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The Aviary

Cocktail Bar$$$$
Fulton Market, Chicago
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8.7/10
720
ratings
  • Stars
  • Stars
    The experts at CNN and Serious Eats recommend this place
    • CNN
    • Serious Eats
  • Tips
    Amanda R.
    "Amazing experience tasting cocktails designed by Grant Achatz."(4 Tips)
    Ben K.
    "Worth it to spring for the 3 course cocktail tasting menu."(3 Tips)
    Richard S. G.
    "Great, innovative cocktails."(3 Tips)
    Elisa
    "Cool cocktails, but a bit pricey overall due to forced 20% tip."(10 Tips)
Tips and Reviews icon172 Tips and reviews
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  • Sinaida K.heart icon on user image
    Sinaida K.July 9, 2017
    Secret tip-there are birds on the side of the menu. The further it flies, the more creativity is there in the cocktail. Personal favorite: the one with the ship in a bottle and candle.
    Upvoted 2 weeks ago
  • Kevin D.heart icon on user image
    Kevin DulinApril 16, 2018
    Such inventive and delicious cocktails, it’s hard to pick just one! The tempura shrimp is also delicious to snack on!
  • Eater
    EaterMay 28, 2014
    Leslie Pariseau calls the drinks here "really beautiful, mindfuck cocktails." Not surprising considering Grant Achatz and Nick Kokonas are behind the place, alongside beverage director Charles Joly. Read more
  • Luiz E.
    Luiz EduardoSeptember 8, 2014
    Their special selection of Evil Twin barrel aged brews is a great surprise. Yes, it's a great cocktail bar, but you won't find a Laphroaig barrel aged beer anywhere. beer blah? Get a Van Winkle then.
  • Eater
    EaterApril 11, 2013
    Charles Joly leads the beverage program and has been turning over the cocktail list. Sit on the patio on a nice night or try your luck and see if you can get into the exclusive Office underneath.
  • Adrian P.heart icon on user image
    Adrian PhillipsOctober 18, 2017
    This is an experience. It’s like fine dining for cocktails. Each drink you order is unique. The old fashioned that comes in an ice cube, the oatmeal one that comes in an inflated plastic bag. Worth it
  • ben m.
    ben mApril 24, 2017
    Sure it's got a lot of pretense, but go with it! It's a ton of fun and the drinks are delicious and the presentation is amazing.
  • Erik R.heart icon on user image
    Erik RowleyJanuary 20, 2017
    Inventive drinks, seductive atmosphere. Perfect place for dates or group get togethers, don't recommend for single explorers. In the Rocks is a classy riot, use a sling shot to break the ice, bourbon.
  • Cristina D.heart icon on user image
    Cristina DordasNovember 2, 2015
    Amazing cocktail experience and very friendly and knowledgeable staff. Better book a table to enjoy the whole experience. Other than that you will be at the entrance,which is not so cool as the lounge
  • ブルーノheart icon on user image
    ブルーノJune 6, 2017
    Got a last minute reservation for the 3 course cocktail menu and I'm so glad I had the chance to try this place. Drinks are obviously superlative, everything is a feast for the eyes and the taste.
  • Jennifer L.heart icon on user image
    Jennifer LouieJuly 4, 2015
    Order the prix fixe and try The Hallows and the Rum Manhattan. For snacks try the fish and chips and salt + vinegar pork rinds.
  • Ben K.heart icon on user image
    Ben K.September 6, 2016
    Grant Achatz's incentive cocktail bar. Try the Loaded to the Gunwalls, New Melonnium, In the Rocks, 3 in 441. Worth it to spring for the 3 course cocktail tasting menu.
  • PureWow
    PureWowJune 19, 2017
    If you’re going for the speakeasy, Gatsby vibes, head downstairs to the Office, where your squad can recline on worn leather sofas, sip singular cocktails and nosh on oysters. How moody. Read more
  • David Z.heart icon on user image
    David ZhangSeptember 12, 2016
    Worth visiting at least once and it seemed pretty accessible for walk ins around 5p on Fridays. Treat yourself and get the black truffle explosion from sister restaurant Alinea.
  • Katherine M.
    Katherine M.July 14, 2015
    Cocktail lounge -- no bar, just couches. Curious and fascinating drinks -- like an old-fashioned in a globe of ice, which you break with a slingshot so that it all falls into your glass.
  • Noah W.heart icon on user image
    Noah WeissFebruary 27, 2015
    The most imaginative, and expensive, cocktails you will ever drink. Boozy as hell, too. Every drink served with flare, like a sealed bag filled with truffled smoke. Seriously.
  • Kitt H.heart icon on user image
    Kitt HodJanuary 20
    Make a reservation. If you don't have one, show up when they open as a walk-in. Their non-alcoholic drinks are delicious and plentiful. Try any of the yuzu ones.
  • Time Out Chicago
    Time Out ChicagoMarch 6, 2013
    This bar is built on theatrics: including a Rob Roy served in a vacuum-sealed bag of lavender air, an ice slingshot for the In the Rocks and more: http://tmoutchi.us/13EV7jr Read more
  • CNN
    CNNAugust 6, 2014
    The attention to presentation verges on the ridiculous. Ask for the Blueberry, and it comes out in a custom-designed clear cylinder that’s expertly packed with fruit, herbs and edible flowers. Read more
  • Chris N.
    Chris NickersonDecember 17, 2012
    Thos one of the only bars in the world I can get pappy 23 bourbon. If you have never had it or just like bourbon....this is THE bourbon. Also try the old fashion and the potato.. amazing
  • Biancaheart icon on user image
    BiancaAugust 10, 2019
    Sugar bomb cocktails. Every drink is sticky sweet-cannot get the hype.Got the 5 course menu and the food pairing was good, but the cocktail variation was poor.Food is way better than the drinks🤷🏻‍♀️
  • The Daily Meal
    The Daily MealJune 20, 2011
    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
  • AFAR Media
    AFAR MediaAugust 4, 2014
    Those who want the total Aviary experience should reserve the chef's kitchen table for a 10-course cocktail tasting menu paired with inventive bites. Read more
  • Emily L.heart icon on user image
    Emily LSeptember 13, 2015
    the prix fixe is great since you try a bunch of different drinks -- and you can't really go wrong with anything here!
  • Rafi R.heart icon on user image
    Rafi RomeroSeptember 6, 2015
    recommend: Manhattan in a bag. levels. green chili in a bottle. foodwise: octopus croquettes, mushroom fries, chicharron. everything was excellent but these especially stood out
  • Sam H.
    Sam HughesSeptember 15, 2013
    Just do the cocktail degustation. Trust me, you need to try everything. At the very least, get the school lunch - snickers foie gras and rum chocolate milk is the truth.
  • Amy P.
    Amy PriestleyJanuary 30, 2013
    Some people consider themselves "foodies" but at The Aviary you are a 'drink-ie'. In the drink kitchen, they create unique cocktails including pre fixe menus. Alcoholic amuse bouche? Yes, please!
  • Tunisia C.heart icon on user image
    Tunisia CarterJuly 13, 2017
    Been here 10+ times
    The five course option is great. The Aviary picks your drinks and food pairing. The drink are always great and the food is tasty.
  • Stefanie
    StefanieNovember 29, 2014
    Definitely worth a visit. Cocktails are pricey but experiential so try one! Check out the speakeasy-like downstairs bar, too.
  • Time Out Chicago
    Time Out ChicagoFebruary 14, 2012
    Some cocktails have amazing presentation, like the Rooibos, and some, like the Blueberry are remarkable in every way. But no matter what you order, you'll never think of a cocktail the same way again. Read more
  • Paula F.heart icon on user image
    Paula FreireJuly 27, 2015
    Amazing Cocktails! The Hollow was my favorite. Try the Pork.Salt.Vinegar snack. It's huge and very good!
  • Mouni R.heart icon on user image
    Mouni ReddyNovember 15, 2015
    The Aviary is a fantastic place. Very pricey but definitely worth it. The Netflix cocktail was amazing. They greeted us all with a shot!
  • PUNCH
    PUNCHSeptember 25, 2015
    Aviary exhibits dedication to innovation & theater, delivering cocktails in unexpected forms and flavors. This may not be your average bar, and that’s exactly the point. Read more
  • Rochelle S.
    Rochelle SingsonSeptember 5, 2012
    Had a great time...I had my birthday party here and its a nice place to have an event ...service is great and drinks are fun... this place is just for drinking and socializing...not eating
  • Autumn C.heart icon on user image
    Autumn ChoiSeptember 30, 2019
    The cocktails are obviously great. Some flight options and small bites available. presentation and ambience are amazing. Attentive service
  • Michael H.heart icon on user image
    Michael HFebruary 1, 2013
    A must. A molecular-libation experience that is definitely unique. Awesome drink ideas, not just ordering expensive cocktails its an experience. 'In the rocks' is just one of many I can recommend.
  • Jessica M.heart icon on user image
    Jessica MarheeMay 30, 2014
    Loved the cocktails here. Each one is exciting and the presentation is fantastic. Definitely ask for your servers advise.
  • An S.heart icon on user image
    An ShengAugust 29, 2017
    Such fance, but the cocktails are def worth the $$$. My fave was the Jab
  • Euclid W.
    Euclid WalkerJuly 23, 2011
    Go to the Office & for your second drink, try telling the bartender what you enjoy (e.g scotch with an exotic spicy twist) & let them make you a custom cocktail. Jason made us some amazing drinks!
  • _
    _February 17, 2015
    Amazing creative cocktails and great ambiance! Grab yourself an expensive foie gras snicker bar.
  • Srey W.
    Srey WaghrayAugust 16, 2014
    Great drinks! Presentation even better. I got the pre fixed menu and it was well worth it.
  • MNZ ..heart icon on user image
    MNZ .October 31, 2017
    You can not go wrong with any cocktail here. The place where drinks turn into an art! If you are in Chicago, the aviary is a must!
  • natalie k.heart icon on user image
    natalie kayMay 30, 2016
    Try a porthole while you're here. pb&j dessert was amazing! I won't be able to have a regular sandwich again.
  • Mitchell W.heart icon on user image
    Mitchell WapnerMarch 31, 2012
    If you are one of the lucky ones and can actually get in, you are one lucky person! This place is unlike anything I've ever experienced. I tried drinks that could only be dreamt up in fairy tails!
  • Time Out Chicago
    Time Out ChicagoDecember 6, 2011
    Try the In the Rocks from our 100 Best list: It's our favorite drink at this high-concept lounge, for how it seamlessly integrates tactile pleasure (“cracking” the rock) into a beautifully made drink.
  • Colleenheart icon on user image
    ColleenFebruary 19, 2014
    Do what you can to work your way downstairs to the 'invite only', The Office... The bartender is an artist at work. What a wonderful night we had! LOVED IT!
  • Esther S.heart icon on user image
    Esther ShamieSeptember 4, 2014
    Been here 5+ times
    Must visit if you're in Chicago! Flavor changing drinks, cocktails lot on fire, and the best "snickers" bar you'll ever have
  • Matt W.heart icon on user image
    Matt WeinbergerApril 19, 2014
    Incredible cocktail lounge with great drinks and extremely friendly staff. Marco at the door made the wait worthwhile. Highly recommend.
  • Christine H.
    Christine HaFebruary 27, 2016
    Book a Rez. Had a la carte. Carefully crafted cocktails with emphasis on presentation. I've had better tasting cocktails elsewhere but can appreciate experience here. Ain't cheap. 🍸🍹
  • Shannon J.
    Shannon JeropkeJune 6, 2017
    Winner of Most Creative Drink List, runner up for Best Bar Family presented by Glenfiddich Scotch at the 2017 Time Out Chicago Bar Awards.
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