The Top 10 Cocktail Bars in Chicago

There’s certainly no shortage of amazing places to grab a drink, sip on cocktails and catch up with friends in Chicago. If you scan the streets you’ll notice a bustling scene of young professionals and handfuls of tourists that seem to frequent the same places in harmony. So whether you favour a Mojito or a Bloody Mary, there’s definitely a place in Chicago for you to quench your thirst. Here are the top 10 in order of where you should go:

10th. The Watershed Bar

The Watershed Bar is an old speakeasy with a definitive feel of real vintage. After walking through the upstairs champagne bar you’ll be surprised to find a homely bar downstairs. The place is full of comfy couches and has a lovely laid back atmosphere. The service is super and the cocktails spectacular!

9th. The Berkshire Room

The Berkshire room has a 20th century vibe with a modern twist defined by its high ceilings and white walls. If you like your whiskey, this is the place for you – the whiskey menu is extensive to say the least!

8th. Sable

Fabulous cocktails and a diverse menu that will suit everyone’s taste. This bar is home to elegantly large windows which allow the natural light shine through which is just stunning. Sable is the perfect place if you’re thirsty and hungry – their food menu will be sure to hit the spot.

7th. Billy Sunday

Billy Sunday’s a small, dark and intimate bar. They’ve a ‘mixed’ menu which serves up some of the best cocktails you’ll ever taste. Ask the bartender to serve you up something amazing to have alongside their famous oysters. Perfection.

6th. Three Dots & A Dash

Three Dots & A Dash can best be described as a classy Tiki bar – the bar itself has a thatched roof, completely on theme, something that’s a little different to the other bars on this list. All the cocktails keep within the tiki bar theme and are really refreshing… word of warning, they’re strong, so come prepared! Don’t worry if you need something to soak up all the alcohol, they have an awesome selection of nibbles on the menu too.

5th. The Violet Hour

For such a popular cocktail bar we’re delighted to hear they don’t take reservations – it’s a first come first served basis. So if you want to ensure you get a table, get in early! The cool atmosphere and the great service is just an added bonus as the cocktails are fabulous.

4th. The Aviary

The Aviary is not only known for its tasty cocktails but they also have the most entertaining mixoligists. The waiters love to tell you how the cocktail is made, which makes you think they really see the process as an art form and from the taste you can tell the amount of effort they put into each drink. This great spot will really bedazzle you.

3rd. Scofflaw

The first thing you should know is Scofflaw is a gin-focused establishment (don’t worry you can still get vodka, whiskey etc.). Scofflaw has a laid back environment, with dim lights and comfy sofas. The bartenders at Scofflaw really deliver the goods and will make you feel like it’s your 100th time there.

2nd. Analogue

Analogue serve up some serious cocktails. They have a diverse selection, so order something you haven’t tried before. Analogue is a small and intimate place so get there early to get a seat.

1st. Barrelhouse Flat

The Barrelhouse is the best of the best in Chicago. There’s something for everyone here. With low lighting and the open windows, it’s a very inviting spot. The cocktails are made to perfection. Chill out by the fire or play a bit of pool, this place has it all.