The Best Cocktail Bars In Chicago, By Neighborhood

The Best Cocktail Bars In Chicago, By NeighborhoodThe Aviary. | Photo: David C./Yelp
Allie Pape
Published on June 26, 2017

There are plenty of great places to enjoy an outstanding cocktail all over Chicago—but sometimes, you'd rather stay in your own neighborhood. To make the most of close-to-home (or close-to-work, or close-to-dinner) drinking, here's our list of the best spots for an amazing drink, neighborhood by neighborhood. 

Bucktown

Ipsento 606

By day, it's one of the city's best coffee bars; by night, it transforms into a chill cocktail lounge, with some cocktails even incorporating the house nitro cold brew. 

Fulton Market

The Aviary

A visit to this den of cocktail geekery isn't cheap (think $20+ per drink), but you're sure to sample some of the most original, innovative, and delicious tipples of your life—and many of them come with a show. Be sure to purchase tickets in advance. 

Lincoln Park

The Barrelhouse Flat

Photo: Jean L./Yelp

Picky drinkers are sure to find something to like on this hip bar's massive cocktail menu, which boasts several dozen drinks organized by spirit. Stop in for happy hour (Sunday-Monday, 6-8pm) to enjoy a wide array of them for just $8. 

Logan Square

Scofflaw

With an emphasis on gin, this cozy brick-walled spot can provide cocktails ranging from light and fizzy (the bright and sweet rotating swizzles) to dark and delicious (the Victory Lap, spiked with bitter amaro). 

North Center

The Victor Bar

An old-school French vibe and Gallic-inspired drink menu (think cognac, figs, and black pepper, or bourbon, Benedictine, and spiced pear) make this intimate retreat the closest you'll come to date night in the City of Light.

River North

Bavette's Bar & Boeuf

Photo: Eric P./Yelp

This upscale modern steakhouse is known for drinks worthy of its clubby atmosphere, with an emphasis on the classics (think gimlets, Sazeracs, Champagne cocktails, and four kinds of old fashioneds). 

Rogers Park

Rogers Park Social

Founded and operated by Rogers Park residents, this neighborhood watering hole turns out great cocktails at a great price—everything on the booze menu, from classics to new-school creations, is $10 or less.

Pilsen

Tack Room

The rustic-yet-chic piano lounge attached to Dusek's has an equine motif, but they aren't horsing around when it comes to the Derby-inspired libations, with an emphasis on bourbon (try the mint julep). 

Uptown

SIP Southport & Irving

Photo: SIP Southport & Irving/Yelp

Inspired by speakeasies and jazz clubs of the '20s, this restaurant and bar offers cocktails both classic and modern, as well as a great happy hour (drinks are $6 on weekdays from 5-7pm). 

West Loop

Green Street Smoked Meats

Green Street's Texas-style BBQ is best enjoyed with cocktails by the pitcher, from margaritas and "dirty" Shirley Temples to the more exotic Black Gold, a boozy and bitter combo of Mexican Fernet and Carpano Antica. 

Wicker Park

The Violet Hour

Photo: Maia Cybelle C./Yelp

This sophisticated cocktail bar is generally known as one of the country's best, with impressively innovative libations at only a slight markup ($13 apiece). Just be sure to adhere to the house rules: dress nicely (no ball caps), and put your cell phone away.