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Watershed
Cocktail Bar and Lounge$$$$
Near North Side, Chicago
Has a stamp of approval from Time Out Chicago and Serious Eats
"Beer, wine & cocktails are Midwestern born & bred!"(3 Tips)
"Try the cheese curds!!"(3 Tips)
"Nice cozy craft cocktail atmosphere."(7 Tips)
"Great speakeasy in the basement of Pops for Champagne"(2 Tips)
56 Tips and reviewsFilter:
- midwestern
- good for dates
- trendy
- cheese curds
- bar
- (15 more)
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Rochelle IFebruary 13, 2012First bar I visited in Chicago. Love it!! Great server & amazing drinks. Got a complimentary birthday shot. Intimate and somewhat speakeasy like. Two dudes play a mean banjo on Thursday night!
Jake SmithAugust 12, 2013The fries and poutine are both amazing; snack on either while sipping your delicious drink, which should be gin or whiskey based. Don't miss the 3D map of the Great Lakes!
Raed MansourAugust 26, 2014Hidden in the basement of Pops, nice and small! Nothing better than catching up with friends over a drink and sharing fried Wisconsin cheese curds and frites.
Adam TAugust 26, 2014A cozy, warm subterranean lounge (enter through "Pop") with a thoughtful and fun house cocktail list and staff who really want you to enjoy it. Sit in an armchair at the low bar.- Great speakeasy in the basement of Pops for Champagne - if you like avocado and gin-based drinks, get the You're the Worst! Cheese curds are delish too.
Chris VanisonNovember 16, 2014My favorite spot for drinks in Chicago. Great regional beer menu that is surprisingly cheap. Have gotten great suggestions from servers and folks behind the bar.
Michael MahoneyOctober 17, 2012The comfortable tables at the bar are the best seats in the house, and give The Watershed a relaxed yet decidedly upscale feel. A must visit stop whenever I'm in Chicago.
Jessica WickhamJuly 2, 2017Cool basement bar in a speakeasy style. Great variety of cocktails, classic and strong. Recommend the bar snacks to accompany them
Charissa Lind-CunninghamMay 14, 2016If you're a Manhattan fan, try the Proximity Effect. It's not a Manhattan variation exactly, but it's a smokey, savory whiskey drink that's sure to please.
Serious EatsMarch 31, 2014If you're looking for the best place to drink your way through a portfolio of locally-made booze, River North's Watershed is the place to visit.
Pocket SunAugust 11, 2014Most of the times you have to wait to be seated. Quality food and drink menu, I especially like the fried chicken thighs and crispy shrimp.- Pocket SunApril 11, 2014Casual chic. Love doing people watching here. Live music, cute instruments! Good beers apparently, great small food plates to share.
Steven TurnerAugust 30, 2013Feels like grandmas basement and I loved it. Amazing cocktails and regionally sourced liquors & beers. Tip, get some goat cheeses :-)
AliceSeptember 16, 2014Great Midwest beers, even greater cocktails. Bartenders always knowledgeable and friendly. Dark and cozy. Food 'til late.
JeffAugust 8, 2014Super chill cocktail lounge beneath the super basic Pops! for Champagne. Look for the big W in the back and make your way downstairs and order the Chicago Fizz.
Amy RobertsonDecember 30, 2014Duck jerky is phenomenal...moreover a huge selection of Midwestern liquors to sample
Some of my favorite gin cocktails are right here. My favorite place in River North by far.
Vincent JamesOctober 20, 2012Nice atmosphere. Takes about 10-15 mins for a drink, probs bc there's 1 bartender for 60 ppl. Drinks are good, however not the best IPA selection. Cheers!
Abby MeixnerDecember 23, 2012My kind of bar, their mixologists take pride and i love everything about the decor and laid back attitude.
Andrew RomanJuly 28, 2012Great prices. Amazing drinks. Friendly service. Do NOT leave this basement location off your bar rotation.
Coolest best kept secret in downtown Chicago. The staff were friendly and the food menu consists of finger type foods with weird names. Delish!
Time Out ChicagoMarch 30, 2012The cozy bar beneath Pops for Champagne, where the deftly made cocktails showcase local spirits. Read more
- Nice cozy craft cocktail atmosphere. Awesome Bartenders and staff
- Jess SSeptember 10, 2010Cozy, classy rec room vibe. Great ambiance. Beer, wine & cocktails are Midwestern born & bred!
DailyCandyDecember 9, 2010In a hidden bar beneath Pops for Champagne, sip artisanal drinks sourced from only the Great Lakes area. Read more
Nathaniel JiangOctober 23, 2011Don't let Pops fool you. Whole different environment in the basement.
Adam SegerSeptember 9, 2011Jaegger is for Freshmen. Try a chilled shot of locally-made 70 Proof hum, The World's Most Unique Rum.
Adam and Eve on Raft is amazing. Wash down with a glass of stellar Michigan vino
Dave ClarkSeptember 12, 2010Try the cocktails at this cozy lounge below Pops for Champagne in River North.- Time Out ChicagoFebruary 11, 2011Thought you'd want to know: WaterShed has been nominated for Best New Bar in Time Out Chicago’s 2011 Eat Out Awards. Vote now! Read more
142 Photos
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Open until 2:00 AM (Show more)
- Mon–Sat
- 5:00 PM–2:00 AM
(312) 266-4932
Features
Reservations
Yes
Credit Cards
Yes (incl. American Express)
Wi-Fi
No
Outdoor Seating
No
Food & Drink
Drinks
Beer, Wine, Full Bar, Cocktails
See More
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Grant Thomas - 8.0
"Great place for drinks, but their hidden gem is the fried chicken. Best I've had in the city, no joke."
Jenn Kim - 8.5
"As the name suggests, cocktails and drinks are the name of the game at this underground spot. Try out their Pimm's cup or the Pilsen Fish House Punch. Or anything on the menu really it's all great."
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