktail! read more

We love Ward Eight for a special cocktail. They really are just as good as many a Chicago cocktail spot, with warm and approachable vibe (I love the Violet Hour but it can feel a little fancy/hipster-y and Evanston is closer). We have been there both on nights with live music and just a quite evening. I recommend their signature Ward Eight drink but the Bees Knees is excellent and my husband is a fan of the Vieux Carre. read more

Delicious! Didn't think I even liked mixed drinks. Fun atmosphere, friendly owner and staff, delicious little plates to nosh on (the olives are heavenly!). My favorite place to hang in Evanston. read more

Had some really good drinks and the food was tasty. The down side is walking up to the bar to order. But luckily it's small and intimate. The lighting is dark and romantic for a Saturday night date. read more

After years of enjoying Ward 8 the experience is still wonderful. Soft lights fantastic cocktails friendly staff. Little off the beaten path but worth finding. read more

Love this place. The cocktails are amazing but the atmosphere is what really sets it apart. It is a wonderful setting to sit and drink cocktails in. The first thing that is amazing - there are no televisions. I can't explain how great this makes the experience. You can actually sit and talk with the person you are with. Second, the space is cozy feeling and set up so that you have enough space between you and the people around you. read more

one of the best whiskey bars in Chicago. and THE best cocktail bar in town, by far! great small plates, super-friendly service and affordable prices make this my favorite neighborhood bar. if mixology is your thing, you're in the right place (without the pretense & douche-heavy crowds of other local hot spots). you can't go wrong with an Old Grandad Manhattan!! read more

Amazing place for drinks. Great atmosphere and super friendly service. I live right down the street in Evanston and Ward 8 is my go to place for late night cocktails. The Farmer's Cheese sandwich is to die for! Hands down one of the most coolest, laid back, friendliest and delicious places to go to. Get there early on a weekend as they get busy quick. Go here as you won't be disappointed. :) read more

What a great addition to the neighborhood! Great food, cocktails, and atmosphere. Stop by and have a cocktail. You will not be disappointed. read more

I'm very excited about our new cocktail bar WARD 8! Had to Share: went on Thursday night after work for the first time. Cody and Ann, the young owners, were fun, the drinks were interesting yet beautifully crafted. The food although limited in selection was of very high quality and excellently prepared. They know what they are doing and are excuting really well. [In my opinion the drinks are way better here than at FOUND our other new Evanston bar] Not a faimly place, but if you are up for an adult night out this rocks! If you've never had a wonderful cocktail before, or not since college when surely it was sweet or tasted like cheap booze -- this is the place to have your first or try them again. It has a sophicated vibe but they are striving to be your favorite neighborhood spot to go for an evening out. It took a bit of driving around to spot Ward 8 since they don't have a sign yet, but they are right next to the police station outpost. And you only have to feed the meters until 6. Closed on Monday's and Tuesdays. read more

Seriously....seriously GREAT cocktails. I feel so blessed to have this up in my hood. I don't need to drive far south anymore to get great drinks ! Beautiful space, good vibe too. read more

What a great place! Four of us got to Ward Eight at 5:30 on a Thursday and grabbed a booth. We looked at the cocktail list and wanted to try all of them! We ended up trying the Vesper, Hurricane, Sazerac and Manhattan. We all agreed they were the best cocktails we have had. They came in a cold, ice coated glass and were perfectly balanced. We also had the cheese tray, marinated olives, chicken BBQ sandwich and cheese and fig sandwich and they were all nummy. We also tried one of the $5 shots and not surprisingly it was delicious. We had coffee which comes in a nice French press and the chocolate dessert. We will be back to try all the cocktails we missed. read more

Pretty cool, dark and stormy bar. Sunday evening was uncrowded, went for drinks and quiet chat on business. Great place for privacy. Drinks, very good - had an Old Fashion, which I rarely drink but enjoyed this one very much. Switched to a porter beer from Wisconsin - nice, smooth taste. The drink selection was broad based and some pretty nice single malt Scotches on the shelves. So I'd go back even when not doing business. ESJT, Pennsylvania. read more