1. The Violet Hour
8.9
1520 N Damen Ave (at Pierce Ave), Chicago, IL
Speakeasy · Wicker Park · 255 tips and reviews
Nikol Hasler: Order a Julietta y Romeo- Wonderful gin fizz with champagne. If possible get a seat in the back. It is worth the wait.
MissBruce Lee: An original selection of cocktails, and an impressive whiskey selection! Hidden location and quiet design, bringing a date at Violet Hour is a winner.
Sharon Tsao: I love the variety of cocktails there are! Largest menu I've seen in awhile. I liked the gin based drinks :)
2. The Aviary
8.7
955 W Fulton Market (at Morgan St.), Chicago, IL
Cocktail Bar · Fulton Market · 174 tips and reviews
The Daily Meal: Aviary has the best and most creative cocktails (and bar snacks) in America. Everything's don't-miss, so do a cocktail tasting menu, then order everything not included. Read more.
Eric Mersch: Pick one, they're all delicious. The Chartreuse cocktail is delicious but the presentation for the Oolong is jaw droopingly cool.
Judith Van vliet: Great place! Love the inventive cocktails! Great food but small portions
3. Scofflaw
9.3
3201 W Armitage Ave (at Kedzie Ave), Chicago, IL
Cocktail Bar · Logan Square · 149 tips and reviews
Time Out Chicago: Gin is the spirit of choice at this new Logan Square bar: Try it in a classic cocktail like a martini, served in an antique coupe, or in one of head barkeep Danny Shapiro’s new creations.
Suri R: Fireplaces, comfy chairs, epically good cocktails (you can order off menu!), and the nicest staff.
Amy Graff: Some of the best cocktails in the city... and potent! Preempt those hangover blues with their incredible food including the ultra-crispy fries with pimentón aioli and free cookies at midnight.
4. The Whistler
8.9
2421 N Milwaukee Ave (at W Fullerton Ave), Chicago, IL
Cocktail Bar · Logan Square · 110 tips and reviews
Mehul: Take note of the rotating art installation before enjoying the best cocktails in Chicago. If you're lucky enough, order the simple pleasures that come from the Rosemary Collins.
Emily Parker: Paul McGee's Cocktail 101 class is well worth the time and extremely affordable. My boyfriend and I loved it and both learned a ton.
Cristian Löfvall: The drinks were delicious and the bartender was super attentive. Ask for recommendations or tailored cocktails, he'll hit the spot.
5. Billy Sunday
8.9
3143 W Logan Blvd (Logan and Kedzie), Chicago, IL
Cocktail Bar · Logan Square · 72 tips and reviews
Nick Hork: great cocktails, good small plates, can get a bit pricey if you're doing both.
Shannon Hallowell: Great craft cocktails! Love the bartenders and the atmosphere. Very dark/ romantic/ classic. They have customs tonics on draft that are amazing. Great old fashioneds and Manhattans.
Shannon Hallowell: This is my favorite cocktail bar in the city. Draft tonics are delicious, staff is super knowledgeable and fun. Atmosphere is great.
6. Gilt Bar
9.1
230 W Kinzie St (at N. Franklin St.), Chicago, IL
Lounge · River North · 186 tips and reviews
Esteban Gonzalez: a. the el diablo coctail, gingery, light, great aperitif; b. swordfish is one of the best, most exquisitely done i've tried; c. the brussels sprouts are delish...
Marco Howell: Get the Brussel spouts, tartars, pot roast!!! If secure with your manhood, get the bee sting cocktail, gruner veltliner wine and Grenache.
Madeline Gullett: I loved the cocktails! The restaurant is dark which I love. There is an even darker eating area/bar hidden downstairs that is very dark and cozy. I'll definitely be down there next time I go!
7. Club Lucky
8.9
1824 W Wabansia Ave (at N Honore St), Bucktown/Wicker Park, IL
Italian Restaurant · Bucktown · 62 tips and reviews
Diego Rufo: What I really love about it is the vintage art deco bar and fantastic cocktails they serve. Read more.
Limelight: Club Lucky is an iconic restaurant serving traditional Italian fare and delicious "killer" martinis. Don't forget to check out their extensive cocktail book for some well-crafted drinks.
Tracy Martorello: Pretty sure you can't go wrong with anything on the menu. Try the calamari calabrese grilled, mission fig salad, eggplant parm, and martini night on Tuesday.
9. Queen Mary
9.4
2125 W Division, Chicago, IL
Cocktail Bar · Ukrainian Village · 19 tips and reviews
David Heiser: Get the Stone's Throw or Moon Indigo cocktails.
Mary Alesandrini: 8.5 - Great outdoor seating in a lovely location, and really really well-made craft cocktails.
Emily Bolton: I love this place. The cocktails are top notch, the bar is absolutely beautiful and they play good jams. Good service and knowledgeable bartenders.
12. Ada Street
9.1
1664 N Ada St (btwn Concord & Wabansia), Chicago, IL
American Restaurant · Bucktown · 67 tips and reviews
Alison: Fantastic cocktails. Small plates were all well-executed. Music is loud!
Eater: This modern yet rustic bar features enough drinks to satisfy even the pickiest. Get going with one of their numerous craft cocktails, or something off their extensive beer and wine list.
Smitch: Fantastic cocktails - get the moscow mule or the champagne/angostura bitters combo. Amazing food - highlights were the lamb popsicles, steak tartare and fried manchego cheese balls.
13. Estereo
9.0
2450 N Milwaukee Ave (Sacramento), Chicago, IL
Cocktail Bar · Logan Square · 22 tips and reviews
John Khuu: Heisler Hospitality at it again but with a Latin flare in Logan Square. Cocktails are refreshing, beer is simple/good, and the vibe is perfect for evening & late night drinking. Def worth a visit.
Bobby Kennedy: Strong yet refreshing Latin American inspired cocktails, mostly tequila, rum and mezcal. Great place to hang on a warm weekend afternoon with the windows open.
David Cox-Espenlaub: The cocktails are tasty and dangerously sweet, with some clean and crisp options as well. The cold brew with horchata is a lifesaver if you're the designated driver.
Renaissance Hotels: The bone-in filet is pretty spectacular, its buttery-soft meat perfectly seasoned, best rare and barely singed by the flame. Try their Old-Fashioned too – it’s one of the best cocktails in Chicago. Read more.
Marisela Cadenas: Very nice vintage decoration and great cocktails.
Eater: Brendan Sodikoff's French-inspired steakhouse takes Chicago's meaty history and adds an array of bone marrow, foie gras, and craft cocktails inside perhaps the sexiest room in Chicago. Read more.