From top-notch margaritas to more innovative non-alcoholic cocktail mixes and everything in between, the Windy City and its large number of respected mixologists will have the answers to your every need.

Based on our experience at Secret Chicago, our readers’ top pick, and a meticulous evaluation of the ambiance and drink quality, we’ve filtered through the noise to round up the best cocktail bars in Chicago.

Three Dots and a Dash

While Kumiko offers a more minimalist direction with its cocktails, Three Dots, and a Dash delivers quite the opposite. Filled with flavor and color, the cocktails at this tiki spot are as exciting to look at as they are to taste.

Also named one of the 50 Best Bars in the World, but this time by Drinks International, Three Dots and a Dash is a tropical oasis hidden beneath the bustling streets of North River that will transport you to Polynesia.

Cocktail expert Kevin Barry leads a dedicated team that prepares his creations using the freshest exotic fruits, flowers and spices, mixing them with the finest rums, spirits, elixirs and syrups made in-house. The drinks are exquisitely presented in tiki totems, folding bowls, treasure chests, etc.

Purple Hour

Located in the heart of Wicker Park, The Violet Hour offers a James Beard Award-winning bar program that includes a seasonally changing cocktail list with pre-prohibition style booze.

The Aviary

Well-known among locals, The Aviary in West Loop has been thrilling customers with its carefully crafted cocktails since opening in 2011.

Some of the options at The Aviary could be mistaken for a science experiment, but trust us when we say that science is worth trusting.

The Junglebird at the bar, for example, is an unusual blend of rum, pineapple-lime syrup, Campari, and a string of pearls that pop in your mouth. From the same hospitality group as Alinea, it’s no surprise that this is one of the best cocktail bars in Chicago.

Nobody’s Darling

Upon entering this “grown-up cocktail lover’s playpen,” as the bar describes itself, you’ll see the touching words of Alice Walker’s poem “Be Darling,” which gave the bar its name. Behind the bar, there’s even more magic in the form of its incredible cocktails, which are part of the reason why Nobody’s Darling is such a cherished Andersonville hangout and one of the best cocktail bars in Chicago.

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Creating the perfect itinerary can be difficult, so we’ve created one for you. Below is the perfect Saturday schedule, featuring the best things to do at Fulton Market Chicago, from a Mediterranean breakfast to a night of bar dancing.

Start with a Mediterranean brunch

When you walk into Aba, you’re greeted by lush greenery-a set of flowing lines along the back of the bar and spiraling to the ceiling. It’s a blissful way to start your morning. Grab a seat at the bar and order yourself a mimosa or Mediterranean drink and take a look at the mouthwatering breakfast menu that includes spinach and avocado frittata, peach biscuits, mullet and eggs and much more.

Unwind at this Fulton Market bar

This West Loop bar is the quintessential place to gather after laughing and moving around on your feet at Emporium. The cocktail creations at Aviary are more of a science experiment that will thrill and delight you all in one fell swoop. You’ll find drinks you’ve never heard of, like Aviary’s Junglebird, which is an unusual blend of rum, pineapple-lime syrup, Campari, and a string of pearls that pop in your mouth.

Travel to Mykonos for dinner

Check out Lyra Bar, which brings Greek gastronomic life through charcoal and wood-fired grills located in the open kitchen, combined with a vibrant color palette and pendant lights throughout the restaurant. The oval bar emphasizes the community atmosphere that complements the menu, which can be shared with slow-roasted lamb, spanakopitakia and more.

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Mile High Cocktail Club

A bartender hands out two cocktails in a floral glass with a garnish on top at Mile High Cocktail Club in ChicagoPhoto: courtesy of Mile High Cocktail Club
The first on our list is located high above Magnificent Mile in the Four Seasons Hotel. It’s an exclusive cocktail spot to remember, filled with vibrancy, style and exciting drinks. The experience begins even before you take off.

Nisos

A new nightlife hotspot near Fulton Market. Upstairs at Nisos, The Lounge is an inviting, hidden cocktail bar (hint: look for the bookshelf) tucked away on the second floor of Nisos Prime. The 2000 square foot room offers an amazing carefree night out full of energy and music and transports guests to the nightlife of the Mediterranean.

Soif Wine Lounge

Located under Testiaccio, Sofio Wine Lounge is a Parisian escape. The cozy room is a dimly lit bar tinged with red and decorated with large velvet chairs, antique tables and candles. Choose a drink from the collection of French wines that will transport you to the south of France.

Blind Barber

There are few speakeasy bars in Chicago where you can get a haircut during the day and dance to a DJ in the evening. The Blind Barber looks like a barbershop, but when you walk behind it, the space opens up into a 70s-style bar with cocktails and a spacious dance floor.

Drifter

Located under the basement of the Green Door Tavern, The Drifter is an authentic 20s era venue that exudes restraint while also turning into a showcase space. When you step into The Drifter, you step onto the same floor where drifters have been treading for over 100 years.

With a permanent list of more than 100 cocktails featured on tarot cards and nightly performances, this hidden gem is perfect for cocktail lovers and history buffs alike.

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Opened in 2018, Sleeping Village quickly became one of the most popular entertainment venues in Chicago. It was founded on the idea of bringing people together through culture, art, and music. Its founders dreamed of creating a place where everyone can feel like a part of the community and enjoy the best cultural events.

When you first step into Sleeping Village, you will feel a warm and cozy atmosphere. The interior of the venue impresses with its stylish and modern architecture, creating an ideal environment for relaxation and entertainment.

One of the main attractions of Sleeping Village is its live music and performances. The venue regularly hosts performances by various musicians and bands from around the world, ranging from rock and popular music to jazz and electronic music. Every night at Sleeping Village is a new musical experience that leaves an unforgettable impression.

At Sleeping Village, you can also enjoy delicious food and an assortment of drinks. The menu offers a wide variety of dishes, ranging from appetizers and snacks to hot dishes and desserts. In addition, the establishment has a variety of drinks, including craft beers, cocktails and wines.

Sleeping Village actively interacts with the local community by organizing various cultural and entertainment events. From art exhibitions to lectures and movie nights, there is always something interesting to participate in.

Sleeping Village is not just an entertainment venue, it is a place where culture, art and music meet, creating a unique atmosphere and fostering community development. With its diverse programming and pleasant atmosphere, Sleeping Village attracts and leaves its visitors satisfied every time.

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Opened in 2013, The Beer Temple immediately established itself as a place where beer lovers can find the best of craft breweries from around the world. Founder and owner Chris Kuhlman is passionate about traveling, where he has explored and tried a variety of beers. His desire to share these experiences with other beer lovers led to the creation of The Beer Temple.

The philosophy of the establishment is to create an atmosphere where everyone can feel like an expert in the world of beer. Whether you are new to the world of beer or you are a kung fu-trained master of beer flavors, you will find something for yourself here.

The Beer Temple boasts one of the largest and most diverse beer selections in Chicago. The establishment specializes in craft breweries and unique varieties from around the world. You’ll find everything from traditional styles such as ales and lagers to experimental and innovative brews such as sour ales and imperial stouts.

At The Beer Temple, you can not only buy beer to take away, but also taste it right on the spot. The beer bar offers a wide selection of taps with a variety of beers that are constantly updated. You can also create your own sample of flavor by ordering a sample from different taps.

For those who want to deepen their knowledge of beer, The Beer Temple offers tasting events and master classes. Experts from the beer world share their knowledge and experience, teach how to distinguish between different styles of beer and evaluate their taste.

The Beer Temple is not only a place to taste beer, but also a community center for beer enthusiasts. It hosts a variety of events such as beer festivals, beer tours, and special draft beer events. It is a place where people from all over the city and the world gather to share their passion for beer and meet like-minded people.

The Beer Temple is not just a beer store or bar, it is a real beer temple where everyone can feel like a part of the community of beer connoisseurs.

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Maria’s Packaged Goods & Community Bar was opened in 1986 by Maria Marzullo, who dreamed of creating a place where people could gather, share experiences and enjoy a good beer. Over the years, it has become a true symbol of community in the Bridgeport area.

In 2010, Mary sold the establishment to two young entrepreneurs, Ed Marzullo and Jeremy Siren, who dedicated themselves to preserving Mary’s legacy and spirit. They not only preserved and expanded the beer selection, but made it a center of the neighborhood’s cultural life.

Housed in an old building, Maria’s Packaged Goods & Community Bar impresses its visitors with a cozy and friendly atmosphere. The interior is decorated in a style that combines classic charm with modern touches, creating a unique atmosphere in which to spend time.

Maria’s Packaged Goods & Community Bar has a wide selection of beers for all tastes and budgets. Not only do they offer high quality craft beers from local breweries, but also imported beers that have gained popularity among beer connoisseurs. In addition, the establishment offers beer to go and special events to sample and learn about the beer variety.

Maria’s Packaged Goods & Community Bar is not only a place to drink beer, but also a cultural center that hosts a variety of activities and events. From art exhibitions to music nights and beer-themed festivals, there is always something interesting and exciting to do.

One of the core principles of Maria’s Packaged Goods & Community Bar is to support the local community and create an enjoyable environment for all visitors. The establishment is a place where people from different cultural, social and ethnic backgrounds can meet, exchange views and enjoy an evening together.

Maria’s Packaged Goods & Community Bar is not just a beer bar, it is a place where true beer lovers find community and connections. With its exquisite beer selection, warm atmosphere and cultural program, it attracts lovers of good times and quality beer from all over Chicago.

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This lounge is hidden behind Moon Palace Express, a restaurant run by co-owner Lily Wong’s parents. It can be missed without being noticed, as the only indications of its existence are a sign with Chinese characters “Nine Bar” and a sparkling sign near the door. The first thing that catches your eye when you enter is the bar itself. Bottles are neatly displayed on shelves in front of exposed brick, and there is space on top for trinkets such as a Kaws BFF figurine and a lucky cat statue. Next to the bar is a lounge with comfortable sofas and a couple of low tables with stools. There is also a DJ booth, which, at least during my visit, was not in use.

Since we arrived at 7pm on a Saturday, all the tables were already taken. This led to a bit of confusion, as Nine Bar, although it offers waiter service, does not have a host and does not take reservations. So we, along with the other guests, were looking for free seats, despite our determined stare. And although we thought we had already coped with this task, we were still ahead of a couple who instantly took an empty table.

When we finally found a place in the salon after a little confusion, I immediately wanted to try something. The menu is presented in Asian style and includes sections with highballs and sake. I decided to start with the classic Mai Tai, which was well made and strong. If you’re looking for something fresh and spicy, I recommend trying the Paper Dragon, based on tequila and passion fruit. But if you prefer good old-fashioned drinks, there are two old-fashioned options: Cheating Death and Good Fortune.

As for food, Nine Bar offers a small but tasty selection of Asian dishes. The crab dumplings had a perfectly crispy crust and were a real treat. For my main course, I chose McKatsu – a fried pork cutlet on a bun with sesame seeds. I can’t help but mention the Banana Milk Bread, which was a great dessert at the end of the evening.

The atmosphere in the bar is attractive with its Blade Runner-style gloom. The music here is played at a reasonable level, so you can enjoy conversations without having to shout.

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The eight-seat omakase bar Kumiko, located in the center of the restaurant, allows guests to see the careful work of the kitchen through intricately carved wooden curtains. A month before our visit, we made reservations at the bar to enjoy omakase for $130. During this evening, Momose and her team offered a series of Japanese appetizers paired with sake and customized cocktails.

“Do you prefer bright and citrusy? Bitter or spicy?” the carefully dressed bartender asked as we sat down. His warm service encouraged me to try something new, just as I sometimes trust baristas to make drink choices.

First, we enjoyed the nigiri. Each piece was expertly prepared and emphasized Japanese cuisine in all its glory. The accompanying sake perfectly complemented the dishes, giving them new flavors. But I was most impressed by Momose’s cocktail selection, especially her woody citrus sudachi shochu with tonic, sage, and kumquat.

The following dishes amazed us with a wealth of flavors and textures. Each course turned out to be a delicate masterpiece that was a delight. My favorite dish was the sunny, frothy flavor of the madai with charred edges sitting atop a seaweed-scented sabayon.

The last course is a miniature toast with caramelized milk and fermented honey ice cream, topped with fragrant white truffle shavings. This dessert evoked real emotions in me, reminding me of the Sunday breakfasts of my childhood.

As we returned to the lobby, we felt satisfied and reassured after this exquisite evening. Kumiko enchants its guests with its luxurious atmosphere and delicious food.

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