2. The Drifter
7.9
678 N Orleans St (Huron), Chicago, IL
Speakeasy · River North · 23 tips and reviews
Chicagoist: Try the Dingo Stole My Baby, with tequila, banana liqueur, aloe vera liqueura, jalapeño soda, and fresh citrus. It's a manageable sipper with only a hint of heat. Read more.
Redeye Chicago: Dingo Stole My Baby: Tequila, banana liqueur, aloe vera liqueur, jalapeno soda, fresh citrus ($12). Jalapeno soda? Okay! This sipper was totally manageable with only a hint of heat from the soda.
Redeye Chicago: The friendly staff, oddball performers and intimate vibe make this place approachable and impressive. Expertly crafted cocktails and a rotating menu will lure you to return again and again. Read more.
3. Elixir Lounge
8.2
1509 W Balmoral Ave (at Clark St), Chicago, IL
Lounge · Andersonville · 3 tips and reviews
Shannon Jeropke: Basil & Gold ($12) combining vodka and black garlic-infused caraway vodka, orgeat almond syrup, green chartreuse, lemon juice, basil and black pepper.
Mikey Diaz: I live their Crisp Apple Martini
Autumn Choi: Atmosphere feels a bit “cheap” with mostly high top tables & stools. Not a huge variety of cocktails or bar assortment. Thurs night & only 1 worker meaning SLOW SERVICE
5. The Whistler
9.0
2421 N Milwaukee Ave (at W Fullerton Ave), Chicago, IL
Cocktail Bar · Logan Square · 110 tips and reviews
Chicago magazine: Must-try cocktail: Four Points. Rye, Bénédictine, sherry, and sweet vermouth, elegantly accented with a walnut liqueur rinse.
Bev Wooding: The Jungle Bird is a surprisingly delicious mix of black rum and Campari.
Time Out Chicago: Drink this: Bartender Paul McGee's cocktail list is rad. Try the Old Square: Old Weller bourbon and a touch of apple brandy, vermouth and benedictine. Read more.
9. Bordel
8.4
1721 W Division St (at N Paulina St), Chicago, IL
Speakeasy · East Ukrainian Village · 13 tips and reviews
Chicago Tribune: Bordel's Boston Club punch is unique in its presentation, available by the cup or teapot, and comprises cognac, Jamaican rum, Grand Marnier, raspberry, orange oleo, lemon and sparkling wine. Read more.
Chicago Tribune: Bordel's Boston Club punch is unique in its presentation ($12 for one cup or $50 for a teapot) and comprises cognac, Jamaican rum, Grand Marnier, raspberry, orange oleo, lemon and sparkling wine. Read more.
Matthew McKee: Cocktails are amazing and small plates are available from the downstairs kitchen. The Almonds and Pulpo are excellent go-to.
InterContinental Chicago: Highly recommended for their traditional Greek coffee and pastries. Ask to sit upstairs to get a view of the Chicago skyline. Don't forget that bottle of Ouzo!
Adam Kraft: $5 for a 200ml bottle of ouzo. Opa!
Kevin M. McNally, CMP: After dining at Greek Islands, I love to come here and enjoy the Symphony chocolate dessert with Greek coffee. Followed up by a chilled glass of Ouzo. YAMAS!
11. MONEYGUN
9.0
660 W Lake (Union Ave), Chicago, IL
Cocktail Bar · Fulton River District · 38 tips and reviews
Shannon Jeropke: Pink squirrel ($10.75) A sweet and snazzy sip —thanks to creme de noyaux almond-flavored liqueur, creme de cacao chocolate liqueur and a dash of cream—you’ll squirrel it away for a rainy day.
Blake J. Graham: Excellent cocktails. And they now have a beer + shot deal for $6
Chef Shack Bay City, Carrie Summer: Get any tequila drink here!
12. Binny's Beverage Depot
9.1
1132 S. Jefferson St. (at W Roosevelt Rd), Chicago, IL
Liquor Store · South Loop · 33 tips and reviews
Shannon Jeropke: Check out the bar... Yes they have a bar! They have several great craft beer on tap and they'll let you taste different wines, liqueurs, or beers for free!
Roosevelt Collection: Sign up for membership card for great discounts, cheese bar, a walk-in cigar humidor and sit down bar area.
LyVonna Brown: Worth going to
13. Drumbar
7.9
201 E Delaware Pl (at Mies van der Rohe Way), Chicago, IL
Cocktail Bar · Streeterville · 68 tips and reviews
Chicagoist: Try the Hog Wild cocktail, with bourbon, ancho chili liqueur, artichoke liqueur, maple soy syrup, and Angostura bitters. The nose is smoky and more sweet than spicy, like an Old Fashioned with a kick. Read more.
Redeye Chicago: Hog Wild: Bourbon, ancho chili liqueur, artichoke liqueur, maple soy syrup and Angostura bitters ($13). The nose on the drink is smoky, it’s more sweet than spicy, like an old fashioned with a kick.
Nick Pinto: Great atmosphere. A very distinguished place in the city. The staff is great as well!
15. Avli Taverna
8.3
1335 W. Wrightwood Avenue (Wayne Ave.), Chicago, IL
Greek Restaurant · North Side · 6 tips and reviews
Chris Shackleton: The pork, lamb, saganaki, and ouzo are crowd favorites.
Kevin M. McNally, CMP: Greek offering in Lincoln Park. The atmosphere, design setting is awesome. Staff is friendly, wine list amazing and the food-Epic. Try the Kataifi Prawns, Octopodi (pic) and Taverna Style Lamb Chops!
Agni Kakouri: Love this place. Expensive with small portions but delicious food. All natural and tasty