Best Cocktail Bars in River North (Chicago)

56 restaurants available nearby

A photo of Three Dots and a Dash restaurant

1. Three Dots and a Dash

4.7

Exceptional(1837)

Price: Expensive

• Cocktail Bar • River North (Chicago)

Booked 40 times today

With a secret alleyway entrance, Three Dots and a Dash is a speakeasy-style take on the traditional island bar—ready to transport you to the glamorous bygone eras of Trader Vic, Stephen Crane and Don the Beachcomber. Descend underground to discover a subterranean hideaway featuring a rum-soaked menu of more than two dozen classic, modern and original tropical cocktails and a selection of island fare. We are a 21+ venue.

2. Celeste

4.5

Awesome(189)

Price: Moderate

• Cocktail Bar • River North (Chicago)

Booked 1 time today

Celeste, located in the vibrant River North neighborhood of Chicago, is a beacon for cocktail aficionados. This multi-level venue shines with its Deco Supper Club, where the drink menu features craft cocktails that pay homage to Chicago's glamorous architectural history. Patrons rave about the "imaginative cocktails" and the "next level" mixology, with one guest exclaiming the cocktails are "made to perfection!" Whether it's the beautiful rooftop garden, the lively disco, or the classic Whiskey Bar, Celeste offers a unique vibe on each floor, making it a must-visit for a memorable night out in Chicago. The staff's attentiveness and the consistently praised service make every visit exceptional, ensuring that Celeste stands out not just for its drinks but for the overall experience.

A photo of The Berkshire Room restaurant

3. The Berkshire Room

4.6

Exceptional(50)

Price: Moderate

• Cocktail Bar • River North (Chicago)

Booked 7 times today

Immerse yourself in the refined elegance of The Berkshire Room, nestled in Chicago's vibrant River North neighborhood. This upscale lounge captivates with its "retro classy" ambiance, perfect for unwinding with friends over expertly crafted cocktails. Patrons are particularly enchanted by the signature "Dealer's Choice," a bespoke experience where you select the spirit, flavor profile, and glassware, allowing the bartender to concoct a unique creation just for you. As one reviewer raves, "The cocktail mixologists are amazing and make the best cocktails in Chicago." Whether you're a local or a visitor, The Berkshire Room promises a memorable evening with its delightful cocktails and inviting atmosphere, making it a standout destination in the city's cocktail scene.

A photo of Kitchen + Kocktails by Kevin Kelley - Chicago restaurant

4. Kitchen + Kocktails by Kevin Kelley - Chicago

4.1

Excellent(3283)

Price: Expensive

• Cocktail Bar • River North (Chicago)

Booked 52 times today

Kitchen + Kocktails by Kevin Kelley in Chicago's bustling River North neighborhood is a beacon of American cuisine, specializing in elevated comfort food with a creative twist. Praised for its "amazing food and drinks" and "great vibes," this restaurant has become a must-visit spot in Chicago. Customers rave about the perfectly seasoned shrimp and grits, inventive waffles, and the mouthwatering fried chicken, calling it "a hidden gem" with "consistent quality" that keeps them coming back. The dynamic atmosphere, coupled with the welcoming staff and beautifully plated dishes, ensures an authentic and memorable American dining experience that is, as one patron put it, "nothing but vibes."

A photo of Upstairs at The Gwen restaurant

5. Upstairs at The Gwen

4.0

Excellent(254)

Price: Expensive

• Cocktail Bar • River North (Chicago)

Booked 22 times today

Upstairs at The Gwen in Chicago's vibrant River North area offers an unparalleled Afternoon Tea experience with its unique "Tipsy Tea" service. This isn't just any tea service; it's a lively, engaging weekend event featuring a DJ and a monthly themed menu that captivates both locals and tourists alike. Guests rave about the "absolutely wonderful experience" and the "delicious" savory and sweet bites that perfectly complement the bottomless beverages. Set against a backdrop of Chicago's iconic Magnificent Mile, Upstairs at The Gwen turns the traditional tea service into an unforgettable social affair, making it a must-visit destination for anyone seeking an extraordinary Afternoon Tea with a twist.

6. bar avec

4.4

Awesome(66)

Price: Moderate

• Cocktail Bar • River North (Chicago)

Nestled in Chicago's vibrant River North neighborhood, Bar Avec is a Mediterranean gem that offers more than just stunning views of the city's skyline. This rooftop delight is renowned for its authentic Mediterranean flavors, which are beautifully incorporated into every dish. Patrons rave about the "delicious food" and the "excellent drinks," with standout items like shawarma fried chicken and bacon-wrapped dates receiving high praise. The atmosphere is described as "incredible," perfect for a date night or a special celebration. With such glowing testimonials and a reputation for attentive service, Bar Avec is a must-visit for anyone craving a taste of the Mediterranean in the heart of Chicago.

A photo of Ghost Donkey - River North restaurant

7. Ghost Donkey - River North

new

5.0

Exceptional(1)

Price: Moderate

• Cocktail Bar • River North (Chicago)

A warm and inviting space with a healthy dose of city grit, Ghost Donkey is rich with vibrant colors and a carefree, fun-loving attitude that evokes notions of Mexican celebration. A true high-low nightlife destination with elevated mezcal and tequila-focused cocktails, classic bites with just enough twist to keep your palette guessing, and an extensive mezcal and tequila list. Ghost Donkey creates an experience-driven, unforgettable moment for every guest that joins the fiesta. Immerse yourself in the heart and soul of Mexican Hospitality while savoring sips of agave-based spirits. Kick back, relax, and enjoy the show, or break out a dance move underneath the sway of the swinging lights.

8. Pigtail

4.8

Exceptional(117)

Price: Expensive

• Cocktail Bar • River North (Chicago)

Pigtail, nestled in the vibrant River North neighborhood of Chicago, is a gem for cocktail enthusiasts. This intimate bar, located in the lower levels of Jaleo, offers an unparalleled libation experience that celebrates the fusion of exquisite jamón ibérico and expertly crafted cocktails. Revered for its innovative and drinkable creations, Pigtail has garnered rave reviews for both its atmosphere and its drinks. Patrons particularly recommend the "Melon Cloud" and "Andres & Cooper" cocktails, praising them as "phenomenal" and noting the engaging and knowledgeable bartenders who add to the experience. Whether you're starting your evening with a creative cocktail or indulging in their small plates like the divine Basque cheesecake, Pigtail promises a memorable outing with every visit.

9. Tokyo Last Call

4.9

Exceptional(9)

Price: Moderate

• Cocktail Bar • River North (Chicago)

Three Dots and a Dash introduces Tokyo Last Call, a Japanese-inspired listening pop up sponsored by Suntory and -196. Curated by Beverage Director Kevin Beary and Bar Manager Scott Kitsmiller, this series aims to transport guests to Japan's cocktail scene. Collaborating with renowned Japanese bars like Trench, Katana Kitten, SG Club, and Bar Goto, Three Dots and a Dash promises an immersive experience blending music, drinks, and atmosphere. The menu boasts cocktails utilizing Suntory spirits and rare Japanese whiskeys available for select pours, complemented by guided tastings led by Suntory's US brand ambassador, Davey Jones. Each menu draws inspiration from traditional Japanese techniques and flavors, creating a unique journey through Japan's bustling bar scene.Bar Goto: April 4-7 (Guest Bartender: Kenta Goto)Katana Kitchen: April 11-14 (Guest Bartender: Lorenzo Cyril)Bar Trench: April 18-21 (Guest Bartender: Rogerio Igarashi)SG Club: April 25-28 (Guest Bartender: Takumi Hoshi)

10. Chateau Carbide

3.8

Excellent(212)

Price: Expensive

• Cocktail Bar • River North (Chicago)

Booked 8 times today

Chateau Carbide, nestled in the vibrant River North neighborhood of Chicago, is a gem for those seeking authentic and quality Tapas/Small Plates. This botanical-driven, absinthe-inspired cocktail bar not only offers a stunning rooftop view but also excels in delivering meticulously crafted light bites that have left guests raving. Diners have praised the "outstanding presentation" and the array of flavors, especially noting the "cheese and meat hors d’oeuvre" and "fries with pistachio crumbles and crème fraîche dip" as a delightful surprise. The atmosphere, described as the "perfect blend of lively and gorgeous," enhances the dining experience, making Chateau Carbide a must-visit for anyone looking to indulge in small plates with big flavors.

‘About the restaurant’ descriptions have been generated using an artificial intelligence model comprised of OpenTable proprietary data that has not been independently verified by OpenTable. The content is presented as-is, for informational purposes only.

See what locals rave about

From verified diners like you

V
Virginia
Denver / Colorado •13 reviews
4.0
Dined 1 day ago
It was so fun to try curling at the Gwen. It wasn’t crowded & the staff was great. The only negative was that the outside heaters were not on.
More info
Upstairs at The GwenPrice: Expensive• American• River North (Chicago)
•
4
M
MichaelVIP
Los Angeles •9 reviews
5.0
Dined 3 days ago
I had an incredible experience at Three Dots and a Dash the evening of 12/22/2024. We had reservations in the Bamboo Room, which is a quieter, more intimate, rum focused experience. Matt, the bartender that evening, was fabulous; attentive, thoughtful, engaged, and friendly. We ordered a few drinks from the menu then asked Matt to create something special for us and his drinks did not disappoint. My experience with Tiki and rum drinks is decent; having visited almost every Tiki bar from San Diego to San Francisco (including Trader Vic’s at SJC), Tacoma to Seattle, & a Mai Tai tour across Oahu). 3 Dots is a must do, especially if you are a tiki or rum fan. Food was great too. Next time I fly back to Chicago I will definitely visit again.
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Three Dots and a DashPrice: Expensive• Cocktail Bar• River North (Chicago)
•
4.7
E
EricaVIP
Chicago / Illinois •2 reviews
5.0
Dined 5 days ago
Always a pleasures to come and enjoy one of my favorite spots to visit in downtown Chicago. A bit pricy, but delicious is the name of the game and that’s what keeps brining me back. See you again soon!
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Kitchen + Kocktails by Kevin Kelley - ChicagoPrice: Expensive• Southern• River North (Chicago)
•
4.1
M
Matt
Chicago / Illinois •3 reviews
5.0
Dined on Dec 8, 2024
Went to the Berkshire Room for a night cap with family and friends after a show at Chicago Theater last Saturday. Drinks were on point and the service was exquisite. Chelsea took very good care of us and the GM, Alex, Visited us twice during our visit. This is an absolute gem of a cocktail bar. Highly recommend.
More info
The Berkshire RoomPrice: Moderate• Cocktail Bar• River North (Chicago)
•
4.6
OT
OpenTable Diner
Chicago / Illinois •1 review
5.0
Dined on Dec 7, 2024
Nice experience. Greatstaff. Price for 2 drinks was $115. That's insanity. But it was fun
More info
CelestePrice: Moderate• Cocktail Bar• River North (Chicago)
•
4.5

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River North (Chicago)

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Best Cocktail Bars in River North (Chicago)

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56 restaurants available nearby

1. Three Dots and a Dash

2. Celeste

3. The Berkshire Room

4. Kitchen + Kocktails by Kevin Kelley - Chicago

5. Upstairs at The Gwen

6. bar avec

7. Ghost Donkey - River North

8. Pigtail

9. Tokyo Last Call

10. Chateau Carbide

See what locals rave about

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