The Best Cocktail Bars in Chicago

When it comes to cocktail lounges, the Aviary is in a class by itself. The award-winning watering hole is the brainchild of molecular gastronomy master Grant Achatz, and the drinks follow a similar culinary philosophy. Bartenders, in fact, are dubbed “sous chefs” and arrive several hours before opening to prep ingredients. The results are magical, with fresh perspectives and seasonal renditions of classic cocktails such as the Manhattan, Champagne cocktail and Old Fashioned. Directly underneath Aviary is The Office, a tiny, invite-only space that seats about 18 guests for drinks and small plates. Both bars boast a massive whiskey list with rare scotches and bourbons as well as progressive whiskey flights.

Bar trends come and go, but one thing has always been consistent: Coq D’Or has outlived them all. The Drake Hotel’s dimly lit lounge has been around since the repeal of Prohibition and it maintains an authentic, sophisticated setting. Bartenders are well-seasoned and no-nonsense, with great storytelling skills. Their domain is a great place for settling into mid-week for something strong and stiff (Think Old Fashioned, whiskey neat).

Another hotel bar, Drumbar looks and feels like the type of place that would have gotten plenty of Don Draper action back in the 1960s. It’s located on the 18th floor of the Raffaello Hotel and features a bustling outdoor rooftop patio during warm months. While the classic cocktail list is the obvious choice for drinking around these parts, the progressive menu should pique the interest of those more adventurous. That list is seasonal and experimental with rare ingredients and hard-to-find spirits. Drumbar also boasts an extensive collection of rare finds when it comes to scotch.

Serving as a great after-work watering hole, Gilt Bar is located directly across the street from Merchandise Mart. A highly sought after bar is carved out of the spacious dining room, and that’s where the bartenders work their magic with renditions on the Champagne cocktail, whiskey smashes and more. The lower level is home to The Library, an intimate drinking room with leather-bound classic novels that you can read while sipping one of the many options.

You don’t have to be a social butterfly, but you’ll need to be comfortable bumping into your neighbor on a regular basis if you go drinking at this tiny corner bar that’s been measured at 400 square feet. At least there’s an incentive: Order a cocktail and you’ll get a sidecar that’s enough for a full second drink. Signature cocktails are Gimlets and Manhattans.

The swanky Palomar hotel’s lobby bar attracts more locals than visitors. And while the bartenders have all the tricks of the trade to make exotic elixirs and such, they’re swift. You’ll have that cocktail in front of you in the same time it takes for them to crack open a beer. They’re also big whiskey aficionados, so the selection is vast. The “liquid library” is comprised of cocktails made with local and house-made ingredients.

It’s been credited with pioneering Chicago’s current mixology scene, and Violet Hour continues to thrive--even on what’s considering “off nights” for most bars. Some of VH’s policies have been widely criticized (no cell phones, 15-minute waits for cocktails, every customer must have a seat), yet there’s a line around the corner to get in almost every night of the week. The staff dresses immaculately, perfects every cocktail and maintains a calm demeanor in the face of even the most agitated customer.