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Diners' Choice: Cocktail Bar restaurants in Chicago / Illinois

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OpenTable
Updated February 05, 2025

Looking for restaurants with the best overall Cocktail Bar cuisine in Chicago / Illinois? You’re in the right place. Each month OpenTable analyzes more than 400,000 new diner reviews. We sort the results by category to help you discover new favorites. It's a great partnership: you reserve, eat, and review. We listen...and deliver the results for all to benefit. Enjoy!


A photo of Judes Cocktails and Nosh restaurant
4.8
4.8 (228)
$30 and under
Cocktail Bar
Crystal Lake
About the restaurant
Located in Downtown Crystal Lake, directly across form the Raue Center for the Arts. Our team of outstanding chefs and servers will cater to your every need – for a dining experience that you’ll never forget.
Top review
Amy
Dined on Jan 31, 2025
There was a large selection of craft cocktails. You couldn't choose wrong if you tried. We shared Ahi Tuna Tacos and an Alfredo/goat cheese Flatbread with shrimp. Just the right amount of food and the flavors were incredible. But be sure to save room for dessert! We had the Mousse Trio and the bread pudding! YUM!
A photo of Pandan restaurant
4.8
4.8 (45)
$30 and under
Cocktail Bar
Gold Coast / Streeterville
About the restaurant
Venture to the 18th floor of Viceroy Chicago to discover a seductive world where the sky is your ceiling and gorgeous city views unfold from every angle. Welcome to Pandan, a lush cocktail experience in the heart of the Gold Coast. Bask in what seems like infinite sunshine and starlight as you share baos and buns from the menu of Southeast Asian cuisine. The cocktail menu is as vast as the skyline itself and full of alluring flavors you haven't yet imagined. Sink into a lounge chair surrounded by botanicals and greenery. You'll quickly see: Pandan is a world unto itself -a haven for secluded celebrations, important connections, and whispered secrets. And the undercurrent of exclusivity is undeniable. Pandan is not just a scene. It's a satisfying new perspective. Come up. Elevate.
Top review
AnaVIP
Dined on Jan 19, 2025
Pandan is the spot for a chill, yet elevated night out. The atmosphere is a total vibe—warm, inviting, great music, and super laid-back. The seating is arranged like a huge living room, with plenty of cozy, intimate areas that give you space without feeling like you're on top of other guests. There is beautiful rooftop but I haven’t been brave enough to go out there in the cold. The drinks are consistently great and hit the spot every time. They offer light appetizers that are delicious and just the right size for sharing. But what really makes Pandan stand out for us is the staff. From Francisco greeting us at valet, Kameron at the front desk, Chi (Pandan Mgr), Brianna and Quinn as the servers, and Brandon and team as the bartenders - they are honestly some of the nicest people and main reasons we keep coming back. They’re all so welcoming and always make us feel right at home. They bring a warmth and friendliness that make our visit amazing.
A photo of Three Dots and a Dash restaurant
4.8
4.8 (1878)
$31 to $50
Cocktail Bar
River North (Chicago)
About the restaurant
With a secret alleyway entrance, Three Dots and a Dash is a speakeasy-style take on the traditional island bar—ready to transport you to the glamorous bygone eras of Trader Vic, Stephen Crane and Don the Beachcomber. Descend underground to discover a subterranean hideaway featuring a rum-soaked menu of more than two dozen classic, modern and original tropical cocktails and a selection of island fare. We are a 21+ venue.
Top review
Cyrus
Dined 6 days ago
Wonderful rum-based cocktail bar. Enjoyed the smaller Bamboo Room. Inventive rum flights and cocktails; friendly and knowledgeable bartender.
A photo of Rooftop at Nobu Hotel restaurant
4.5
4.5 (886)
$50 and over
Cocktail Bar
West Loop
About the restaurant
Soak in the vibes of Chicago’s famous Restaurant Row and the views of the stunning city skyline at the Rooftop at Nobu Hotel. The Rooftop encourages walk-ins.
Top review
ElizabethVIP
Dined on Dec 12, 2024
Delicious sushi - get the baked crab role! Great spot for catching up with friends!
A photo of The Alderman restaurant
4.9
4.9 (221)
$30 and under
Cocktail Bar
Pilsen
About the restaurant
Winner of the 2022 Jean Banchet Award for Best Bar, THE ALDERMAN is an intimate, 16-seat cocktail bar tucked away, behind closed doors, within Pilsen Yards. The cocktail list rotates some of its original cocktail features, while the twists on American classics are staples of the cocktail list.

With a plush velvet banquette and a 4-seat counter, it’s the perfect room for a night cap, a date, or a casual evening of one to several astonishingly good cocktails.

Top review
Robin
Dined 1 day ago
This place is definitely a hidden gem. Charlie and Roger were on point. Strong drinks and absolutely great atmosphere!
A photo of Vol. 39 restaurant
4.5
4.5 (82)
$31 to $50
Cocktail Bar
Downtown / Loop
About the restaurant
Tucked away in the The Kimpton Gray Hotel is our library of spirits. Vol. 39 is an upscale bar and cocktail lounge in Chicago’s Loop where friendly faces serve classic drinks like Old Fashioneds and Expresso Martinis. For a speakeasy feel with the comfort of your neighborhood bar, Vol. 39’s collection of wine, whiskey and other craft spirits is the ideal spot for an intimate date night, networking with colleagues, pub crawl or your first drink of the night.
Top review
Michelle
Dined on Jan 17, 2025
Vol 39 is a hidden gem. Great location, service was attentive and gave us time to chat. Great cocktails. Lovely space.
A photo of The Violet Hour restaurant
4.5
4.5 (180)
$31 to $50
Cocktail Bar
Bucktown / Wicker Park
About the restaurant
This James Beard award winning bar program, serves seasonally-driven libations amongst candlelit tables and a sprawling marble bar. Centrally located in the heart of the vibrant Wicker Park neighborhood, surrounded by delicious restaurants and boutique shopping. Cocktails are inspired by trailblazing head mixologist Toby Maloney.
Top review
Abigail
Dined 7 days ago
Really creative cool cocktails and a fun atmosphere. Very cozy. Not impressed by the food personally but would go back for the vibe and the drinks.
A photo of Celeste restaurant
4.4
4.4 (190)
$30 and under
Cocktail Bar
River North (Chicago)
About the restaurant
**For Rooftop Garden and Disco reservation, please visit our website at celestedisco.com**

Celeste is a modern, refined interpretation of the classic American drinking establishment. Our four levels are each inspired by nuances in architecture, art movements, social clubs, and a breakdown of the barriers between art and life. A carefully curated space, upscale cuisine, and imaginative cocktails create the essence of Celeste.

Reservation Types:

Whiskey Bar High-Top:
On the first floor, The Bar is a nod to classic neighborhood bars. This space offers a casual atmosphere, perfect for gathering with friends during happy hour while indulging in elevated spirits, modern American cuisine, and an expanded whiskey list.
Open Wed-Sat at 5pm

Deco Supper Club:
Located on the second floor, Deco Supper Club pays homage to the glamorous architectural history of Chicago at the turn-of-the-century with a drink menu spotlighting craft cocktails.
Open Thurs-Sat at 7pm.

Top review
Alexis
Dined on Jan 26, 2025
Great dining experience, service was quick and food was delicious. We ate on the second floor, then had drinks on the first floor whisky bar, and ended the night on the third floor discotheque. Very fun evening!
A photo of The Berkshire Room restaurant
4.5
4.5 (57)
$30 and under
Cocktail Bar
River North (Chicago)
About the restaurant
The Berkshire Room is an upscale lounge specializing in craft cocktails all created by a talented team. The atmosphere is retro classy and definitely worth a visit before or after dinner for cocktails with friends. There is ample seating either in the private side rooms, the booths in the lounge area or at the bar. The clientele that frequent the Berkshire Room rave about the dealers' choice, which allows guests to choose the spirit, flavor profile and glassware. The bartender then customizes a unique and customized cocktail.

Besides the tasty cocktails and the relaxing ambiance, the Berkshire also offers bar snacks and small dishes. The Berkshire room is located within River North's swanky ACME hotel.

Top review
Rachel
Dined on Feb 2, 2025
Didn’t order food but the app forced me to review them. The drinks are great and the atmosphere is cool.
A photo of Chateau Carbide restaurant
3.3
3.3 (217)
$31 to $50
Cocktail Bar
River North (Chicago)
About the restaurant
Welcome to Château Carbide, a rooftop winter escape, just for you. See our inimitable seasonal style in full display, where luxurious, private lodges dot the rooftop scene, each adorned with cozy fireplaces and plush, intimate seating for up to 5 guests. Snack on a winter-inspired small bites including a French onion grilled cheese and sip seasonal cocktails while taking in the stunning city-wide views of Chicago and all its snowy splendor.

Please note the following policies:
**Chateau Carbide is a 21+ establishment
**Light Bite service is available until 10:00 PM
**Outdoor tables are subject to availability, and a reservation does not constitute an outdoor table. We do our best to accommodate all guest seating requests.
**Reservations are encouraged but not required, subject to availability.

Top review
PriscilaVIP
Dined 6 days ago
Came here with my friends, most definitely a summer thing, service was not the best but drinks were amazing. Will give it another try in the future!
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