A place where, if you care how your drink is made, and you respect people who respect ingredients and take pride in what they do, you should stop. They know what they do, care about how you want your drink, regardless of how they think it should be, and really know what they are doing. If what you want is a rack run and coke, you may not appreciate what they do. I dislike scotch and Irish whiskey, because I don't like the taste of pete or smoke, and, because I'm willing to try anything, and not complain, one of the bartenders suggested a Japanese whiskey. I had said I don't like them because of the scotch like qualities and pete flavor, but this was stunning. A bit of smoke but it worked and I was really impressed. Much respect and highly recommended. read more

I rarely, if ever, rely upon server or bartender recommendations regarding their establishment's offerings. It's not about trusting their palettes. It's about knowing mine. It's about them knowing their food, their drinks, the nuances, the a-ha moments. Being knowledgeable enough about the craft to strike out and just create. For two evenings, I have trusted my WE bartenders to guide my drinking experience. The first evening involved an incredibly pungent yet accessible selection of cheeses...and my frittering through cocktails and finding few which could stand up to the levels of smoke present in the cheese charcuterie. Granted, part of the issue was that I could not eat bread, which would have considerably cut the sharp aspects of the cheeses. More on their substitutions later. But upon hearing my request for a drink which could balance my gluten-free cheese plate? An off-the-menu drink was mentioned. I was already sold on the description of flavor interactions, as the provided summary proved that this place was not kidding. They understand the symphony that food can create with libations, assuming a proficient conductor. The Creole Cocktail was lightly sweet enough to balance the earthiness of the cheese, but darkly acrid enough to be worthy of this particular cheese offering. I've had this cocktail before at other places. This one was mixed for my meal. Tonight, I was in a festive mood and ordered the eggnog. Given that the raw egg (many kudos for a traditional preparation) likely wouldn't mix well with most drinks, I asked the bartender which drink likely would. There was a mention of a cocktail with egg whites and homemade hibiscus powder. Let me restate this. He took hibiscus petals and created a powder. Of his own volition. At a place in the North-ish Shore. I digress. So my drink was a variation of a Pisco Sour, but spicier. I didn't realize the extent until I saw a small dish. With a cinnamon stick. Set aflame. With a chilled glass placed over the dish. "That drink better be mine." With glass slightly smoked with spice, and egg white froth slightly graced with crimson dust (I'm looking forward to coming here in daylight, as their food should be appreciated in both sun and moon)--this drink was a perfect partner to my eggnog, pureed squash soup and brussels. Their substitutions. They swapped bread for apple slices, where reasonable. This worked very well for the meat/cheese charcuteries. Many additional kudos for their searching for GF options, yet not settling upon inferior products. I came here this evening after a hectic day, and just wanted something familiar yet properly-executed before I went home. I was content to settle upon a whey protein shake and glass of Petite Sirah in my kitchen. This place is raising the standard for local restaurants. read more

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Eh, I just don't know. They're super tiny, super overcrowded, and bustling with business. The owners are young awesome folks, and I definitely wish them the best. Food itself was pretty awesome, and the drinks were too. Those deserve a 5 star. Food was also really expensive. However, the seating availability is nonexistent and it's so noisy that you simply cannot hear anyone in any fashion. Literally impossible without screaming, even to someone sitting a foot away from you. Which, considering our plan was to grab drinks and discuss our book club book, was pretty irritating. I actually gave up about halfway through because it was just that hard to hear folks, and I'm not talking about because of my hearing aids. Sorry Ward 8, but you're Ward 1 for me - as in, I'm going here this one time, and probably never again. read more

Ward Eight - Sammich! - Cocktail Bars Near Me - Evanston, Illinois

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My new favorite bar in Evanston, Ward Eight I have been looking for you! Great ambiance when you walk in. It is a bit odd that there is a police station right next door but word on the street is that they will be selling that for a coffee roaster.. mmm. The drinks are excellent. Very flavorful and with depth. I ordered the Doctor and my companion ordered the Artist's Special. The food is also delicious, we ordered the pickles, dates, and arugula strategy. Overall, this place had food and cocktails on par with Violet hour, at a more reasonable price and time. Ward Eight is a great gem in South Evanston. read more

I went to Ward Eight after dinner for my cousin's birthday. It's a cocktail lounge, kinda small of a space with a small open kitchen but HUGE flavors in their cocktail drinks. It was a bit crowded on a late Saturday night, but the decor and vibe was a hipster feel. The place is pretty dark so if you're looking at a menu you will have to be like me, turn on that flashlight cell phone please. There's no TV here, however there was some background music. This is truly a lounge place to force you to talk to your peeps. In the middle of the place, there is a long top table for standing only, but you can put your foot on a metal bar across the bottom of it. But no fret, there are enough seating lounge areas on the sides of the room benched tables and compfy lounge chairs. Up front, you can also sit by the full view window. There are also comfy bar stools along the bar as too. They have premium shelf liquor for their mix drinks or on the rocks. You'll be paying about $10 a drink but you won't be disappointed. They do serve beer here but why get that, you got to try their cocktails. They make them strong and really tasty. As I watched the bartender mix our drinks, he looked like more of a mixologist. He was very entertaining measuring drinks, lighting things up, shaking things up. I ordered my go to cocktail Moscow Mule and hubby ordered one of their signature drink called the Doctor. Mine came is a copper mug (SWEET) with beautiful cubed ice. I mean squared ice cubes topped with a bunch of fresh mint! It was so well made I'd get it again for $10 bucks! Hubby's "Doctor" cocktail drink was made out of Jamaican Rum, Swedish Punsch, and fresh lime shaken like crazy until poured into a small glass that formed a beautiful foam on top. It's a pretty strong drink, more of a sipping drink if you chug it you'll really need to see a doctor in the house. Someone bought the birthday boy a special drink called a Scorpion Bowl. It was a designed scorpion bowl that was holding a flamed lime. I'm not kidding a flamed drink to drink! I didn't try it, but it looked like it had fresh citrus in it and my cousin said it was good and strong. I enjoyed hanging out by the bar to watch them make all kinds of drinks and oh yeah to also sit too, lol! I even saw one guy used like a perfume spray that smelled like citrus as a final touch to one of their cocktails...impressive. One kewl thing that happened that night was the owners/managers who heard there were so may birthday celebrants in the place they ended up giving everyone a round of shots and announced everyone to sing happy birthday which was a nice touch. They also serve some appetizers for snacking. My other cousin ordered their baked dates with gorgonzola cheese, bacon crumbs and micro greens on top of strips of prosciutto with a reduction balsamic glaze. It was ok, but I prefer my typical bacon wrapped dates any day. Overall, I'd come back here again if I'm in the area and try their other signature drinks. read more

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So next to last time I was here, I got a Side Car. Just as with all their other cocktails, it was perfect. We also decided to eat here too. I had their special sandwich and Hubby had a ham and cheese. They came with (seemed like homemade) chips and (seemed like homemade) pickles. They grill the sandwiches in butter. They come out nice and hot (not too hot), crisp and just the right amount of greasy. mmmmm-mmmm. The last time we came here, I had TWO drinks! I had a Sazerac and a Last Word. The Sazerac was nice and bitter. It was a great sipping drink. The Last Word had Green Chartreuse, Gin, Lemon and something else.... It was very good, as usual. Cody has been training others to make the cocktails, and it shows! Matt can make 'em for me anytime! Have I told you to... Sit at the bar. You will learn a lot about cocktails! read more

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Very cool place with amazing drinks. I don't drink often and usually my biggest complaint is strong taste of alcohol. I know for some people it's a plus, but not for me. Barkeeps at other places always reassured me they could make me a drink which won't taste like alcohol and failed each time. Eight Ward bartenders make the drinks exectly to my liking. Also worth mentioning, they have the best non-alcoholic cocktails. It's a classy place with good atmosphere. The staff is always friendly and bartenders are super knowledgeable and enthusiastic about their job. Between this and the awesome drinks I'll keep coming back. read more

Ward Eight - Jalapeno Basil Gimlet - Cocktail Bars Near Me - Evanston, Illinois

Checking in again over a year later. While most places in the course of a year can really jump the shark, Ward 8 is still banging it out. Their classic cocktails are still superb. Still in my book the very best Old Fashioned and Manhattan in Chicago. Cody and Andres are such craftsman that all you have to give them is a base spirit and maybe 1 other descriptor and they can customize a cocktail that is sure to please. I recently went in and asked for a cocktail with Orgeat syrup and Bourbon and they concocted this amazing drink that was a cross between a Tiki drink and a mint Julep. Superb. And for the Whiskey buffs they have an exceptionally well curated selection of fine Whiskies. For the bourbons they ETL, Barterhouse, Weller 12, 1792 and a bunch of other very great Bourbons, and they select some of the best International Whiskies like those from Japan. The Nikka line of products including the Taketsuru 12 and the Yoichi 12 are both featured, as well as several other Scotches and ryes. All at an incredibly great price. I'm so looking forward to the summer when their patios open and they get live music going again (hopefully). If you haven't been here its a must visit read more

Ward Eight - Cocktail Bars Near Me - Evanston, Illinois

I absolutely love this bar! Extremely kind and welcoming service, incredible ambiance, and amazing drinks! If you don't drink alcohol, they have very delicious alcohol free drinks-- I've never ordered one that I didn't like. All of their drinks are delicious and reasonably priced. They also sell food-- I've only had their desserts (a chocolate cake with a nut crust), but everything I've tried has been great. read more

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Yummy drinks, friendly service, chill vibe. Fantastic place! So apparently this place gets crowded. Solve the problem by going late on a Sunday night because why the hell not! From the pictures I expected the place to be much brighter, but it's like 90% just candlelight when we stopped by 10pm on a Sunday night. Driving by I actually thought they were randomly closed for the night. Our first cocktails were so yummy I really wanted another one! I got something (forgot the name) which was perfect for what I asked for a recommendation for - fruity but not too tart. The hemingway was very citrus-y but great for people who liked that! For round two I asked them to surprise me with something I might like, and it was SO FREAKING GOOD I didn't even want to savor and enjoy it. I can't wait to come and try some charcuterie and more creations. Definitely a potential 5 star. read more

Cocktails are well-made and thoughtful. I think they're on par with a few other more expensive speakeasy-type places in Wicker and Lincoln Park, but without the pretentious service. We went as a group of 5 on a Saturday night when they were fairly full, just for drinks, and never had to wait long for a round. Would highly recommend to a friend. If you like gin sippers, try the Vesper. read more

Ward Eight - Vesper, beer and a shot (of Fernet Branca), and Moscow Mule - Cocktail Bars Near Me - Evanston, Illinois

Ordered the vesper. Light and strong drink, goes down smoothly. Garnished with lemon. Fully enjoyed. Not too crowded hear, or too loud. Great vibe and ambiance. Will definitely go again read more

So my bestie introduced me to Ward Eight. We've come here together, two years in a row to celebrate her birthday, but she's also somewhat of a local. Ward Eight is located at the border of Evanston and Roger's Park on Howard. It's crazy how stark the difference is. On one side of Howard is Chicago, you got some dingy bar and Popeye's and questionable people hanging out. On the Evanston side of Howard you have lovely Peckish Pig and Ward Eight (not to mention Evanston street parking rates). Anyway, Ward Eight is super small, dimly lit, and cozy. This time, after dinner at Peckish Pig, we made our way to W8 and sat at the bar, and oh how attentive the bartenders are! You can tell a lot of regulars come by because the bartenders knew so many people by name. My bestie came here knowing she wanted their chocolate cake for dessert. We asked the bartender which drink would pair best with the cake and he suggested their Side Car. He was right. The cake was devine and the cocktail was strong. We arrived around 7:30 and ended up staying until closing. But during the entire time, both bartenders came by, chatted us up, as well as the sweet chef that works there! There was a steady flow of people. That night the bar was full but not packed. In previous times we've ordered food and everything tastes great. Their brussel sprouts, and cheese plate are awesome. Overall a great night and a great atmosphere for a date, catch-up or just to hang out. read more

Ward Eight - Chocolate cake! Nom! - Cocktail Bars Near Me - Evanston, Illinois

Ward 8 is thee place to enjoy cocktails Cody and Anne, the owners, and previous In Fine Spirits staff, have created a really cool Speakeasy-like lounge on the border of Evanston & Chicago. We so wish they were in the city, alas...we make the trip to Howard Street to enjoy Cody's cocktail creations. Classic cocktails served with pride and love is what you'll get here. They have a small food menu to accompany your cocktails. The ambiance is great and they have live music on Saturday evenings. Such a great place! read more

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Spent a wonderful Saturday night at Ward Eight and will definitely be back soon. Great selection of beer and and wine, but their stand out specialty are the cocktails (I highly recommend the Pisco Punch). Food was unique but phenomenal and prepared in the open kitchen beside the bar. Cannot day enough great things about the fig and farmer's cheese sandwich!! Great atmosphere, even better service. Loved everything about my experience at Ward Eight. read more

Ward 8 is the place to go for classic with a handful of more recent cocktails. If you can, sit at the bar so that you get the full experience of bartenders who are true craftsmen. The prices are very reasonable with a selection of beer, cider and mead also. Food looks great although never tried myself and overheard someone saying that the onion soup was perfect for a cold night. Parking in the area can be a bit challenging, but normally can be found within a block or two. Personally recommend the old fashioned or the Mexican firing squad. read more

Every drink is perfect and the food is sufficient for light dinner and not shabby. read more

Ward Eight - Whiskey sour - Cocktail Bars Near Me - Evanston, Illinois

Fellow residents of Rogers Park (and Evanston) - you've just become very lucky. I had the pleasure to try out this new cocktail bar and I'm so excited that Ward Eight has arrived in the neighborhood. Truly the only thing I've been missing since moving far north to Rogers Park has been great cocktails within a reasonable distance, and I won't have to miss out anymore. Those who prefer their drinks strong and balanced and are used to the quality of Violet Hour, In Fine Spirits and the like will not be disappointed. Drink prices range from $8-10 - a pretty significant value considering that the above mentioned places charge around $10-13/drink. Some highlights from the menu: DRINKS: - Spanish Fly (bubbly and tropical... so good I had to order it twice) - Elk's Own (a classic made with rye - this was by far the tastiest version I've had yet, with hand grated fresh nutmeg on top) - Last Word (another classic... wonderfully herbal, sour and refreshing) - A Sunshine Fix (gingery with lots of fresh blueberry flavor) FOOD: - Olives (nice variety and quantity of olives marinated in all kinds of citrusy, zesty goodness) - Fig and farmers cheese sandwich (this was so delicious, vaguely dessert-like due to the fig but definitely savory... comes with chips and pickles) You know how sometimes, businesses open hastily, and although you give them a chance, there's a palpable feeling either in the service or the product that they're phoning it in and just trying to fill a niche without doing their homework? Yeah, this is not one of those places. The drinks, food, staff, and lovely interior of Ward Eight make it obvious that every detail has been considered and that cocktail lovers are in excellent hands. I'm sure I'll have more to add as I foresee many hours and dollars spent here! read more

Ward Eight - Maria Pickford - Cocktail Bars Near Me - Evanston, Illinois

My absolute favorite cocktail bar. Ever. Period. It's all about the details here. Real ice shards. Chilled glasses tailored for each drink. A perfectly edited food menu. Mint that is clapped to reveal its aroma. Orange rind gently kissed to the rim of your drink. Bartenders so perceptive, they can cater to your palette and the kind of witty banter you've been waiting for all day. Extra points for the hilarious and delicious "Ham on Rye." The small plates are delectable, too. The owners are lovely, down to earth folks who really know their business. They are being written up all over town right now, so get in while the place is hot! Closed on Mondays and Tuesdays. read more

Why can't I do half stars? This would be 4.5. But I will round up! Excellent service and amazing and rare mixed drinks. It is extra special to be able to check it in at Peckish Pig next door and then be able to go here for an aperitif. And boy, are they delicious. Can't go wrong here. Not sure what to order? Ask the mix master! read more

Ward Eight - Cocktail Bars Near Me - Evanston, Illinois

Best cocktails in Evanston (their Vieux Carre is my all time favorite.) Nice dark rustic space with cool art. Bartenders are awesome. Food is good, patio is nice in the summer. Overall, definitely my favorite place for a drink in the area. read more

I've been to Ward Eight a few times later at night and their cocktails never disappoint! I came in with my boyfriend for a quick drink while we were waiting for a table to open up at peckish pig and the bartenders are all super friendly and accommodating, I love that you order at the bar but they bring your drinks to you. They also brought water without us having to ask. I didn't realize they had food but the menu looked really tasty and very reasonably priced. Definitely worth checking out, really cool ambience! read more

Quaint dark bar with an intensive drink selection. Nice outdoor seating that is better lit than the inside lol The staff is always nice and well versed on their creations. Great place! read more

Ward Eight - Firing squad - Cocktail Bars Near Me - Evanston, Illinois

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Cool little cocktail bar on Howard street between Rogers park/Evanston. Always a nice vibe and the staff is on top of their game. Drinks are delicious and surprisingly so is the food. My wife and I usually go with the stuffed dates or a flatbread. Stopped in on tiki Tuesday and was pretty blown away at the presentation and taste of the "lonely penguin". Solid place and happy it's part of the neighborhood. read more

Ward Eight - Cocktail Bars Near Me - Evanston, Illinois

The best cocktails you can get in the area. The drinks here are extremely balanced and are delicious. The boys behind the bar are absolutely amazing as well. My partner has moved into the area for grad school and every time I visit I'm definitely coming here every night! read more

Amazing cocktails. Favorite spot. We love the vibe and the kitchen snacks. So happy it reopened post-Covid.

We love the cocktails and the vibe at Ward Eight and can't wait til they go beyond their current takeout only service!

Great cocktails, really good service. My only thing is the clock. They have a clock that's 15 minutes fast so they close early"ish" stick to your hours guys! Stay classy y'all. read more

Nice speakeasy. I only had 2 cocktails, only 1 of 2 were good. I had something special the bartender made, didn't know what it was but it was GREAT. The Manhattan was "meh"... I've had better Manhattan's at UNTITLED... The space is great! Dark and low key. read more

Sexy drinks and well made bartenders! Quaint, warm and spot on. Fantastic cocktails are made with care to perfection and served in appropriate glassware in a wonderfully lit room. A plus read more

Different dimension to life... Life in drinking... In eating...a place worth visiting twice a life... Once because I told you.. Twice because you wanna be sure.... Great quick service... First ever seen drank cocktails and mix of alcohol s.... Wide food variety..... No more for the first review..... Who thought of Rose infused bourbon... Common boys... You like cherries.......I Will.. Come... Back read more

I almost hesitate to review Ward Eight because then the secret will be out about how great this place is. I've been going here for a couple of years now, and have never been disappointed. The bar is trendy, but not at all pretentious. It has a cozy, relaxed atmosphere, serves great mixed drinks (the bartenders know what they are doing), has an eclectic beer selection and excellent food. Besides all that good stuff, the bar gets a good crowd, but is never loud and obnoxious like so many other bars. In short, go to Ward Eight...but keep it our secret. ;-) read more

Elegance, like anything, is always comparative, I would say Ward 8 is for its time and place. I believe the sophistication rests more on the execution of its cocktails and service. The atmosphere for a speakeasy vintage lounge is a touch plebeian. Candidly speaking, a bit dull. It lacks style, but also lacks pretentiousness, and whatever does not pretend style at all has style enough. Not everything has to be done in shouts instead of whispers. The drinks are well prepared. I enjoyed the Sunshine Fizz, Eggnog, and ate the cheeses and bread. Simple and delicious. The drink menu and food menu so exacting and charming it provides proof of a return visit. Against the homespun background of decor and location; the offerings and staff were as conspicuous as a brass band at a library and I enjoyed it. read more

Fabulous cocktails. Fantastic pickles. Friendly bartenders (mixologists?). On Howard Street. Yup. So, there's a Popeyes and a bar named "Tally-Ho" across the street, but Ward Eight lies within the boundaries on Evanston... and it is encouraging to see how busy it is. We stopped in for a quick drink early on Saturday evening, and there were several parties waiting. Some things to know: - The space is small. - The food menu is a bit limited. (I came hoping for an In Fine Spirits replica, but their kitchen is so tiny, that I needed to readjust expectations). - Here's what you do upon arrival: Open door, come in, sit down at a table (menus are already there). Peruse menu, THEN go up to the bar and order your food and drink. Someone will bring these out to you. I saw this obnoxious lady sitting in a corner waving her hands, arms, and menu around, trying to get some attention for 5 minutes. Don't be like her. - The French 75 is divine. read more

The sherry flip is by far the best cocktail I've had. It's like a much creamier and mellower form of sherry. I used to get the whiskey flip a lot at Ward Eight, but the sherry flip is my new go-to drink here. Aside from the sherry flip, I had a flourless chocolate cake. The cake was not too sweet and the dark chocolate taste is very pronounced. Definitely worth ordering! read more

A speakeasy located in the town of evanston?? Could it be?! A block away from bf's house? Somebody pinch me! What's not to love about a speakeasy lounge? Inconspicious.. No sign per se. Just a black tinted door that says BEER:FOOD Intimate and non-pretentious.. Better for small parties.. 2 booths, 2 couch/lounging areas, & about 3 small tables Nom-Nomeries: -Savory pork sandwich on a panini with kettle chips & sweet pickle on the side -Meat & Cheese platter: great array of different meats and cheese & stone ground mustard -Honey Fizz cocktail : a little toooo sweet for my taste, but it was good. Next time, will go for my usual Moscow Mule. Server and bartenders were sweet and attentive. Chip Chip Cheeeerio! read more

I have very negative feelings about this place being subsidized by the city as a way to bring commerce to Howard Street. To me this inevitably turns into gentrification, which I see the effects of down the street as I volunteer for A Just Harvest and the Genesis Project. So many people come to the community kitchen because their rent has suddenly soared so high that they can't afford to put food on their table anymore, and may be on the brink of homelessness. If my friends at Northside Power even knew I stepped foot in here, I think I might be excommunicated from any kind of social action social gathering. HOWEVER--purely, objectively on a food and drink basis, I still take issue with Ward Eight. I ordered one of their Ward Eight signature sandwiches, which was kind of dry chicken and coleslaw IN the sandwich. This offends me to the core of my sandwich-loving sensibilities. At least give the person the option of having a salad on the side, as opposed to immersed within, their sandwich. So, they effectively scared me away from their food menu. I'll report back if I have something better. I also ordered a bourbon drink that had a softball-sized (hand-carved?) ball of ice in it. The ice didn't melt right away, but it took up so much volume in the glass that I missed out on the actual BOURBON!(I've been to Kentucky, and they accuse you of being a lightweight if you have ice in your bourbon whatsoever, I would have loved to get my Louisville friends' take on this). There was also a GLACIER of ice in this absinthe drink I got there, but the drink was so good that it was okay. And absinthe still tastes great when it's watered down. I would recommend that for sure. The ambience is sexy as hell, however, so I would definitely go on a date here. The lighting is quite nice--it almost even offsets the art on the wall, which is straight out of that "terrible art for coffee shops" company sketch on Portlandia. Maybe if this place gives back to the community, or makes an irresistible sandwich, I will give them another chance. read more

I recently traveled to Chicago for the first time. A friend suggested that we go to Ward Eight, and even though I was skeptical about leaving Chicago, we made a night of it. Without a doubt, it was my favorite destination in the area! Ward Eight has amazing cocktails - I started with a "Bee's Knees" and then moved on to some custom creation by the bartender. Both were absolutely fantastic. Furthermore, the atmosphere is just about perfect. It's hard to find a place that somehow manages to navigate the line between 'casual' and 'classy', but W8 does so very well. It's low-key without being a dive, and at the same time, it's classy without being snooty. I'd absolutely recommend Ward Eight to anyone traveling in the Chicago/Evanston area. read more

This is a preliminary review. I only had drink and will be returning for the food but for now... Speakeasy Ward Eight is not. A number of peeps, as well as reviewers on Yelp, have claimed this is Evanston's speakeasy, so maybe my expectations were set to high. Also coming from The City, it may be that I'm spoiled. Regardless, I had a simple request that they make something with Ketel, Pimms, cucumber, and lime, since I didn't like anything I saw on their menu. Well they didn't have cucumber, so I asked if they could make anything that had similar notes. The bar keep made me a 575 w/ Grenadine (I'm assuming since it wasn't red like when pomegranate is used). Meh, it was okay but didn't have me ordering a second. We'll see if the food changes my mind. read more

Drinks: Ward 8 makes good cocktails, although at the time I went the selection on the menu wasn't all that interesting. Food: The cheese and charcuterie plate was a bit overpriced for the amount of food we received. Service: Service was fine, nothing especially good or bad here. Ambiance: The interior is nice, and the seating arrangements are good for small groups (2-4 people). Overall: Ward 8 has solid drinks, but skip the food. read more