1. The Matchbox
8.6
770 N Milwaukee Ave, Chicago, IL
Bar · River West · 73 tips and reviews
Cris Franco: Must haves: Margarita, Sidecar and Brandy Manhattan.
Sailing Spoken Here: Have the best margarita and brandy manhattan around. Sample an extensive array of rums, beers, bourbons, tequilas, scotches & wines.
Diego Rufo: Everything is hand-made, from the fruit infused vodkas to the brandy soaked cherries they put in manhattans. You must try either an old fashioned, a side car or a margarita. Read more.
3. Rhine Hall Distillery
7.8
2010 W Fulton St Ste F104F (Damen and Fulton (between Damen and Hoyne)), Chicago, IL
Distillery · West Town · 4 tips and reviews
Shannon Jeropke: They specialize in brandy which has a lower ABV than most hard liquors so don’t be afraid to try some neat
Scott Brewer: Open Thursday night and Saturday for now. Just start with the flight and go from there. Free pretzel sticks!
Steven Vance: The GM told me last night that they offer company outings after work. Take a tour and try some flights. This is a good place for singles, couples, and very small groups to come because it's small.
4. 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.
michelle jimenez: The entertainment is amazing. The atmosphere is gorgeous! Must go see for yourself! Highly recommend.
5. Arbella
8.6
112 W Grand Ave, Chicago, IL
Restaurant · River North · 23 tips and reviews
Eater: Simplicity shines through on the refreshing Fraise d’Amor—a blend of cognac and strawberry puree, frozen with liquid nitrogen and served with a spoon. Read more.
Rahul Vashi: An absolutely awesome place for late night drinks and food. Dress well and order anything on the menu...can't go wrong!
Ryan Voltolini: Great cocktails, really good food. Fun for groups and after work.
8. Frontera Grill
8.4
445 N Clark St (btwn Illinois St & Hubbard St), Chicago, IL
Mexican Restaurant · River North · 256 tips and reviews
Geoff Kim: Mmm Mezcal Margarita is amazing - Del Marguey single village artisanal mescal (Oaxaca), 10 yr old Torres brandy, Peychaud bitters, limonada.
Eater: Ballers know the Splurge Margarita is the way to go with cognac barrel-aged tequila, Grand Marnier, cognac-infused Pineau des Charantes, fresh lime, and gold leaf. Read more.
Chad Petrie: Killer guacamole and margaritas. Love the atmosphere.
9. The Sixth
8.0
2200 W Lawrence Ave (Leavitt), Chicago, IL
Cocktail Bar · Ravenswood · 25 tips and reviews
Eater: Benjamin Schiller gives new meaning to a liquid breakfast with his French toast milkshake. The sugar bomb features vanilla ice cream, cinnamon, cognac, whole egg, cake mix and apricot whipped cream. Read more.
Stephen: Glad I got to go when I did - no lines! Really great vibe and lounge-y atmosphere with superbly crafted drinks. Talk to your server - they'll help you decide!
Francisco Perez: Small, comfortable bar. Good cocktails and friendly servers.
10. Avec
9.2
615 W Randolph St (at N Jefferson St), Chicago, IL
New American Restaurant · West Loop · 214 tips and reviews
Syed A: focaccia, octopus and lamb bolognese were great! cool refreshing lemonade and my friend had their cafe with brandy. the nutter butter....can be done differently. overall a great experience!
Agnes Grossman: Seasonal menu; the pea crostini is a seasonal hit ... Cafe Avec (espresso + cognac) for $8 is a bargain
L Hess: French Toast is fab and the molasses sauce it comes with is super unique. Have this come out second and share it. GOOD STUFF.
11. The Violet Hour
9.0
1520 N Damen Ave (at Pierce Ave), Chicago, IL
Speakeasy · Wicker Park · 255 tips and reviews
Jenny Fukumoto 🍺: If you're adventurous and want to try a drink with whipped egg whites, go for the Swingin' on the Lawn - brandy, lemon, cherry liqueur/bitters - delicious!
Eater: Step inside the intimate space and peruse through an extensive handcrafted drink menu that includes vodka, tequila, rum, brandy and portable bitters creations. Try the Juliet & Romeo or the Sazerac.
Alexandria Cole: Great list of cocktails. If you're hungry, definitely try the bacon wrapped dates.
Nate Folkert: champagne papi - el dorado rum, cognac, lime leaf, champagne kola, and lime
Neel Bhargava: Awesome chill bartenders and really interesting drinks
Eater: The fireplace is much more important at Broken Shaker Chicago than it is at the hip cocktail bar's original Miami location. Inside the Freehand, find an impressive selection of craft cocktails. Read more.
Matthias Syndikus: Excellent service and armagnac sour. The ambiance is superb!
Alex Flis: Love how you pick the presentation, and flavors and the mixologists craft you a unique cocktail. Love the concept, I ordered the same options twice and got a different drink each time... So cool
Jen Kane: Yes it's pricey, but this is the kind of place you come to for a fancy drink not a $2 PBR. Great cool vibe,interesting cocktails(order the Weston), oh and don't forget the Cracker Jacks!
14. Binny's Beverage Depot
9.2
1132 S. Jefferson St. (at W Roosevelt Rd), Chicago, IL
Liquor Store · South Loop · 33 tips and reviews
Kelly Kniewel: Solid selection of hard apple ciders. My fav right now is from Black Star Farms. They make fun pear and cherry brandies too.
Mike: Excellent selection - one of my favorite Binny's. Always has some kind of deal on whatever type of booze your heart desires!
Roosevelt Collection: Sign up for membership card for great discounts, cheese bar, a walk-in cigar humidor and sit down bar area.