The Best Cocktail Bars In Chicago
Chicago is well established in the cocktail world. With four bars making 50 Best’s North America’s 50 Best Bars 2026, you’ve probably been seeing a lot about the Chicago cocktail scene.Their list, however, left off a few favorite cocktail spots that I’ll add to my list. Listed in no particular order*
- Kumiko– West Loop
- Bisous– West Loop
- Gus’ Sip & Dip– River North
- Best Intentions– Logan Square
- Watershed– Near North Side
- Three Dots and a Dash– River North
- The Heavy Feather– Logan Square
Kumiko– West Loop
Specialty: Japanese inspiration, precise craftsmanship, omakase pairings
“Kumiko is a Japanese Dining Bar (ダイニングバー)* in Chicago, led by chef, creative director, and beverage visionary Julia Momosé. At Kumiko, food and drink are treated with equal reverence, each crafted with deep intentionality and care.“
What to order: Explore the “Spiritfree” menu (some of the best in the world) or the New Tokyo: a stunning blend of Japanese whisky, vermouth, and port.
Vibe: Serene, elegant, high-end, deeply respectful of the craft.
Price: $$-$$$
Address: 630 W Lake St, Chicago, IL 60661
Rating: 4.5 stars, 654 total reviews
Bisous– West Loop
Specialty: French-inspired classics, 1960s nostalgia, effortless chic cocktails
“At Bisous, we set out to bring a touch of 1960s Parisian romance to Chicago’s Fulton Market. Inspired by the elegance of mid-century French lounges, our space glows with warm orb lights, floral wallpaper, and subtle kiss motifs that make every detail feel intentional. Our cocktail menu is designed to balance timeless classics with playful twists—whether it’s a perfectly chilled martini straight from the freezer, our absinthe-kissed Tuxedo variation, or modern takes on icons like the French 75. We want every visit to feel like a moment out of time, whether you’re meeting friends for a pre-dinner drink or ending your night with something beautiful and unexpected“
Signature Cocktail: The Martini Bisous
What to order: Anything featuring French brandy or their house-made liqueurs.
Vibe: Retro-glam, romantic, energetic but polished.
Price: $$-$$$
Address: 938 W Fulton Market, Chicago, IL 60607
Rating: 4.3 stars, 220 total reviews
Gus’ Sip & Dip– River North
Specialty: High-low pairings, creative snacks, neighborhood whimsy. My childhood dog’s name was Gus, so this one feels like a favorite.
“Our beverage menu, created by Kevin Beary, offers high-quality cocktails at an approachable price, paired perfectly with Chef Bob Broskey’s timeless tavern dishes.”
What to order: Their seasonal house cocktails, they change frequently and always highlight fresh, often local, ingredients.
Vibe: Lively, unpretentious, colorful, very fun.
Price: $$
Address: 51 W Hubbard St Suite 100, Chicago, IL 60654
Rating: 4.9 stars, 2.8k total reviews
Best Intentions– Logan Square
Specialty: Angostura bitters on tap, malt cups, the “Fancy Cocktail”
“A Fancy Cocktail Bar.”
Signature Cocktail: The Wondermint Malt: a boozy, minty milkshake that is far more dangerous than it looks.
What to order: A shot of the house Angostura bitters or the “Horsey’s Sauce” (a unique savory cocktail).
Vibe: Neo-Dive, Vintage-cool, gritty but welcoming, local legend.
Price: $
Address: 3281 W Armitage Ave, Chicago, IL 60647
Rating: 4.6 stars, 688 total reviews
Watershed– Near North Side
Specialty: Great Lakes regional spirits, subterranean cozy, craft beer
“A Chicago speakeasy dedicated to the ever-growing field of local beer, artisanal spirits, craft cocktails, and approachable wines. Watershed is engaging, comfortable, and a dynamic nightspot, offering respite from current trends and the passing fads they too often become. Located below Pops For Champagne, on the corner of State and Ohio.“
What to order: Any of their cocktails featuring Michigan or Wisconsin ryes and gins.
Vibe: Dark, woody, and intimate. Perfect for hiding from the Chicago winter.
Price: $$
Address: 601 N State St, Chicago, IL 60654 (Lower Level)
Rating: 4.3 stars, 243 total reviews
Three Dots and a Dash– River North
Specialty: High-concept Tiki, rare rums, elaborate garnishes
“Led by Beverage Director Kevin Beary, our team at Three Dots and a Dash has spent countless hours perfecting their craft to create the ideal island getaway and destination for celebrations. As connoisseurs of rum, we have researched tirelessly to source and create the best possible tropical cocktails. So, escape to tropical paradise with us at our blissful sanctuary beneath the streets of Chicago, we’re pleased to introduce you to the wonders of exotic cocktails.“
Signature Cocktail: The Three Dots and a Dash (rhum agricole, allspice dram, honey, and falernum).
What to order: Any of the Large Format drinks if you have a group, they often come in treasure chests or smoking volcanoes (see image above).
Vibe: Welcome to the island meets high-end luxury.
Price: $$$
Address: 435 N Clark St, Chicago, IL 60654
Rating: 4.6 stars, 8.3k total reviews
The Heavy Feather– Logan Square
Specialty: 1970s Fern Bar nostalgia, boozy ice cream shakes, retro riffs
“The Heavy Feather is a fern bar above Slippery Slope. Craft cocktails, gold mirrors, and polished walnut make this Logan Square drinking den a mirage of yesteryear.“
Signature Cocktail: The Grasshopper: A boozy, blended masterpiece with Armagnac, crème de menthe, and vanilla ice cream.
What to order: If you’re not in the mood for a boozy milkshake, their Poloma variations or the Sister Ray (rye, Averna, ginger) are very well balanced.
Vibe: Groovy, dim, and pretty cool. It’s a great spot to hide away in a corner booth and pretend the last thirty, forty, or fifty years didn’t happen.
Price: $$
Address: 2357 N Milwaukee Ave, Chicago, IL
Rating: 4.6 stars, 167 total reviews