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Four clear plastic bottles in a row filled with brightly colored cocktails.
Chicago bars and restaurants can now legally sell cocktails to go.
Pacific Standard Time [Official Photo]

Where to Order To-Go Cocktails in Chicago

Sip some of the city’s best (and newly legal) carryout drinks

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Chicago bars and restaurants can now legally sell cocktails to go.
| Pacific Standard Time [Official Photo]

Chicago’s won’t be mistaken for Bourbon Street in New Orleans, but to-go cocktails have finally arrived as means to give bars a sorely needed revenue stream during the pandemic. Legally, drinks need to be sealed in tamper-proof packaging, and can’t be consumed on the roadways. In fact, drinks needed to be stored in the trunks of auto vehicles during transportation.

To-go cocktails allow bars to make more money than cocktail kits. It was an uphill battle, but lawmakers consented, but not without tough regulations. That includes putting the bar or restaurant’s liquor license number on the label. But not everyone is following the regulations. Some bars and restaurants serve them in soft drink cups with straws, allowing customers to walk around the city while sipping a boozy margarita.

Check out a few places to order to-go cocktails below, and as a reminder: third-party companies aren’t allowed to deliver the drinks.

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Big Star Wrigleyville

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Popular taco destination Big Star is offering to-go margaritas at both its Wrigleyville and Wicker Park locations. The brand also recently launched a canned version that’s for sale at Binny’s, Foxtrot Markets, and some Whole Foods locations.

ROCKS lakeview

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Bar and restaurant ROCKS Lakeview is offering a number of bottled to-go cocktails, including Manhattans and Woolford Old Fashioneds. Beer and wine are also available.

Reed's Local

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Avondale tavern Reed’s Local is selling “Killer Pinata” (Sailor Jerry, rums, tropical fruit juices, triple sec) and “Reed’s Summer Lemonade” (vodka, lemonade) for takeout in convenient “adult Capri Sun” pouches.

Pre order some adult Capri-Sun drinks for your bbq or just for fun! Order by messaging us on Instagram or Facebook. We...

Posted by Reed's Local on Thursday, June 11, 2020

Cesar's Killer Margaritas - Broadway

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Cesar’s has a stacked lineup of to-go frozen margaritas (16 or 18 ounces), in flavors like classic lime, chamoy, tamarindo, guava, and more with optional flavored pearls. Groups and indecisive types can mix things up by ordering flights of four 8.5-ounce frozen margaritas.

T G I F . MARGARITAS TO GO!!! (Yes we’re yelling) . Place your order online at killermargaritas.com . #cesarschicago...

Posted by Cesar's Killer Margaritas - Broadway on Friday, June 26, 2020

Lost Lake

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Decorated tiki spot Lost Lake is slinging to-go cocktails through walk-up window in Logan Square. Offerings include “Bunny’s Banana Daiquiri” (Overproof Jamaican rum, Guatemalan rum, spiced rum, banana, coconut, lime, demerara) and “From Where to Where” (blanco tequila, mezcal, Navy Strength Jamaican rum, hibiscus, falernum, cold brew coffee, lime, absinthe).

Las Fuentes Restaurant

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Local Mexican mini-chain Las Fuentes is featuring its 16- and 32-ounce margaritas for to-go diners at its Lincoln Park restaurant, as well as suburban locations in Morton Grove and Alsip.

The Whistler

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Chicago cocktail culture hub the Whistler offers a nice selection of pre-mixed drinks for pickup via Tock, such as the “Delhi Cooler” (gin, curry nectar, pineapple, lime) and the “Cool & Vicious” (Averna amaro, peated scotch whisky, Jamaican rum, salt and pepper bitters). There’s also plenty of juices, mixers, syrups, and spirits for fans to play with at home.

Izakaya Mita

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Bucktown’s laid-back Japanese pub, known for serving some of the most sought-after sake in town, is featuring specialty cocktails in precious souvenir bottles designed by chef Brian Mita via Tock. Options include the “Sayonara Jupiter,” (Mizu lemongrass shochu, Finn’s Gin, Luxardo maraschino liqueur, creme de voilette, luxardo cherry) and “Kyoto 75” (Narutotai “Drunken Snapper” sake, Fukucho “Seaside” sparkling, Joto yuzu, lemon, simple syrup).

The Violet Hour

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Standard-setting Wicker Park cocktail bar the Violet Hour is now offering to-go drinks for pickup via Tock. Menu items include “Juliet & Romeo” (Beefeater gin, lime, cucumber, mint, Angostura bitters, salt, rose water) and the “Polka Dot Negroni” (Letherbee gin, Salers Aperitif, Dolin Blanc).

Modern South Asian restaurant Vajra is offering pickup cocktails via Tock, such as “the Adagio of Spartans,” (Jinjiji Indian gin, elderflower, Italicus, lime, cucumber-mint infusion, butterfly pea-flower) and “Le Jardin D’Anais” (Praire Organic vodka, Junmai sake, chamomile mint tea, passionfruit, lime). Each item on the drink menu goes for $12, but patrons can get a deal on “the Tercet,” a three-drink collection for $30. A portion of Vajra’s cocktail sales will go to Black-led, trans-lead Chicago LGBTQ center Brave Space Alliance.

The Vajra Cocktails To Go Program | A Trio of our season favorites. 12 Each | 8 Gorgeous Ounces. Only Available for...

Posted by Vajra on Thursday, June 18, 2020

Funkenhausen

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Southern-influenced German restaurant Funkenhausen in West Town has concocted two to-go drinks to help fans cool off at home: the “Wunder Punch” (cherry, vodka, lime, bitters) and “Bourbon Peach Sun Tea” (sweet tea, bourbon, peach, lemon). It’s also offering a rotating “Funken Freezer Pop.” The first round included tequila, cucumber lime, and basil — in the future, reps have promised “Friesling,” a German-style take on “Frose.” 

El Metro Cantina

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This comfy Ukrainian Village taco bar will mix customers margaritas to go in a variety of flavors. Also, if lucky, customers will find Jell-O shots on special.

Ashok Selvam/Eater Chicago

Pacific Standard Time

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California-cool River North restaurant Pacific Standard Time has introduced a menu of pre-mixed cocktails, available for pickup via Tock in either single or triple servings. Selections include the “Mango Bird” (Plantation 3 Star rum, Plantation Xaymaca rum, Campari, lime juice, mango, sugar) and a “Oaxacan Negroni” (Banhez mezcal, Campari, Cocchi Vermouth di Torino).

Il Porcellino

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Lettuce Entertain You Enterprises’s Italian River North restaurant Il Porcellino is offering three types of Negronis for carryout: a “Classic Negroni” (Fords gin, Campari, Cocchi Vermouth di Torino), a “Mr. White Negroni” (Fords gin, Kina, Suze), and a “Jamaican Negroni” (Appleton 12 year, Smith & Cross Jamaican rum, Campari). Customers can walk in the place an order, according to a rep.

Three capped bottles filled with brightly colored cocktails
Il Porcellino offers three types of to-go negronis.
Lettuce Entertain You Enterprises [Official Photo]

West Loop’s elegant, minimalist cocktail hotspot Kumiko, led by partner and star bartender Julia Momose, was on the front lines of Chicago’s cocktails-to-go legalization initiative. Her to-go drink menu includes exciting options such as the “Moonrise Daiquiri” (Fukucho ‘Moon on the Water’ Junmai Ginjo, Rhum Clément Select Barrel, Hoshinomura Hōjicha, demerara, lime, Weatherby’s Bolivian cola nut bitters). Customers can order through the bar’s website, and 10 percent of its July sales will go to Brave Space Alliance.

Simone's

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Quirky Pilsen bar Simone’s is offering to-go verisons of its much-loved micheladas and house cocktails like the “Violent Delights” (Maker’s Mark, Tattersall Sour Cherry Liquer, simple syrup, bitters). Customers can call the bar to place an order or just stop in.

View this post on Instagram

Happy Friday! Patio is open till MIDNIGHT tonight.

A post shared by Simone's Bar (@simones_bar) on

La Luna

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La Luna in Pilsen features one of Chicago’s top margaritas, and it’s now available to go in a 12-ounce individual size, or as a pitcher. Flavor options include lime, mango, and peach. There’s also palomas, “Big Mich” micheladas, and more. Place pickup or delivery orders via Toast.

Virtue Restaurant

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Acclaimed Southern restaurant Virtue in Hyde Park has several to-go cocktail selections, such as “Juneteenth Red Punch” (white rum, punch, ginger ale) and eponymous hit “Patience is a Virtue” (Virtue vodka, creme Yvette, lime). Each order, available through the restaurant’s website, includes two servings.

Big Star Wrigleyville

Popular taco destination Big Star is offering to-go margaritas at both its Wrigleyville and Wicker Park locations. The brand also recently launched a canned version that’s for sale at Binny’s, Foxtrot Markets, and some Whole Foods locations.

ROCKS lakeview

Bar and restaurant ROCKS Lakeview is offering a number of bottled to-go cocktails, including Manhattans and Woolford Old Fashioneds. Beer and wine are also available.

Reed's Local

Avondale tavern Reed’s Local is selling “Killer Pinata” (Sailor Jerry, rums, tropical fruit juices, triple sec) and “Reed’s Summer Lemonade” (vodka, lemonade) for takeout in convenient “adult Capri Sun” pouches.

Pre order some adult Capri-Sun drinks for your bbq or just for fun! Order by messaging us on Instagram or Facebook. We...

Posted by Reed's Local on Thursday, June 11, 2020

Cesar's Killer Margaritas - Broadway

Cesar’s has a stacked lineup of to-go frozen margaritas (16 or 18 ounces), in flavors like classic lime, chamoy, tamarindo, guava, and more with optional flavored pearls. Groups and indecisive types can mix things up by ordering flights of four 8.5-ounce frozen margaritas.

T G I F . MARGARITAS TO GO!!! (Yes we’re yelling) . Place your order online at killermargaritas.com . #cesarschicago...

Posted by Cesar's Killer Margaritas - Broadway on Friday, June 26, 2020

Lost Lake

Decorated tiki spot Lost Lake is slinging to-go cocktails through walk-up window in Logan Square. Offerings include “Bunny’s Banana Daiquiri” (Overproof Jamaican rum, Guatemalan rum, spiced rum, banana, coconut, lime, demerara) and “From Where to Where” (blanco tequila, mezcal, Navy Strength Jamaican rum, hibiscus, falernum, cold brew coffee, lime, absinthe).

Las Fuentes Restaurant

Local Mexican mini-chain Las Fuentes is featuring its 16- and 32-ounce margaritas for to-go diners at its Lincoln Park restaurant, as well as suburban locations in Morton Grove and Alsip.

The Whistler

Chicago cocktail culture hub the Whistler offers a nice selection of pre-mixed drinks for pickup via Tock, such as the “Delhi Cooler” (gin, curry nectar, pineapple, lime) and the “Cool & Vicious” (Averna amaro, peated scotch whisky, Jamaican rum, salt and pepper bitters). There’s also plenty of juices, mixers, syrups, and spirits for fans to play with at home.

Izakaya Mita

Bucktown’s laid-back Japanese pub, known for serving some of the most sought-after sake in town, is featuring specialty cocktails in precious souvenir bottles designed by chef Brian Mita via Tock. Options include the “Sayonara Jupiter,” (Mizu lemongrass shochu, Finn’s Gin, Luxardo maraschino liqueur, creme de voilette, luxardo cherry) and “Kyoto 75” (Narutotai “Drunken Snapper” sake, Fukucho “Seaside” sparkling, Joto yuzu, lemon, simple syrup).

The Violet Hour

Standard-setting Wicker Park cocktail bar the Violet Hour is now offering to-go drinks for pickup via Tock. Menu items include “Juliet & Romeo” (Beefeater gin, lime, cucumber, mint, Angostura bitters, salt, rose water) and the “Polka Dot Negroni” (Letherbee gin, Salers Aperitif, Dolin Blanc).

Vajra

Modern South Asian restaurant Vajra is offering pickup cocktails via Tock, such as “the Adagio of Spartans,” (Jinjiji Indian gin, elderflower, Italicus, lime, cucumber-mint infusion, butterfly pea-flower) and “Le Jardin D’Anais” (Praire Organic vodka, Junmai sake, chamomile mint tea, passionfruit, lime). Each item on the drink menu goes for $12, but patrons can get a deal on “the Tercet,” a three-drink collection for $30. A portion of Vajra’s cocktail sales will go to Black-led, trans-lead Chicago LGBTQ center Brave Space Alliance.

The Vajra Cocktails To Go Program | A Trio of our season favorites. 12 Each | 8 Gorgeous Ounces. Only Available for...

Posted by Vajra on Thursday, June 18, 2020

Funkenhausen

Southern-influenced German restaurant Funkenhausen in West Town has concocted two to-go drinks to help fans cool off at home: the “Wunder Punch” (cherry, vodka, lime, bitters) and “Bourbon Peach Sun Tea” (sweet tea, bourbon, peach, lemon). It’s also offering a rotating “Funken Freezer Pop.” The first round included tequila, cucumber lime, and basil — in the future, reps have promised “Friesling,” a German-style take on “Frose.” 

El Metro Cantina

This comfy Ukrainian Village taco bar will mix customers margaritas to go in a variety of flavors. Also, if lucky, customers will find Jell-O shots on special.

Ashok Selvam/Eater Chicago

Pacific Standard Time

California-cool River North restaurant Pacific Standard Time has introduced a menu of pre-mixed cocktails, available for pickup via Tock in either single or triple servings. Selections include the “Mango Bird” (Plantation 3 Star rum, Plantation Xaymaca rum, Campari, lime juice, mango, sugar) and a “Oaxacan Negroni” (Banhez mezcal, Campari, Cocchi Vermouth di Torino).

Il Porcellino

Lettuce Entertain You Enterprises’s Italian River North restaurant Il Porcellino is offering three types of Negronis for carryout: a “Classic Negroni” (Fords gin, Campari, Cocchi Vermouth di Torino), a “Mr. White Negroni” (Fords gin, Kina, Suze), and a “Jamaican Negroni” (Appleton 12 year, Smith & Cross Jamaican rum, Campari). Customers can walk in the place an order, according to a rep.

Three capped bottles filled with brightly colored cocktails
Il Porcellino offers three types of to-go negronis.
Lettuce Entertain You Enterprises [Official Photo]

Kumiko

West Loop’s elegant, minimalist cocktail hotspot Kumiko, led by partner and star bartender Julia Momose, was on the front lines of Chicago’s cocktails-to-go legalization initiative. Her to-go drink menu includes exciting options such as the “Moonrise Daiquiri” (Fukucho ‘Moon on the Water’ Junmai Ginjo, Rhum Clément Select Barrel, Hoshinomura Hōjicha, demerara, lime, Weatherby’s Bolivian cola nut bitters). Customers can order through the bar’s website, and 10 percent of its July sales will go to Brave Space Alliance.

Related Maps

Simone's

Quirky Pilsen bar Simone’s is offering to-go verisons of its much-loved micheladas and house cocktails like the “Violent Delights” (Maker’s Mark, Tattersall Sour Cherry Liquer, simple syrup, bitters). Customers can call the bar to place an order or just stop in.

View this post on Instagram

Happy Friday! Patio is open till MIDNIGHT tonight.

A post shared by Simone's Bar (@simones_bar) on

La Luna

La Luna in Pilsen features one of Chicago’s top margaritas, and it’s now available to go in a 12-ounce individual size, or as a pitcher. Flavor options include lime, mango, and peach. There’s also palomas, “Big Mich” micheladas, and more. Place pickup or delivery orders via Toast.

Virtue Restaurant

Acclaimed Southern restaurant Virtue in Hyde Park has several to-go cocktail selections, such as “Juneteenth Red Punch” (white rum, punch, ginger ale) and eponymous hit “Patience is a Virtue” (Virtue vodka, creme Yvette, lime). Each order, available through the restaurant’s website, includes two servings.

Related Maps