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Updated: Where to Drink in Chicago Right Now

by Jeffy Mai@jmai Apr 25, 2013, 9:48am CDT

4 comments / new

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by Jeffy Mai@jmai Apr 25, 2013, 9:48am CDT

4 comments / new

Sometimes you just need that perfect cocktail to unwind after a long, hard day. Whether you fancy an Old Fashioned or a Margarita, the Cocktail Heatmap will help you quench that thirst. The updated map shows you more new places alongside old favorites so that you can hit up the hottest spots as the weather warms. These beverage programs have mastered the art of craft cocktails and their diverse concoctions will satisfy even the most selective drinkers. And if you just want a beer or something simple? Well, you should be ok there, too.

Did we miss your favorite spot? Leave us a comment and tell us where you like to drink.

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Billy Sunday

Mathias Merges’ cocktail haven Billy Sunday has received rave reviews and it’s not hard to understand why. Building off the successful Yusho beverage program, mixologist Alex Bachman puts his twist on classics like the Old Fashioned, Negroni and Daiquiri. And a section solely devoted to tonics offers the Kent, one of the best Gin & Tonics in town.

3143 W Logan Blvd, Chicago, IL 60647

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Also featured in:

The Grid

Located in the space below Baume & Brix, stop by The Grid and have a seat fireside on the leather couches or one of the communal tables. Drinks are created from the custom syrup program, specialty sodas, and homemade fruit purées. And forget regular bottle service, the team will craft specialty Manhattan’s and Old Fashions tableside for guests who purchase a bottle.

351 W Hubbard St, Chicago, IL 60610

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Also featured in:

Charcoal Bar

Charcoal Bar, which sits below Sumi Robata Bar, seats 11 and highlights the Japanese cocktail culture and the use of rare ingredients and boutique liquors. Seating is first-come, first-served for a taste of mixologist Matthew Lipsky’s concoctions.

Open in Google Maps

702 N Wells, Chicago, IL 60654

Visit Website

¡Ay Chiwowa!

Rockit Ranch Productions’ newest Mexican-themed dive features more than 80 tequilas, with four house-kegged tequila cocktails being the main attractions. The spicy and intriguing Acai Berry Jalapeno Margarita is made of maestro dobel reposado, agave, acai liqueur, jalapeño simple syrup, lime juice and orange squeeze. Add in an outdoor patio for summertime drinking and you can’t go wrong.

311 W Chicago Ave, Chicago, IL 60654

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Also featured in:

Bub City

Mixologist Paul McGee’s drinks program focuses on dozens of whiskeys to complement the barbecue-heavy menu and signature cocktails include a Manhattan, Whiskey Tango and Horse’s Neck—Wild Turkey, lemon and ginger beer.

435 N Clark St, Chicago, IL 60610

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Also featured in:

Central Standard

If you love the Midwest then you’ll love it here as everything is inspired by the Central Standard Time Zone, from the décor to the ingredients and technique. The beverage program follows the same idea with craft beers from the region and cocktails like the Alabama Slam, Kansas Pendergast, Michigan Cherry Collins and Mississippi Mule.

169 W Kinzie St, Chicago, IL 60654

Visit Website

Siena Tavern

Fabio Viviani’s rustic Italian spot features a delicious cocktail list by Revae Schneider. The drinks are simply labeled No. 1 through 11 with selections like the No. 5 (Maker’s Mark, averna amaro, allspice dram, marsala chai, lemon, angostura and sparkling apple cider), and the No. 9 (Jameson, gingerbread, crème de noisette, angostura and lime).

51 W Kinzie St, Chicago, IL 60654

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Also featured in:

Glunz Tavern

The Glunz Tavern is back after having shuttered several decades ago during Prohibition. The space is filled with history and boasts artifacts from past Chicago restaurants. There’s plenty of wine on the menu and a classic cocktail list that harkens back to the days of old.

1202 N Wells, Chicago, IL 60610

Visit Website

Also featured in:

Off Site Bar

The small, stand-alone microbar that sits behind Longman & Eagle holds 16 seats and features a beverage menu similar to L&E, but smaller and more tightly curated. When the weather permits, the space will also go open-air for some outdoors drinking.

Open in Google Maps

2656 N. Kedzie, Chicago, IL 60647

Visit Website

High Noon Saloon

The new rustic saloon and Tex-Mex eatery replaced People Tapas Lounge and features more than 40 types of whiskeys, tequilas and mezcals. Fittingly, the signature cocktails include four different margaritas and classics like a High Noon Manhattan, Old Fashioned and Ten Paces and Draw—Barton bourbon, Cherry Heering, Punt e Mes and lemon.

1560 N. Milwaukee Ave., Chicago, IL 60622

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Also featured in:

Untitled

The subterranean 1920s-era speakeasy offers a swank lounge, private cabanas, live entertainment space and an enormous whiskey library with over 300 choices. The vast array of craft cocktails spans the globe and is accompanied by a mix of beers and wines. A menu of seasonal, local small and large plates for sharing complements the drink list.

111 W Kinzie St, Chicago, IL 60654

Visit Website

Also featured in:

Scofflaw

If you like gin, then you’ve come to the right place. The Logan Square parlor combines the feel of your neighborhood bar with a craft cocktail menu that’s sure to please. The list favors gin-based libations (there's more than 50 types behind the bar), but includes enough variety to remain accessible to all. So take a break from the martini and try something new.

3201 W Armitage Ave, Chicago, IL 60647

Visit Website

Also featured in:

J. Parker

Enjoy the view from the rooftop patio as the weather gets warmer and enjoy new bar manager Tony Selna's unique craft cocktails along with a punch bowl program that's J. Parker's answer to bottle service.

1800 N. Lincoln Ave., Chicago, IL 60614

Visit Website

Also featured in:

The Barrelhouse Flat

Open since Fall of 2011, Stephen Cole's temple to cocktailing is still shaking things up in Lincoln Park with some deceptively strong craft drinks. The menu features all of the classics as well as some new concoctions, as well as punches that are available in flowing bowls.

2624 N Lincoln Ave., Chicago, IL 60614

Visit Website

Also featured in:

The Aviary/The Office

Award-winner Charles Joly leads the beverage program at this highly acclaimed spot and has been slowly turning over the cocktail list. Sit out on the patio on a nice night or try your luck and see if you can get into the exclusive Office underneath.

955 W Fulton Market, Chicago, IL 60607

Visit Website

Also featured in:

The Violet Hour

The cocktail lounge that paved the way for the rest of the city is just as popular as ever. Step inside the intimate space and peruse through an extensive handcrafted drink menu that includes gin, vodka, tequila, rum, whiskey, brandy and portable bitters creations. Try the Juliet & Romeo or the Sazerac.

1520 N Damen Ave., Chicago, IL 60622

Visit Website

Also featured in:

The Drawing Room

You will have no problem bellying up to the bar at this modern restaurant and culinary cocktail lounge with an unmatched drink program in Chicago. The elite team of master bartenders, led by Cristiana DeLucca, are all intent on sharing the artistry and history behind your drink.

937 N Rush St, Chicago, IL 60611

Visit Website

Also featured in:

Henri

After leaving for a brief two-month stint at Hot Chocolate last year, Clint Rogers returned to Henri. The drink program features a mix of signature craft cocktails, beer and extensive list of spirits.

18 S. Michigan Ave., Chicago, IL 60605

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Also featured in:

RM Champagne Salon

As evidenced by the name, the bubblies are the main attraction at this intimate parlor with bottles hailing from the Champagne region and other parts of the world. There’s also an extensive list of red and white wines and some spirits, as well as a variety of cheeses and savory items. And for the sweets-lovers, Fritz Pastry owner Nate Meads serves up a menu of small dessert bites.

116 N Green St, Chicago, IL 60607

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Also featured in:

Bar Deville

The French-inspired Ukrainian Village corner tavern, the name loosely translates to "bar of the city," serves drinks often made with local spirits in a cozy setting with antique furniture and a speakeasy-style room in the back. Partner Brad Bolt crafts delicious drinks with unusual ingredients so you'd be best to trust his choices.

701 N Damen Ave, Chicago, IL 60622

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Also featured in:

10 of the Best Chicago Cocktail Bars By Neighborhood

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Billy Sunday

3143 W Logan Blvd, Chicago, IL 60647

Mathias Merges’ cocktail haven Billy Sunday has received rave reviews and it’s not hard to understand why. Building off the successful Yusho beverage program, mixologist Alex Bachman puts his twist on classics like the Old Fashioned, Negroni and Daiquiri. And a section solely devoted to tonics offers the Kent, one of the best Gin & Tonics in town.

3143 W Logan Blvd, Chicago, IL 60647

Visit Website

The Grid

351 W Hubbard St, Chicago, IL 60610

Located in the space below Baume & Brix, stop by The Grid and have a seat fireside on the leather couches or one of the communal tables. Drinks are created from the custom syrup program, specialty sodas, and homemade fruit purées. And forget regular bottle service, the team will craft specialty Manhattan’s and Old Fashions tableside for guests who purchase a bottle.

351 W Hubbard St, Chicago, IL 60610

Visit Website

Charcoal Bar

702 N Wells, Chicago, IL 60654

Charcoal Bar, which sits below Sumi Robata Bar, seats 11 and highlights the Japanese cocktail culture and the use of rare ingredients and boutique liquors. Seating is first-come, first-served for a taste of mixologist Matthew Lipsky’s concoctions.

Open in Google Maps

702 N Wells, Chicago, IL 60654

Visit Website

¡Ay Chiwowa!

311 W Chicago Ave, Chicago, IL 60654

Rockit Ranch Productions’ newest Mexican-themed dive features more than 80 tequilas, with four house-kegged tequila cocktails being the main attractions. The spicy and intriguing Acai Berry Jalapeno Margarita is made of maestro dobel reposado, agave, acai liqueur, jalapeño simple syrup, lime juice and orange squeeze. Add in an outdoor patio for summertime drinking and you can’t go wrong.

311 W Chicago Ave, Chicago, IL 60654

Visit Website

Bub City

435 N Clark St, Chicago, IL 60610

Mixologist Paul McGee’s drinks program focuses on dozens of whiskeys to complement the barbecue-heavy menu and signature cocktails include a Manhattan, Whiskey Tango and Horse’s Neck—Wild Turkey, lemon and ginger beer.

435 N Clark St, Chicago, IL 60610

Visit Website

Central Standard

169 W Kinzie St, Chicago, IL 60654

If you love the Midwest then you’ll love it here as everything is inspired by the Central Standard Time Zone, from the décor to the ingredients and technique. The beverage program follows the same idea with craft beers from the region and cocktails like the Alabama Slam, Kansas Pendergast, Michigan Cherry Collins and Mississippi Mule.

169 W Kinzie St, Chicago, IL 60654

Visit Website

Siena Tavern

51 W Kinzie St, Chicago, IL 60654

Fabio Viviani’s rustic Italian spot features a delicious cocktail list by Revae Schneider. The drinks are simply labeled No. 1 through 11 with selections like the No. 5 (Maker’s Mark, averna amaro, allspice dram, marsala chai, lemon, angostura and sparkling apple cider), and the No. 9 (Jameson, gingerbread, crème de noisette, angostura and lime).

51 W Kinzie St, Chicago, IL 60654

Visit Website

Glunz Tavern

1202 N Wells, Chicago, IL 60610

The Glunz Tavern is back after having shuttered several decades ago during Prohibition. The space is filled with history and boasts artifacts from past Chicago restaurants. There’s plenty of wine on the menu and a classic cocktail list that harkens back to the days of old.

1202 N Wells, Chicago, IL 60610

Visit Website

Off Site Bar

2656 N. Kedzie, Chicago, IL 60647

The small, stand-alone microbar that sits behind Longman & Eagle holds 16 seats and features a beverage menu similar to L&E, but smaller and more tightly curated. When the weather permits, the space will also go open-air for some outdoors drinking.

Open in Google Maps

2656 N. Kedzie, Chicago, IL 60647

Visit Website

High Noon Saloon

1560 N. Milwaukee Ave., Chicago, IL 60622

The new rustic saloon and Tex-Mex eatery replaced People Tapas Lounge and features more than 40 types of whiskeys, tequilas and mezcals. Fittingly, the signature cocktails include four different margaritas and classics like a High Noon Manhattan, Old Fashioned and Ten Paces and Draw—Barton bourbon, Cherry Heering, Punt e Mes and lemon.

1560 N. Milwaukee Ave., Chicago, IL 60622

Visit Website

Untitled

111 W Kinzie St, Chicago, IL 60654

The subterranean 1920s-era speakeasy offers a swank lounge, private cabanas, live entertainment space and an enormous whiskey library with over 300 choices. The vast array of craft cocktails spans the globe and is accompanied by a mix of beers and wines. A menu of seasonal, local small and large plates for sharing complements the drink list.

111 W Kinzie St, Chicago, IL 60654

Visit Website

Scofflaw

3201 W Armitage Ave, Chicago, IL 60647

If you like gin, then you’ve come to the right place. The Logan Square parlor combines the feel of your neighborhood bar with a craft cocktail menu that’s sure to please. The list favors gin-based libations (there's more than 50 types behind the bar), but includes enough variety to remain accessible to all. So take a break from the martini and try something new.

3201 W Armitage Ave, Chicago, IL 60647

Visit Website

J. Parker

1800 N. Lincoln Ave., Chicago, IL 60614

Enjoy the view from the rooftop patio as the weather gets warmer and enjoy new bar manager Tony Selna's unique craft cocktails along with a punch bowl program that's J. Parker's answer to bottle service.

1800 N. Lincoln Ave., Chicago, IL 60614

Visit Website

The Barrelhouse Flat

2624 N Lincoln Ave., Chicago, IL 60614

Open since Fall of 2011, Stephen Cole's temple to cocktailing is still shaking things up in Lincoln Park with some deceptively strong craft drinks. The menu features all of the classics as well as some new concoctions, as well as punches that are available in flowing bowls.

2624 N Lincoln Ave., Chicago, IL 60614

Visit Website

The Aviary/The Office

955 W Fulton Market, Chicago, IL 60607

Award-winner Charles Joly leads the beverage program at this highly acclaimed spot and has been slowly turning over the cocktail list. Sit out on the patio on a nice night or try your luck and see if you can get into the exclusive Office underneath.

955 W Fulton Market, Chicago, IL 60607

Visit Website

Related Maps

The Violet Hour

1520 N Damen Ave., Chicago, IL 60622

The cocktail lounge that paved the way for the rest of the city is just as popular as ever. Step inside the intimate space and peruse through an extensive handcrafted drink menu that includes gin, vodka, tequila, rum, whiskey, brandy and portable bitters creations. Try the Juliet & Romeo or the Sazerac.

1520 N Damen Ave., Chicago, IL 60622

Visit Website

The Drawing Room

937 N Rush St, Chicago, IL 60611

You will have no problem bellying up to the bar at this modern restaurant and culinary cocktail lounge with an unmatched drink program in Chicago. The elite team of master bartenders, led by Cristiana DeLucca, are all intent on sharing the artistry and history behind your drink.

937 N Rush St, Chicago, IL 60611

Visit Website