United States Illinois Chicago Chicago Guide Things To Do Essentials Restaurants Nightlife Where to Stay Neighborhoods Events All Chicago The Best Cocktail Bars in Chicago By Audarshia Townsend Audarshia Townsend Facebook Twitter Audarshia is Chicago-born writer who covers the city's restaurant and nightlife scene. TripSavvy's editorial guidelines Updated on 01/24/20 Fact checked by Michelai Graham Fact checked by Michelai Graham on 06/09/19 Michigan State University American University Michelai Graham is a technology and business reporter who has written for The Urban Institute and Scoop News. She reports for AfroTech, Lifewire, and The Plug. TripSavvy's fact-checking Share Pin Email Long before “Mad Men” hit the airwaves, the Windy City was known as a hardcore drinking town. Beer, shots and the occasional three-martini lunch were most people’s poisons of choice until the 1960s-based AMC series helped usher in a cocktail revolution. So now imbibers--from locals to visitors--seek out expertly made elixirs. Who gets it done right for those looking for classic and contemporary tipples? New and old, we’ve gathered a great list of places to go, including a couple with fireplaces, for the best in Chicago mixology. 01 of 07 Aviary/The Office Photo courtesy of The Aviary View Map Address 955 W Fulton Market, Chicago, IL 60607-1324, USA Get directions Web Visit website 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. 02 of 07 Coq D'Or Photo courtesy of Drake Hotel View Map Address 140 E Walton Pl, Chicago, IL 60611, USA Get directions Phone +1 312-932-4623 Web Visit website 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). 03 of 07 Drumbar Photo courtesy of Drumbar View Map Address 201 E Delaware Pl, Chicago, IL 60611, USA Get directions Web Visit website 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. 04 of 07 Gilt Bar Photo courtesy of Gilt Bar View Map Address 230 W Kinzie St, Chicago, IL 60654, USA Get directions Phone +1 312-464-9544 Web Visit website Bars 4.4 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. Continue to 5 of 7 below. 05 of 07 Matchbox Photo courtesy of Matchbox View Map Address 770 N Milwaukee Ave, Chicago, IL 60642-5939, USA Get directions Phone +1 312-666-9292 Web Visit website 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. 06 of 07 Sable Kitchen & Bar Photo courtesy of Sable Kitchen & Bar View Map Address 4803, 505 N State St suite 101, Chicago, IL 60654, USA Get directions Phone +1 312-755-9704 Web Visit website 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. 07 of 07 Violet Hour Photo courtesy of Violet Hour View Map Address 1520 N Damen Ave, Chicago, IL 60622, USA Get directions Phone +1 773-252-1500 Web Visit website Bars 4.3 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. Was this page helpful? Thanks for letting us know! 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