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You, me, and cheeky cocktail (Best CHI cocktail spots)
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items What's better than going to a place that has the right vibe, the right bar, and the right cocktail menu.. not much when you're in the mood for one. I pulled together all my faves in Chicago with each sporting their own strengths. With Chicago having ...
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For the views
For the vibe
For the adventure
For the views
You find yourself in the loop, wanting a pre-going out cocktail. Cerise is the spot. Also the DJs haven't missed once for me. Good vibes at Cerise.
Cerise Rooftop
Some may call Cindy's basic, but this view is hard to beat. The cocktails names are cute and have a some combos that you wouldn't expect to be that good
Cindy's Rooftop
If you're ever in search of the perfect lychee martini, I found it for you. Run don't walk to Nobu in Chicago (especially if the weather's right) for a cheeky lychee martini and a couple of apps (I recommend the yellowtail jalapeno to pair)
Rooftop at Nobu Hotel Chicago
Sporting craft cocktails that tend to lean on the sweeter side of things, IO Godfrey in River North gives the loungey feel with beautiful city views.
IO Godfrey Rooftop Lounge
Miru might have one of my favorite views in the city. You get the river, downtown, and Navy Pier, all in one spot in the St. Regis. You can sit at the bar or take your drink to the lounge/library inside or the patio outside. If you're hungry, the foo...
Miru
For the vibe
These spots holds some serious interiors. Setting the vibe goes hand in hand with the cocktail you choose and these spots know how to create a vibe.
Holy VIBE. One of my favorite spots for a drink in River North area. The vibes are dark and the music is bumpin. Come after 10pm if you're looking for a stronger cluby vibe. Haven't had a drink that I didn't love. Personal rec: Numero due
UMMO
Kumiko has the definition of a cheeky little drink. The interior vibes are subtle and calming, the snacks pair well with the craft cocktails and tbh, the menu might not be HUGE, but it's just the way I like it.
Kumiko Chicago
Located in Albany Park, Bokeh has the local neighborhood feel with the exposed brick interior (a personal touch I love). The cocktails are well-priced and of course, this Chicago bar created a drink to include malort.. if you haven't tried malort in ...
Bokeh
I really think Aba is a Chicago classic. You can't live in Chicago, love Mediterranean and NOT have been here. The bar is beautiful and the greenery transports you elsewhere. This place can serve a cheeky drink in the right environment.
Aba
For the adventure
Places you might have to do a little extra walking to find ;)
Known for the long list of options, Lazy Bird is the classic speakeasy in West Loop. Love the adventure in getting there, and love the drink list even more.
Lazy Bird
Who doesn't want to walk through a record shop and end up in a speakeasy? Dorian's is the place for that. The menu is sweet and simple, really well priced, and the dark interior sets you up for a cheeky little drink
Dorian’s
Think of the most classic speakeasy, and then think of The Drifter, it's a perfect match. HIGHLY recommend the Tarot Card cocktails if you're in for a treat (or if you simply don't like to choose).
The Drifter
Underrated and hidden in Jaleo in River North. The drinks and ambiance hold strong and anything by Jose Andres is worth the try.
Pigtail