The Aviary in Chicago opened 2011 as Grant Achatz's Alinea Group cocktail lab, applying fine-dining technique to a five-course tasting of cocktails paired with small plates.
Tip: Tock reservations only, no walk-ins. The seasonal 5-course tasting is $145; sit at the bar to watch the kitchen build the drinks.
Address: 955 W Fulton Market, Chicago, IL 60607
The Office in Chicago is the 21-seat speakeasy beneath The Aviary, hidden behind an unmarked door with vintage spirits, Persian rugs and one bartender per night.
Tip: Reservations through Tock only. The vintage spirits list goes deep; tell the bartender what era or distillery you want and they pull the bottle.
The Office in Chicago is the 21-seat speakeasy beneath The Aviary, hidden behind an unmarked door with vintage spirits, Persian rugs and one bartender per night.
Tip: Reservations through Tock only. The vintage spirits list goes deep; tell the bartender what era or distillery you want and they pull the bottle.
The Violet Hour in Chicago hides behind a rotating mural on Damen Avenue. The James Beard winning pre-Prohibition room opened 2007 with curtained salons and a marble bar.
Tip: No reservations, walk in. The line out front moves; once you are inside the rule is no cell phones and conversations stay below the music.
Milk Room in Chicago is the eight-seat micro bar above Cindy's at the Chicago Athletic Association, pouring rare vintage spirits curated by Land and Sea director Paul McGee.
Tip: Tock reservations only. Sunday through Tuesday close at 21:00, Wednesday through Saturday at 23:00. Eight seats, no walk-ins.
Watershed in Chicago tucks beneath Pops for Champagne at State and Ohio. A staircase marked with a large W drops to a basement of stone walls and seasonal cocktails.
Tip: Walk-in only, no reservations. The cocktail menu rotates by season; ask the bartender about the rotating themed list pulled from TV shows.
Sidetrack on North Halsted opened 1982 as the Northalsted video bar with six rooms, a rooftop deck and themed video nights from Show Tunes Monday to Musicals Sunday.
Tip: Show Tunes Monday and Musicals Sunday are tradition; no cover any night. The rooftop is the warm-weather spot, the Glass Bar handles overflow.
Roscoe's Tavern in Chicago has anchored Halsted Street since 1987 with a pool table room, fireside chat area, sidewalk patio and a dance floor that runs late on weekends.
Tip: No cover before 22:00 most nights. Saturday closes at 03:00, the latest in Northalsted. Drag bingo and trivia rotate through the weekday calendar.