Top 5 Cocktail Bars in Illinois

6920 N Glenwood Ave, Chicago, IL 60626, United States

“Absolutely love the🍹 drinks 🍸 The service is top notch, everyone is friendly & the atmosphere is very welcoming. If you're looking for a chill night out with good company this is probably your place 😉 This evening we chose the Tropical Twist, Always Greener, Sunny Daze & Cupid's Bow. We weren't disappointed by a single choice & I'd actually suggest trying any of the four. Another highly recommended drink (not pictured) would be the Aviation 🤟🏻”

1612 W Irving Park Rd Ste 1, Chicago, IL 60613, United States

“I found The Long Room through my boss’ accountant’s colleague who was from Chicago. Yes, it was a very random happenstance, but a wonderful one, nonetheless. We booked a last minute trip to Chicago and we were connected with Ryan. He gave us so much great information about the town and what to do - we had to make the trip to the Long Bar just to meet him! We are so glad we met Ryan! He was helpful, knowledgeable, suggested beers and drinks. It was such a great time. We felt we were treated as friends - even family - and not tourists. Thank you Ryan and The Long Bar.”

2421 N Milwaukee Ave, Chicago, IL 60647, United States

“It is definitely laid back, with a back patio. The bar is small but it works and the bartenders are nice. Went there in an off night and they were sooo friendly and they were dancing too! Love that. Note: it’s hard to find but their front has random themes throughout. Cute place to start the night out!💓💓 The bouncer was very friendly too!”

5024 N Sheridan Rd, Chicago, IL 60640, United States

“The tuna melt on rye was excellent and the sweet potato fries are great with the chipotle mayo. Steak is lovely. Service is fast and friendly. Of course we went on a Friday not the weekend. I really love the complimentary brunch bread, too. Most of all, it’s great to support a queer owned business with so much history. Great brunch and lunch spot!”

4632 N Rockwell St, Chicago, IL 60625, United States

“Great place I had the wild burger and fries it was amazing. It’s a nice huge burger with grilled onions and it tastes great. The atmosphere was amazing and the food quality was amazing. I was in a group of three and my friends ordered the buffalo chicken sandwich and my other friend ordered the taco salad both have reported that the food was amazing. The atmosphere has a nice Chicago feel to it. A lot of nice pictures and old memories of the business and how it started out as a business between brothers it’s in a very nice area with lots of foot traffic.”

12 W Elm St, Chicago, IL 60610, United States

“Super cozy place and greet drinks. Perfect for a night out with a couple friends. I don’t recommend it for dates though if you don’t like being in extremely close quarters with other couples and don’t have the best hearing.”

954 N California Ave, Chicago, IL 60622, United States

“Very cozy. Very delicious food. Great services. I wish more up to date beer menu on the website. It's too dark to read the menu. Pretty good shrimp cocktail sauce. Unique skate cheeks dish, so good. Picanha, here is something else, just the perfect balance of flavors. Great portion. Great for sharing.”

3439 N Halsted St, Chicago, IL 60657, United States

“Cute Bar in Lakeview. Great drinks, free retro arcade games. More interactive games like connect four in the rear patio area”

6859 W Irving Park Rd, Chicago, IL 60634, United States

“We had a private party for my daughter’s graduation/birthday and it was fabulous. The food was on point and Kasha was very friendly and took care of everyone’s drinks. You have the option to cater their food (which was easier and convenient for me) however you can bring your own. The room is spacious and does not need a lot of decor because of the rustic look the ambiance is a perfect setting for any event. You can plug in a phone/iPad and play your own music. A lot of guest were inquiring about the private room because they loved it so much. I will definitely use this location again and I highly recommend it to anyone.”

4241 N Ravenswood Ave, Chicago, IL 60613, United States

“I'm giving this a 5* for the tasty drinks (which is why you go). But in all honesty I'm a fan of their liquors already so I wasn't going to be the toughest judge. The not so perfect... The staff was great, but the service is odd. You order at the bar then go sit at a table to wait for them to bring you the drinks. Fine but wasn't super clear if I need to wait, sit, pay, give a cc for a tab, ect. The ambiance: all is good EXCEPT the lighting, it is way too bright. Feels more like a midday coffee shop then cool bar. Just dim those lights please. You can bring outside food which is nice since they do not serve food. Overall solid experience and love supporting a local distillery.”

2758 W Fullerton Ave, Chicago, IL 60647, United States

“The cocktail selection is excellent, and the service is fantastic with attentive staff. The atmosphere is delightful, and they have a lovely outdoor area. I'm looking forward to go back to try Umamicue, which has received rave reviews.”

1500 N Wells St, Chicago, IL 60610, United States

“Love it here! Always a vibe and a good time, love the staff. So cool and the food is great!!”

2521 N Milwaukee Ave, Chicago, IL 60647, United States

“Chill, decent drinks, and open late. I'd go again if I'm i the area for some nice lowlight atmosphere.”

2959 N California Ave, Chicago, IL 60618, United States

“How can you rate something any less when they come out randomly and serve everyone at the bar free fries while they’re drinking. The fries also had a nice spice to them and were thin and very crispy. Came here with some friends for drinks and the vibe was eclectic and cool. We had a lot of fun and I’ll definitely be back to check out the massive patio in the summer.”

302 W State St, Geneva, IL 60134, United States

“We absolutely love this little gem in downtown Geneva. It's a smaller scale music venue which is awesome for people who love to get out and see a live band but still get a local bar feel.”

205 N Peoria St, Chicago, IL 60607, United States

“My friend and I brought our doggies here for a doggy date (Dog friendly bar). We order wings for us and PB sandwiches for the doggies. As I'm eating my wings, I spotted a piece of curly hair in my food. Told our waitress, I can't remember her name, but she was so sweet and helpful. She informed us that she would notify the manager. The manager (Forgot her name) came by our table and was very stand-offish. Her first words were "I'm not sure how hair got in your food, but I will check the cooks in the back to insure they are wearing nets." Not even 5 minutes later she came back "No one back there has curly hair, maybe it's from you? or your dogs?" I instantly rebutted, "The dogs are on the floor and as you can see both the dogs and I have straight hair. How dare you try criticizing me and these dogs?" She replied, "Well I'm not sure how the food got there but will discount your wings." The manager was a Hispanic woman, my friend and I are Black. I'm sure if we were Hispanic, she would not have no problem assisting us in a friendlier manner. I will never support that bar again. There are more dog friendly spots here in Chicago that will treat Blacks better.”

1227 W 18th St, Chicago, IL 60608, United States

“One of my favorite bars in Pilsen, love coming here. Its a small but intimate space, with loud music. Drinks are great and the bartenders are fast. I recommend the Gin Punch and the Pilsen Pisco. Never been disappointed by a drink here”

75 E 16th St, Chicago, IL 60616, United States

“I went on a Friday night and there was plenty of space for my group of 10 to split between a table and the bar. There was a food vendor that had great food, though its not part of the regular menu. The drinks were excellent. It got busy after the second bartender left, but otherwise the service was also good with friendly and quick staff.”

491 N Milwaukee Ave, Chicago, IL 60654, United States

“Great bar , reminds me of the bars in the 1950's . Prices are much lower than other bars but top shelf liquors, juke box full of classic tunes, bartender was very friendly, like I remembered from my early days of visiting bars . Plus the hours of business are outstanding. You must visit it to appreciate how a true drinking establishment should be run. No food served its just a true example of a real bar.”

2450 N Clark St, Chicago, IL 60614, United States

“Fun place for bottomless brunch and to watch football games (busy during Ohio State games as it’s is an OSU watch bar. Food was good and fun that it comes with a dessert bar and donuts! Also loved they have a mixing station for mimosas. Would recommend!”