From top-notch margaritas to more innovative non-alcoholic cocktail mixes and everything in between, the Windy City and its large number of respected mixologists will have the answers to your every need.

Based on our experience at Secret Chicago, our readers’ top pick, and a meticulous evaluation of the ambiance and drink quality, we’ve filtered through the noise to round up the best cocktail bars in Chicago.

Three Dots and a Dash

While Kumiko offers a more minimalist direction with its cocktails, Three Dots, and a Dash delivers quite the opposite. Filled with flavor and color, the cocktails at this tiki spot are as exciting to look at as they are to taste.

Also named one of the 50 Best Bars in the World, but this time by Drinks International, Three Dots and a Dash is a tropical oasis hidden beneath the bustling streets of North River that will transport you to Polynesia.

Cocktail expert Kevin Barry leads a dedicated team that prepares his creations using the freshest exotic fruits, flowers and spices, mixing them with the finest rums, spirits, elixirs and syrups made in-house. The drinks are exquisitely presented in tiki totems, folding bowls, treasure chests, etc.

Purple Hour

Located in the heart of Wicker Park, The Violet Hour offers a James Beard Award-winning bar program that includes a seasonally changing cocktail list with pre-prohibition style booze.

The Aviary

Well-known among locals, The Aviary in West Loop has been thrilling customers with its carefully crafted cocktails since opening in 2011.

Some of the options at The Aviary could be mistaken for a science experiment, but trust us when we say that science is worth trusting.

The Junglebird at the bar, for example, is an unusual blend of rum, pineapple-lime syrup, Campari, and a string of pearls that pop in your mouth. From the same hospitality group as Alinea, it’s no surprise that this is one of the best cocktail bars in Chicago.

Nobody’s Darling

Upon entering this “grown-up cocktail lover’s playpen,” as the bar describes itself, you’ll see the touching words of Alice Walker’s poem “Be Darling,” which gave the bar its name. Behind the bar, there’s even more magic in the form of its incredible cocktails, which are part of the reason why Nobody’s Darling is such a cherished Andersonville hangout and one of the best cocktail bars in Chicago.

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Creating the perfect itinerary can be difficult, so we’ve created one for you. Below is the perfect Saturday schedule, featuring the best things to do at Fulton Market Chicago, from a Mediterranean breakfast to a night of bar dancing.

Start with a Mediterranean brunch

When you walk into Aba, you’re greeted by lush greenery-a set of flowing lines along the back of the bar and spiraling to the ceiling. It’s a blissful way to start your morning. Grab a seat at the bar and order yourself a mimosa or Mediterranean drink and take a look at the mouthwatering breakfast menu that includes spinach and avocado frittata, peach biscuits, mullet and eggs and much more.

Unwind at this Fulton Market bar

This West Loop bar is the quintessential place to gather after laughing and moving around on your feet at Emporium. The cocktail creations at Aviary are more of a science experiment that will thrill and delight you all in one fell swoop. You’ll find drinks you’ve never heard of, like Aviary’s Junglebird, which is an unusual blend of rum, pineapple-lime syrup, Campari, and a string of pearls that pop in your mouth.

Travel to Mykonos for dinner

Check out Lyra Bar, which brings Greek gastronomic life through charcoal and wood-fired grills located in the open kitchen, combined with a vibrant color palette and pendant lights throughout the restaurant. The oval bar emphasizes the community atmosphere that complements the menu, which can be shared with slow-roasted lamb, spanakopitakia and more.

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Mile High Cocktail Club

A bartender hands out two cocktails in a floral glass with a garnish on top at Mile High Cocktail Club in ChicagoPhoto: courtesy of Mile High Cocktail Club
The first on our list is located high above Magnificent Mile in the Four Seasons Hotel. It’s an exclusive cocktail spot to remember, filled with vibrancy, style and exciting drinks. The experience begins even before you take off.

Nisos

A new nightlife hotspot near Fulton Market. Upstairs at Nisos, The Lounge is an inviting, hidden cocktail bar (hint: look for the bookshelf) tucked away on the second floor of Nisos Prime. The 2000 square foot room offers an amazing carefree night out full of energy and music and transports guests to the nightlife of the Mediterranean.

Soif Wine Lounge

Located under Testiaccio, Sofio Wine Lounge is a Parisian escape. The cozy room is a dimly lit bar tinged with red and decorated with large velvet chairs, antique tables and candles. Choose a drink from the collection of French wines that will transport you to the south of France.

Blind Barber

There are few speakeasy bars in Chicago where you can get a haircut during the day and dance to a DJ in the evening. The Blind Barber looks like a barbershop, but when you walk behind it, the space opens up into a 70s-style bar with cocktails and a spacious dance floor.

Drifter

Located under the basement of the Green Door Tavern, The Drifter is an authentic 20s era venue that exudes restraint while also turning into a showcase space. When you step into The Drifter, you step onto the same floor where drifters have been treading for over 100 years.

With a permanent list of more than 100 cocktails featured on tarot cards and nightly performances, this hidden gem is perfect for cocktail lovers and history buffs alike.

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