Top Bars in Chicago – Most Viewed (2025)

Established in 2019, Osito’s Tap is a speakeasy-inspired bar located in Chicago's Little Village neighborhood. Housed in a historic greystone building adjacent to Moreno’s Liquors, this bar pays homage to the area's rich cultural tapestry. Once a Bohemian bar and underground bookie joint, the space now serves as a modern Latinx cocktail haven. Owner Mike Moreno Jr., a third-generation member of the Moreno family, envisioned Osito’s Tap as a community-centric space that celebrates Latin American heritage through craft spirits and cocktails. The bar features a curated selection of tequilas, mezcals, and other agave-based spirits, many sourced from Moreno’s Liquors next door. Signature drinks like the smoky "El Oscuro" Old Fashioned highlight the inventive menu. The interior design reflects its speakeasy roots, with exposed masonry walls, dark millwork, and Talavera tile patterns, creating an ambiance that is both nostalgic and contemporary. Osito’s Tap also offers a health-conscious food menu, emphasizing fresh ingredients and traditional Latin flavors. Beyond its offerings, Osito’s Tap is committed to fostering an inclusive and educational environment, making it a beloved fixture in the Little Village community.

Tucked behind a modest blue door in the West Loop, Kumiko blends minimalist design, Japanese craftsmanship, and world-class mixology. Mastermind Julia Momosé—also behind Michelin‑awarded Oriole—melds omakase-level precision with cocktail artistry in a space defined by light wood, exposed brick, and kumiko-style lattice detailing. The bar offers two distinct experiences: an elegant upstairs dining bar serving à la carte dishes alongside meticulously crafted cocktails, sakes, shochus, and spirit-free “spiritfrees”; and a downstairs whisky‑shochu bar with intimate counter seating open Fridays and Saturdays. Patrons can opt for seasonal tasting menus—pairable with stirred or light cocktails, sakes, or alcohol‑free mixes—or order off-menu from refined small plates like wagyū katsu sando, tempura prawn with edible herbs, or truffle milk toast. Renowned for somber yet warm service embodying omotenashi, Kumiko has earned accolades including Michelin Plate 2022, North America's 50 Best Bars top Midwest spot, and a 2025 James Beard Award for Outstanding Bar. Recent visitors rave about the thought-provoking cocktails—“complex and outstanding… the type that makes you think” — and the tactile beauty of the space. Open Wed–Sun evenings (6 PM–11:30 PM), seated dining is reservation‑only for tasting menus, while bar seating may take walk‑ins. Dress smart casual and expect a premium experience—each sip and bite is a curated moment of harmony, precision, and thoughtful Japanese‑inspired hospitality.

The Aviary, established in 2011 by the Alinea Group, is a trailblazing cocktail bar located in Chicago's West Loop. Helmed by renowned chef Grant Achatz, it brings a fine-dining approach to mixology, treating cocktails as culinary art forms. Bartenders operate in a "cocktail kitchen," crafting drinks with precision and creativity, often employing molecular gastronomy techniques.​ Guests can choose from various experiences: a 3-course cocktail progression, a 5-course food and cocktail pairing, or the exclusive 7-course Kitchen Table Experience. Each option offers a curated journey through innovative flavors and presentations, such as cocktails encased in ice spheres or served with aromatic elements. The Aviary also features "The Office," a speakeasy-style bar beneath the main lounge, offering classic cocktails in an intimate setting.​ Recognized globally, The Aviary has received accolades including a James Beard Award for Outstanding Bar Program and rankings among the World's 50 Best Bars. Its commitment to pushing the boundaries of cocktail culture makes it a must-visit destination for enthusiasts and newcomers alike.​

The Drifter is an authentic 1920s-era speakeasy nestled beneath the historic Green Door Tavern in Chicago's River North neighborhood. Accessed through a concealed entrance behind a bookshelf, this intimate venue transports guests back to the Prohibition era with its vintage décor, including antique artifacts and circus-themed tapestries. The bar features a unique cocktail menu presented on custom tarot cards, offering a rotating selection of over 100 craft cocktails. Each night, a curated set of drinks is selected, ensuring a fresh experience with every visit. The ambiance is further enhanced by nightly live performances ranging from burlesque and magic to live music, all showcased on a small stage behind a velvet curtain. With seating for approximately 40 guests, The Drifter maintains an exclusive atmosphere, often accompanied by a modest cover charge for entertainment. Patrons can also order food from the Green Door Tavern upstairs, complementing the artisanal drinks with classic bar fare. This hidden gem offers a distinctive blend of history, mixology, and performance art, making it a must-visit destination for those seeking a unique night out in Chicago.

Hidden beneath the celebrated molecular cocktail haven The Aviary, The Office is a 21-seat vintage speakeasy that flips high-concept on its head with relaxed riffs on classic drinks and rare spirits. Behind an unmarked door, you’ll step into a space that feels like a well-appointed, wealthy Wisconsin man-cave—dark, comfy, unpretentious—with a bartender who’s part archivist, part mixology guru. On the menu, expect timeless cocktails—Martinis, Old Fashioneds, Daiquiris—but executed with top-tier technique, house-made ingredients, and tailored to the moment. Want to leave it to chance? Go for Dealer’s Choice, and let the bartender curate your night, flavor-by-flavor. Reservations are strongly encouraged, and cannot be walked into easily; a polite text requesting a spot is often the best way to secure a seat. The setting is tiny but warm—perfect for whispered conversation, subtle indulgence, and the kind of immersive cocktail experience that feels personal and rare. Even Time Out recommends the “Office Hour”—a 60-minute guided experience featuring two bespoke cocktails with food pairings, ideal for easing into or unwinding from a night out.

SafeHouse Chicago, launched in 2017 in River North, was the Windy City outpost of the iconic Milwaukee spy-themed restaurant established in 1966. Entry began with a cloak-and-dagger moment: discover the unmarked red door, give the password to a “Moneypenny”-style agent, or face a whimsical clearance test – a playful challenge projected for all to see. Inside, the sprawling space featured multiple zones: the Interpol Bar, Spybrary, Seduction Lounge, interrogation rooms, gadget stations, and even a “cone of silence” booth—complete with spy-plane flight deck sections and Berlin Wall fragments as decor. Walls were lined with vintage espionage artifacts, interactive puzzles, and hidden surprises—maker’s dream for curious agents of all ages. The menu married fun and flavor: pun-filled dishes like Fried C4 Cheese Curds, SMERSH Burgers, Prime Rib Timed-Drop Sandwich, pretzel “Stasi Twists,” and layered Spy salads. Cocktails included thematic names like Agent Chi and A Spy’s Demise, with happy hour specials 4–7 PM Wed–Fri at the Interpol Bar. SafeHouse was family-friendly until 9 PM on weekends, then 21+ afterward. It welcomed agents Wed–Thu 4–10 PM, Fri 4–2 AM, Sat 11 AM–2 AM, Sun 11 AM–10 PM. Despite its popularity, the Chicago location closed on March 6, 2023, completing its final mission after six adventurous years. Locals remember it as an immersive, theatrical dining experience blending kitschy Cold War nostalgia, interactive fun, and hearty bar fare.

Nestled in Logan Square, Billy Sunday has been a celebrated Chicago staple since 2013, masterfully blending hospitality with cocktail creativity. Step inside and you're greeted by moody lighting, rich wooden surfaces, and a curated back bar that whispers "vintage meets modern." Cocktails here are smart, inventive takes on classics. Expect seasonal, house-made tinctures—from delicate herbal extracts to bitters made in-house—paired with playful creations and powerful riffs on tradition. Try the Vintage Amaro Daiquiri or the Victorian and ask for the “Good Book,” a legendary reserve list featuring rare vintages of amari and Scotch whiskies. But don't overlook the kitchen—helmed by owner-chef Matthias Merges—where unexpected flavors shine. Must-tries include the whimsical green bean casserole with bacon and crispy pig ears, flaming saganaki, monkey bread with carrot harissa and ramp butter, and elegant steak tartare. Each bite is crafted to complement a drink—and conversation. Hospitality here strikes the perfect balance: relaxed and welcoming without losing polish. Staffers are knowledgeable, attentive, and delight in sharing their passion—whether you're intrigued by their back bar or experimenting with amaro flights. In short, Billy Sunday is where Chicago's cocktail culture feels homey yet elevated—a place to linger over artful drinks, surprising eats, and genuine Midwestern warmth.

Hidden in the depths of Chicago’s River North district, The Bamboo Room is a "bar within a bar"—an exclusive outpost nestled inside the famed Three Dots and a Dash. Accessible only via a secretive alleyway, this hushed retreat houses just 22 seats and is dedicated entirely to the art and magic of rum cocktails. Within these moody walls, beverage maven Kevin Beary and his team craft sophisticated, globally inspired rum experiences. The bar's back shelves are stocked with rare and vintage rums spanning Jamaica, Martinique, St. Lucia, and beyond—each cocktail telling a story of its origin. Highlights include a daiquiri poured over hand‑shaved ice, the creamy Clairvoyant Missionary (a mint‑chartreuse‑topped milk punch), and a rich Grog—each drink meticulously balanced and artfully delivered. True tiki aficionados are drawn here—and not just for the exceptional drinks. The Bamboo Room is a sanctuary for discovery and education, where bartenders engage in one‑on‑one storytelling, guiding guests through rum flights or exclusive guided tastings tailored to personal preference. Case in point: the famed $800 Mai Tai, a painstaking recreation of the 1944 Trader Vic original, made using vintage 1950s Wray & Nephew 15‑Year‑Old Rum and rare curaçao—a cocktail archeology feat in both taste and presentation. Though small, the atmosphere is rich with texture—tiki‑nic décor, dim lighting, and hushed ambiance that calls for quiet conversation and indulgence. To experience it, reservations are strongly encouraged—especially on weekends—since walk‑ins are rare and capacity is limited. All told, The Bamboo Room isn’t just a bar—it’s an immersive guided journey through rum’s global heritage, executed with elegance, expertise, and exceptional storytelling in every pour.

Three Dots and a Dash is a renowned tiki bar nestled in Chicago's River North neighborhood. Accessible via a discreet alleyway entrance, patrons descend into a subterranean haven adorned with Polynesian artifacts, bamboo accents, and ambient lighting that transports guests to a tropical paradise. The bar boasts an extensive menu of meticulously crafted cocktails, utilizing fresh exotic fruits, house-made syrups, and a diverse selection of rums and spirits. Signature drinks like the namesake "Three Dots and a Dash" pay homage to classic tiki concoctions while offering modern twists. For those seeking a more intimate experience, The Bamboo Room—a 22-seat enclave within the bar—provides personalized service and a curated menu featuring rare and vintage rums. Beyond beverages, the establishment offers Polynesian-inspired bites, enhancing the immersive experience. With its combination of authentic décor, innovative drinks, and attentive service, Three Dots and a Dash stands as a premier destination for both tiki enthusiasts and newcomers alike.

From the team behind Logan Square staples Lardon & Union, Meadowlark is a lean, thoughtfully curated cocktail lounge tucked into a century-old building on W Palmer Street. You enter behind an unmarked door (only a stylized bird silhouette hints at what lies beyond). Inside, the space feels like a reclaimed library or gentleman’s parlor — exposed brick, rafters, leather seating, vintage glass lamps, and curated antiques. The bar is compact: seating for about 30. What sets Meadowlark apart is its rotating themed cocktail menus that draw from local history, nature, or childhood memories. One menu was bird-themed (“Midwestern Birds”); another reflected the 1893 World’s Fair in Chicago. Drinks are inventive without being showy — balanced, narrative, approachable. Though intimate, the service aims high: bartenders are friendly, knowledgeable, and engage in conversation rather than hiding behind facades. The place has earned acclaim: it appears in North America’s 50 Best Bars lists. It’s a bar you go to when you want to slow down: to sit at the bar, talk drinks, try something new, and maybe spend an hour or more in quiet reverie.