Looking for the best Chicago speakeasies and hidden bars? We got you covered!
From hidden doors that lead to new dimensions of flavor, to mixologists who craft potions that tell tales, these enclaves are more than just bars; they are gateways to an era of intrigue and beguilement.
Here’s a list of the 12 best speakeasy bars in Chicago that you won’t want to miss.
1. The Drifter
The Drifter is a historic speakeasy in the basement of the Green Door Tavern with vintage vibes and classic cocktails. The walls feature old-timey artwork, and the menu is printed on tarot cards.
With over 100 rotating cocktails, their Tarot Card Cocktails menu showcases authentic mixology craftsmanship. Stop in to discover what tonight has in store!
On their Speakeasy Vault, their Bardstown Discovery Series #7 is everything you need. This drink will take you to a place where good vibes are radiating in every corner.
What to Order: Tarot Card Cocktails, Bardstown Discovery Series #7
Address: 676-8 N Orleans St, Chicago, IL 60654
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2. Bordel | Cabaret & Cocktail Bar
Bordel is a sultry cabaret and cocktail spot in West Town with a hidden entrance and lush velvet interior, blending speakeasy vibes with bordello flair.
Enjoy live shows and DJs while savoring their World Famous Coffee, a rich mix of coffee liqueur, rum, and cognac, ignited for a spectacular presentation!
For those who seek a timeless classic with a Bordel twist, the Appletini is a must-order. The green apple and vodka goes so well together for a refreshment.
What to Order: Bordel’s World Famous Spanish Coffee, Appletini, Lemon Drop
Address: 1721 W Division St, Chicago, IL 60622
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3. Brando’s Speakeasy
Brando’s on S Dearborn St is the go-to spot for karaoke and cocktails. This speakeasy transports you to a world of nostalgia and mystery with its discreet entrance.
#2 on the menu combines bold blanco tequila, mango, and lime, enlivened by jalapeno spice. Each sip starts with the taste of fruity mango, followed by a bright lime kick and a warm jalapeno finish.
For those who enjoy sweet and sophisticated drinks, #9 is a gem. This cocktail blends blanco tequila with gentle flavors of vanilla, strawberry, banana, and lime.
What to Order: #2, #9, Rye Old Fashioned
Address: 343 S Dearborn St, Chicago, IL 60604
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4. The Milk Room
A cozy spot tucked away in the Chicago Athletic Hotel, The Milk Room offers an intimate setting with just eight seats.
It specializes in rare and vintage spirits, focusing on classic, spirit-forward cocktails. Don’t fret! Their extensive and curated spirits list caters to both connoisseurs and novices.
If you’re looking for an adventure, try their Tasting Flights, which guide you through the nuances of different spirits, from aged whiskies to vintage rums, blending past and present flavors.
What to Order: Tasting Flights
Address: 12 S Michigan Ave, Chicago, IL 60603
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5. The Office
Located below The Aviary in Chicago’s Fulton Market, The Office is an intimate speakeasy specializing in classic cocktails and vintage spirits. With a classy vibe and exclusive food selections, it honors timeless mixology icons.
Beyond cocktails, The Office features a remarkable collection of rare, antique spirits, offering aficionados a taste of history with each sip.
I highly recommend trying The Office’s 5-course Tasting Menu. This menu showcases their bar program, pairing luxury small plates with classic cocktails, barrel-aged spirits, and selections from their vintage collection.
What to Order: Tasting Menu, Affogato
Address: 955 W Fulton Market, Chicago, IL 60607
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6. Pigtail
PIGTAIL: PIG & COCKTAIL, an innovative concept by Chef José Andrés, celebrates the union of jamón ibérico and expertly crafted cocktails. Located below Jaleo Chicago, this lively bar offers a fun atmosphere with a menu highlighting Spanish ingredients, small bites, and inventive cocktails.
The Sunomono is a refreshing blend of Basmoon vodka, blanco vermouth, cucumber, cava vinegar, and Tabasco with just the right amount of fiery intrigue.
For something one-of-a-kind, the Melon Cloud features Milagro Blanco and Reposado tequilas, Aelred melon aperitif, lemon, chai, and a chamomile aromatic cloud.
What to Order: Sunomono, Black Hole Sun, Melon Cloud
Address: 500 N Clark St #465, Chicago, IL 60654
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7. Osito’s Tap
Nestled in a storied greystone, Osito’s Tap is a Latin-inspired speakeasy offering premium spirits in a timeless, relaxed setting. Dim lighting and rustic decor create an enchanting ambiance.
One thing’s for sure—the cocktails here are sensory explorations! La Luna Parada is a must-try, as its ingredients come alive with every sip.
On the other hand, Primo Blanco tastes like refined elegance, showcasing how a few carefully chosen elements can make such a masterpiece.
What to Order: La Luna Parada, Primo Blanco
Address: 2553 S Ridgeway Ave, Chicago, IL 60623
8. The Violet Hour
The Violet Hour, an iconic Wicker Park destination with a James Beard Award-winning bar program, offers a seasonally rotating cocktail list and extensive spirits selection. Its exterior features a changing mural, while the candlelit interior boasts a sprawling marble bar.
If you like a spicy kick, the former features Lunazul Reposado, Ancho Reyes, Cholula, cucumber, and lime for a refreshing, bold flavor.
For a zero-free option, Local Darling is your best bet. The blend of The Pathfinder Root & Hemp Spirit and Lyre’s Aperitif Rosso will make you feel like a local darling, indeed.
What to Order: Unprotected Text, Local Darling, Said What I Menta
Address: 1520 N Damen Ave, Chicago, IL 60622
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9. Three Dots and a Dash
Three Dots and a Dash is a tropical speakeasy that transports guests to an exotic island with its tiki-inspired interiors. The bar is a 21+ venue and offers a variety of rum-based drinks, making it a paradise for rum enthusiasts.
The Strawberry Banana Hi-Ball stands out as a fruity refreshment with Nama Genshu Sake, clarified strawberry and banana, and a light CO2 infusion.
Need your coffee fix? Try the Coffee Grog, which blends aged Jamaican rum, 151° Demerara rum, and coffee with coconut and cinnamon for a bold flavor.
What to Order: Strawberry Banana Hi-Ball, Coffee Grog
Address: 435 N Clark St, Chicago, IL 60654
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10. The Bassment
The Bassment, a chic speakeasy in River North with a 1960s British Invasion theme. The interior is adorned with velvet couches, chandeliers, and a stage for live performances.
For a sophisticated twist on a classic, try the Bassment Old Fashioned with rich Bulleit bourbon, sweet Demerara syrup, and a hint of smoke that adds drama.
Feeling adventurous? The Artist of the Month cocktail is a must-order. The Gingersnap vodka provides a spicy warmth, while Mr. Black coffee liqueur adds deep coffee notes.
What to Order: The Bassment Old Fashioned, Artist of the Month
Address: 353 W Hubbard St, Chicago, IL 60654
11. The Alderman
The Alderman is a cozy, neighborhood speakeasy in Chicago’s Albany Park. With an aura of intimacy and vintage-infused walls, comfort and elegance awaits.
The Raised By Wolves cocktail captures the spirit of the wild. This drink is an ode to the untamed spirit that evolves with every sip, with Wolves whiskey forming its foundation.
Alternatively, the Purple Pisco Sour is an exotic exploration that takes you on a journey to faraway lands. The cocktail features Peruvian pisco, enhanced by chica morada, which adds a touch of purple allure.
What to Order: Raised By Wolves, Purple Pisco Sour
Address: 1163 W 18th St, Chicago, IL 60608
12. Chicago Magic Lounge
In the heart of Andersonville, the Chicago Magic Lounge promises more than just a night out. This speakeasy-meets-magic theater brings you to a 1940s-style magic lounge, complete with secret doors and hidden bars.
An homage to the legendary Houdini himself, the How Houdini Died is a blend of aged rum, white rum, amaro, lime, pineapple juice, iced tea, and bitters. This glass hold more than just liquid; it holds a story.
If you’re looking for something more refreshing, the Abracadabra is spellbinding. The crème de violette makes this cocktail taste like magic!
What to Order: How Houdini Died, Abracadabra, Gone Without A Tres
Address: 5050 N Clark St, Chicago, IL 60640
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That wraps up the list of the 12 best speakeasy bars in Chicago. Each offers a unique experience, from magical performances to British rock themes. Cheers!
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