11 Best Whiskey Bars in Chicago You Should Visit (2023)
Last Updated on January 1, 2023 by Lydia Martin
From the amazing skyline to unbeatable live music, it’s not hard to be impressed by Chicago.
Chicago has a long list of whiskey bars, so we’ve come to the rescue by giving you the best whiskey bars in the area where you can have a great time. Read on.
11 Must-Visit Whiskey Bars In Chicago
Berkshire Room
Address: 15 E Ohio St, Chicago
Contact Details: +1 312-256-2975 / [email protected]
Why We Like It:
If you are looking for a respected cocktail bar where you can enjoy whiskey and specialty mixed drinks, Berkshire Room is a great option.
We like their refined, sleek surroundings and their restaurant group’s cocktail lounges.
Untitled Supper Club
Address: 111 W Kinzie St, Chicago
Contact Details: +1 312-880-1511 / [email protected]
Why We Like It:
Untitled Supper Club is a prohibition [1], a vintage-inspired whiskey bar that can be your go-to place in Chicago.
It is one of the best whiskey bars offering the largest American whiskey selections.
“It’s the ideal Chicago cocktail drink [Old Fashioned]. It’s a boozy sip with an extra shot of good sense mixed in,”
– Theodore Proulx, Chicago barman
They serve single malt Scotch, private label [2], rye, and Japanese whisky.
Also, they have an impressive selection of small batch bourbon, Irish whiskey, Canadian, and other grains and blends.
The massive underground lounge boasts an equally massive whiskey library, and hidden behind its door are multiple rooms and lounges with a big space for jazz nights and burlesque shows.
Replay
Address: 3439 N. Halsted – Lakeview / 5358 N. Clark – Andersonville
Contact Details: +1 773-661-9632 / +1 773-654-1369
Why We Like It:
Replay brings vintage arcade, beer, and bourbon enthusiasts together in one space. It is an LGBTQ+ tavern with outdoor patios, arcade games, and a great whiskey list.
If you are looking for a hangout spot where you can watch pop-up drag shows and listen to DJs, Replay is one of the best bars to visit; plus, they serve delicious food throughout the day.
Lady Gregory’s Irish Bar & Restaurant
Address: 5260 N Clark St, Chicago
Contact Details: +1 773-271-5050
Why We Like It:
If you are looking for a decent Irish-ish pub with a literary theme, Lady Gregory’s Irish Bar & Restaurant can be a good choice.
They have an amazing menu of food and alcoholic drinks.
Their Kitchen is open from noon to evening but what attracted our attention is their long list of whiskeys.
They offer single malt Scotches, small-batch bourbon, and American and Irish whiskeys.
Franklin Room
Address: 675 N Franklin St, Chicago,
Contact Details: +1 312-445-4686
Why We Like It:
The Franklin Room is all about flavor and comfort. You can enjoy their whiskeys, fine spirits, wine, and beer from their menu or indulge in their cocktail classes.
The bar offers a Whiskey Keep Program, a special membership club where you have an exclusive spirits menu and can keep your bottles in their cabinet.
Slightly Toasted
Address: 22 N Clinton St, Chicago
Contact Details: +1 312-920-7398
Why We Like It:
Slightly Toasted is an all-day coffee shop and tavern located conveniently in the West Loop of Chicago.
It is home to 80+ cans of craft beers and taps, the city’s largest variety of whiskeys, 100+ rare and vintage bottles, and 30+ private barrels.
It is a decent place for a neat whiskey or a cup of Joe. You can also ask the Chicago bartender for classic toasted whiskey cocktails.
Longman & Eagle
Address: 2657 N Kedzie Ave, Chicago
Contact Details: +1 773-276-7110
Why We Like It:
Longman & Eagle brings you back to the vintage inn with its old fashion concept.
You can enjoy a picturesque tavern stocked with more than 300 American and Scotch whiskeys.
If unsure where to start, you can check out their whiskey flights with curated and hand-selected varieties.
Big Star
Address: 1531 N Damen Ave, Chicago
Contact Details: +1 773-235-4039 / [email protected]
Why We Like It:
Big Star features Mexican street food, cocktails, spirits, and beers in one of the most iconic neighborhoods of Chicago.
Aside from the overflowing selection of American and Scotch whiskies, you can enjoy lunch and dinner every day while their brunch is available on weekends.
Drumbar
Address: 201 E Delaware Pl, Chicago
Contact Details: +1 312-933-4805
Why We Like It:
If you are looking for the best rooftop bar in Chicago, the search is over with the Drumbar. It is distinguished for offering limited-release and rare bottlings.
The Drumbar has an intimate lounge and spacious terrace to hang out while drinking whiskey-heavy cocktails.
Also, they offer good entry-level Scotch and American whiskeys if you’re on a budget.
Twisted Spoke
Address: 501 N Ogden Ave, Chicago, IL 60642, United States
Contact Details: +1 312-666-1500
Why We Like It:
Twisted Spoke will not let you down if you are looking for a great place to hang out with nice food and drink selection.
The pub offers extended menus, dine-in, and on-the-deck options that are readily available.
They have well-chosen bottles to pick from, and every Wednesday, they have happy hour wherein you only have to pay half price of the bottles.
Duke of Perth
Address: 2913 N Clark St, Chicago, IL 60657, United States
Contact Details: +1 773-477-1741
Why We Like It:
The Duke of Perth features an impressive spirit list, and one of the most popular choices is their Single Malt whisky.
It is a cozy pub that has become the first tavern in the city that serves single malt and unlimited fish and chips on Wednesdays and Fridays.
FAQs
Do whiskey bars in Chicago also serve food?
No, not all whiskey bars in Chicago serve food. For instance, Delilah’s does not serve food, so you have to load up on carbs before you go.
Fortunately, some pubs in Wicker Park, Western Ave, Grand Ave, Halsted St, and Southport Ave, like Monkey’s Paw and Violet Hour, serve food and drinks.
Are there whiskey cocktail bars in Chicago?
Yes, there are whiskey cocktail bars in Chicago. Some of the taverns that stand out are Berkshire, The Sixt, Fox Bar, Gretel, and Mordecai.
You can also check out bars in Lincoln Ave, Wells St, Wicker Park, Green St, Randolph St, Logan Square, Fulton Market, and River North that offer cocktails.
Final Say
There you have it, the best whiskey bars in the city to enjoy with your friends and loved ones.
You can enjoy drinking in these taverns while enjoying the windy city.
You can enjoy a smooth glass of whiskey in these watering holes with wide selections of whiskeys to choose from.
References:
- https://www.britannica.com/event/Prohibition-United-States-history-1920-1933
- https://www.shopify.com/blog/what-is-private-label
Lydia Martin hails from Redmond, Washington, where you’ll find some of the best cocktail bars and distilleries that offer a great mix of local drinks. She used to work as a bar manager in Paris and is a self-taught mixologist whose passion for crafting unique cocktails led her to create Liquor Laboratory. Lydia can whip up a mean Margarita in seconds! Contact at [email protected] or learn more about us here.