Tucked discreetly behind an understated door at 12 W Elm Street, Sparrow delivers a sultry, timeless escape from the bustle of Chicago streets. Housed in a 1927 Art Deco building, this intimate cocktail lounge evokes the elegance of old-school hotel lobby bars. Inside, you’ll discover moody lighting, dark wood, plush banquettes, and vintage touches — think old-fashioned phone booths, walls studded with antique hotel keys, and a décor that whispers Prohibition-era glamour. Sparrow’s soul lives in its cocktails. With a rum-heavy menu featuring spirits from dozens of countries, it’s a haven for rum aficionados. Classics like the Hotel Nacional (apricot liqueur, pineapple rum and lime) or a simple, expertly made daiquiri — plus rotating pours and 1-oz tastings — give you room to explore the global rum spectrum. But the bartenders are equally happy mixing up something off-menu if you’ve got a craving. There’s no kitchen here, no food to distract from the drinks-and-ambience experience. Instead, Sparrow thrives on atmosphere: low conversations, vintage music, and a sultry hush that feels perfect for a date night or a mellow after-work unwind. On weekends you might face a line — the narrow space fills quickly. Despite that, the vibe remains effortlessly cool: classy without being pretentious, intimate without being exclusive. If you'd like, you can also reserve parts of the bar for private events — from a cozy lounge for 20 to a full-bar takeover for 130 guests. It’s a place not just for drinks, but for experiences: a toast to old-world glamour in the heart of Chicago.
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