We’re not rich by any means but like to do a splurge in the city once a year. Have dined at a lot of the crazy places like NoMi, Henri (when it was open), even once at Alinea. So far have reservations at The Violet Hour and Kumiko. Any suggestions, contradictions, or musings on the selections or another place to add?
by red5-standingby
28 Comments
Meadowlark, the loyalist, izakaya at momotaro
Victor Bar
Billy Sunday.
The Aviary
Kumiko is outstanding
Lemon, scofflaw, meadowlark, billy Sunday, the Aviary/the office.
Kumiko is number one for me so that’s a great choice.
After
The Milk Room
The Office
Sparrow needs more mentions around here
https://www.sparrowchicago.com/
Since you’re already up there, the bar at the Robey has great views. Bar itself is just okay in terms of cocktails.
Meadowlark, The Violet Hour, and After are some of my favorites in the city
Some great suggestions already but I’ll add gretel and union
Kumiko is my #1 rec so good job snagging that already. The bar at Bavette’s (no res needed!) is also great for that high-end steakhouse feel, extremely good drinks, and the whole menu is available there too.
And i’ve heard Bar Tre Dita is amaaaaaaazing for this kind of thing.
Sparrow
Au Cheval used to have the BEST BLOODY MARYS of all time (haven’t been back in a while). It’s not THAT high-end but they have $20 burgers everyone goes wild for
After bar (by the same people who do Ever) I think has really interesting and well done cocktails. I would recommend over The Aviary who has more theatrical presentation but has less balanced options. Meadowlark is also excellent though I wasn’t as big of a fan of their summer menu. Bar Kumiko I would highly recommend as well due to wonderful ambiance and a wide variety of options and excellent execution with interesting and unique drinks that feel really special.
Nothing beats Milk Room as far as high end cocktail bars go. They just have stuff you can’t get anywhere else in the city, hell stuff you can’t get most places.
Violet Hour is like the OG but many have surpassed them imo, but it’s still a cool spot. But I personally wouldn’t go there anymore, I’d say it’s worth it for a drink if you have never been though.
Our favorites include sparrow, money gun, berkshire room, broken shaker, and Lazy Bird in no particular order.
At kumiko, if you can get into the whiskey bar that place is so so cool! I think they’re only open on the weekends.
Meadowlark is amazing. Would definitely add them to your list.
After is also incredible.
Ward Eight
Bernard’s-Waldorf Astoria
Makes me sad Barrelhouse Flat is closed
Queen Mary is a gem
My experience with Aviary and The Office is all sizzle, no steak. Just nothing flavor-wise that blew me away.
Violet Hour and Billy Sunday still reign supreme in my book. And Sepia may have the most slept on cocktail list in the city.
Adding Bamboo Room at Three Dots & a dash
The Alderman is more of a speakeasy vibe but Lance makes excellent cocktails and runs a really cool menu. Highly recommend.
Berkshire Room is great!
Bokeh, high end cocktails without the high end zip code.