United States Illinois The 10 Best Chicago Whiskey Bars 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 11/07/19 Fact checked by Patrice Williams Fact checked by Patrice Williams Instagram LinkedIn Temple University Patrice J. Williams is a travel and style content creator, fact-checker and author of the thrift shopping book Looking Fly on a Dime. TripSavvy's fact-checking WhiskyFest every year at the Hyatt Regency Chicago and sells out almost immediately when tickets go on sale. True whiskey aficionados know that if they want to attend this highly anticipated event where more than 300 distillers converge under one roof, they need to act fast. So that everyone else isn’t left out in the cold, here are a number of Chicago whiskey bars where fans may taste their way through carefully curated programs all year long. 01 of 10 Drumbar Courtesy of Drumbar View Map Address 201 E Delaware Pl, Chicago, IL 60611, USA Get directions Web Visit website The Raffaello Hotel’s rooftop cocktail lounge showcases an enviable selection of bourbons, rye, single-malt and blended scotch for patrons to enjoy in the lounge or on the outside patio. There are also a number of creative, whiskey-based drinks, plus monthly scotch tastings. 02 of 10 Aviary Courtesy of Aviary View Map Address 955 W Fulton Market, Chicago, IL 60607-1324, USA Get directions Web Visit website When it comes to cocktail lounges, Aviary’s in a class by itself. It’s 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 whiskey-based Manhattan 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. The venues are a short walk or drive from Soho House Chicago. 03 of 10 The Berkshire Room Courtesy of The Berkshire Room View Map Address 15 E Ohio St, Chicago, IL 60611-2707, USA Get directions Web Visit website Bars 4.3 When it opened as ACME Hotel Co.'s lobby lounge in 2013, The Berkshire Room breathed new energy into a room that had long been forgotten. To pay homage to its roots harking back to the 1920s, the highly regarded Chicago whiskey bar kept the original and rare terrazzo composite flooring. It certainly feels like the sort of place highlighted in "The Great Gatsby" or "Boardwalk Empire" as revelers relish in indulgent whiskeys such as Pappy Van Winkle and William Larue Weller. The collection contains more than 200 bourbons, ryes, and scotch. Count on at least a few, whiskey-focused, barrel-finished cocktails to round out the program. Berkshire is based in River North, and centrally located near a number of high-profile hotels. 04 of 10 Bub City Courtesy of Bub City View Map Address 435 N Clark St, Chicago, IL 60654, USA Get directions Phone +1 312-610-4200 Web Visit website If you're about to take on some country karaoke in front of a room full of strangers, you're going to need all the liquid courage you can muster. Thankfully, this rockin' BBQ joint's got you covered with an extensive whiskey list filled with bourbon and rye favorites. There are also signature Bub City whiskeys from the likes of Four Roses, Knob Creek, and Elijah Craig. Continue to 5 of 10 below. 05 of 10 Baptiste & Bottle Courtesy of Baptiste & Bottle View Map Address 101 E Erie St, Chicago, IL 60611, USA Get directions Phone +1 312-667-6793 Web Visit website The latest addition to Chicago's whiskey-soaked scene is this stunning hotel lounge and restaurant perched on the 20th floor of luxury property Conrad Chicago. Offering premium views of the famed Magnificent Mile shopping district, Baptiste & Bottle is the sort of place you take a high-rolling bourbon or single-malt scotch enthusiast. The collection, of course, is impressive, with cellar selections from Canada, Japan, and Scotland. Guests may order them by tasting flight, glass or bottle. 06 of 10 Duke of Perth Courtesy of Duke of Perth View Map Address 2913 N Clark St, Chicago, IL 60657, USA Get directions Phone +1 773-477-1741 Web Visit website Bars 4.3 The authentic Scottish pub claims to have the largest collection of single-malt scotch in Chicago. Duke's "whiskey cellar" spotlights all of Scotland's regions, including the Highlands, Island, and Speyside malts. 07 of 10 Delilah's Courtesy of Delilah’s View Map Address 2771 N Lincoln Ave, Chicago, IL 60614, USA Get directions Phone +1 773-472-2771 Web Visit website Bars 4.4 Long before whiskey lounges became trendy, Delilah's was keeping it real in Lincoln Park. Whiskey-obsessed owner Mike Miller is known throughout the world for his expertise on scotch and bourbon, and his well-worn tavern gets regular visits from people all over the globe. Delilah's spotlights offbeat cult films, punk and goth music. There are also $2 whiskey specials every Monday night. Delilah's is about a five-minute drive from Hotel Lincoln. 08 of 10 Lady Gregory's Courtesy of Lady Gregory's View Map Address 5260 N Clark St, Chicago, IL 60640, USA Get directions Phone +1 773-271-5050 Web Visit website Named after the famed Irish author, the Andersonville-based eatery and cocktail lounge pays homage to its Irish heritage in subdued fashion. The real draw is the impressive Irish whiskey selection. LG’s bar staff traveled all over the globe to assemble the more than 300-plus, international whiskey list, but the Irish choices are most prominent. Continue to 9 of 10 below. 09 of 10 Longman & Eagle Courtesy of Longman and Eagle View Map Address 2657 N Kedzie Ave, Chicago, IL 60647-1607, USA Get directions Phone +1 773-276-7110 Web Visit website Just in case you find yourself overserved, L&E doubles as a bed and breakfast venue, so you don't have to stumble too far. The award-winning gastropub offers more than 400 whiskeys with more than 30 obscure and popular labels featured daily for $3 a shot. A hearty selection of original and classic cocktails await you as well, ranging from the Old Fashioned to seasonal drinks with house-made ingredients such as gingerbread dream Roobios syrup, Chai spiced honey syrup and cucumber skin juice. 10 of 10 Replay Beer & Bourbon Courtesy of Replay Beer & Bourbon View Map Address 3439 N Halsted St, Chicago, IL 60657-2414, USA Get directions Phone +1 773-661-9632 Web Visit website We gained a new respect for this bustling Boystown spot when we discovered its massive whiskey list. Its menu is well-thought out with small-batch and popular collections, plus some great whiskey-based cocktails renamed to reflect the whimsical arcade games spaced throughout the venue. Speaking of which, patrons get the opportunity to play free games (except pinball) when they purchase drinks. Many are of the old-school variety, such as Frogger and Ms. Pac-Man . There is a second location in Andersonville. Was this page helpful? Thanks for letting us know! Share Pin Email Tell us why! Submit Share Pin Email