Rocco
If you’re traveling to the Windy City soon, you might be searching for the best speakeasy in Chicago.
We’ve got you covered with the best places in the city, ranging from hip, underground spaces to luxury hotel lounges.
End your day with a vintage cocktail at one of these top speakeasies after spending an afternoon touring Millennium Park, the Art Institute, or Chicago’s iconic Willis Tower.
Whatever you’re looking for in a speakeasy, Chicago has something for you. Read on to find the best speakeasy in Chicago today!
The Violet Hour
1520 N Damen Ave, Chicago, IL 60622
Phone: (773) 252-1500
Visit Website
The Violet Hour is an upscale bar in Wicker Park. It’s a speakeasy that features cocktails, punch, and small bites.
The place has an extensive bourbon menu and offers rare drinks and domestic whiskey.
Try The Violet Touch, a house-special rye drink with a charcuterie board with cured meats and jam.
SUSHI DOKKU Japanese Restaurant [ Booze Box Lounge ]
823 W Randolph St, Chicago, IL 60607
Phone: (312) 455-8238
Visit Website
The SUSHI DOKKU is a Japanese restaurant in Fulton Market with a speakeasy vibe. The place is chic and upscale, with a quiet atmosphere.
Order from the Sake menu and try traditional hot beverages or Japanese whisky.
Or, you can get tequila, wine, beer, and rum. However, don’t forget to try the Thai chili cocktail!
The Drifter
676-8 N Orleans St, Chicago, IL 60654
Phone: (312) 631-3887
Visit Website
Head to the River North district and grab a drink at The Drifter, a hipster speakeasy beneath the Green Door Tavern.
It’s famous for its cocktails, trendy bourbon drinks, and non-alcoholic options.
Enjoy the live music and try a Tarot card cocktail from the rotating menu. Or, ask about the rare collection of aged spirits.
Blind Barber
948 W Fulton Market, Chicago, IL 60607
Phone: (312) 405-9929
Visit Website
Check out the Blind Barber, a funky neighborhood barber shop with a 70s-themed speakeasy in the back.
It’s in Fulton Market, just west of downtown Chicago, near the Lyric Opera of Chicago.
The bar has dim red lighting and a hip atmosphere. Listen to DJ music, try a cocktail, and order one of their iconic grilled cheese sandwiches.
Pigtail
500 N Clark St #465, Chicago, IL 60654
Visit Website
Don’t miss Pigtail, a speakeasy-style cocktail bar on North Clark Street.
It’s in River North, near the House of Blues, and is convenient for anyone staying downtown.
The setting is relaxed and casual. Order seafood or bar bites alongside an aromatic cocktail or locally brewed beer.
Nine Bar
216 W Cermak Rd, Chicago, IL 60616
Phone: (312) 225-4081
Visit Website
Nine Bar is a speakeasy with a hipster vibe.
It’s in Chinatown in south Chicago and boasts Asian-inspired drinks, Chinese food, and a dimly lit atmosphere.
This speakeasy features light, fruity cocktails and trendy highballs with infusions like lemon oil, rooibos, and green tea.
You can also try full-bodied beers and sake.
The Office
955 W Fulton Market, Chicago, IL 60607
Visit Website
Visit The Office when in Fulton Market, Chicago. It’s an upscale speakeasy beneath The Aviary cocktail bar.
Hide away from bustling Chicago in this intimate basement speakeasy.
The bar sells rare antique spirits and liquor, from chartreuse to fizzy gin, and visitors can also sample small bites and desserts like truffle popcorn.
The Milk Room
12 S Michigan Ave, Chicago, IL 60603
Phone: (312) 792-3535
Visit Website
Chicago Athletic Hotel in downtown Chicago houses The Milk Room, an intimate, eight-person bar that was an authentic speakeasy in the 1920s.
It’s across from Millenium Park and is within walking distance of the Art Institute of Chicago.
The bar serves cocktails using time-honored, rare ingredients. Try the champagne and the Genepy cocktails.
Bordel | Cabaret & Cocktail Bar
1721 W Division St, Chicago, IL 60622
Phone: (312) 487-1236
Visit Website
Visit Bordel on W Division St and enjoy a lively atmosphere with cabaret performances. It’s in East Village and has an upscale yet cozy vibe.
The drinks at Bordel are fun and fruity. Consider the Stone Fence Cherry with apple and sherry or the Lemon Drop gin with Greek yogurt.
The Alderman
1163 W 18th St, Chicago, IL 60608
Phone: (312) 243-2410
Visit Website
The Alderman is a speakeasy in the Pilson area of southwest Chicago.
It has a quiet, cozy atmosphere and is ideal for a romantic evening or a late-night chat with friends.
Book a table and order craft cocktails like the Purple Pisco Sour with passion fruit or try a classic chardonnay wine.
The Bamboo Room at Three Dots and a Dash
435 N Clark St, Chicago, IL 60654
Phone: (312) 610-4220
Visit Website
Are you looking for a taste of the tropics? Consider The Bamboo Room at Three Dots and a Dash.
It’s a tiki-themed bar in the River North District.
Try fruity, spiced drinks with global ingredients like orchids from Hawaii and mint from Colombia.
You can order a lime Mermaid cocktail, rum from the Caribbean, or fried seafood to eat.
5th Province
4626 N Knox Ave, Chicago, IL 60630
Phone: (773) 282-7035
Visit Website
5th Province is in the Irish American Heritage Center in Mayfair.
It’s just south of LaBagh Woods in northwest Chicago, and the place is a casual Irish speakeasy with live music and trivia nights.
The place mimics the layout and design of a traditional Irish pub. Try the mild Irish ale alongside a sandwich and fries.
Soif Wine Lounge
2456 N California Ave, Chicago, IL 60647
Phone: (773) 895-6558
Visit Website
Soif Wine Lounge is an upscale speakeasy with a rustic, romantic atmosphere. It’s in north Chicago in Logan Square, by Haas Park.
This intimate speakeasy focuses on wine and French cuisine.
Choose from the champagne collection, order a Belgian beer, or sample escargot with authentic French baguettes on the side.
Final Thoughts
A trip to Chicago wouldn’t be complete without visiting the speakeasies, so check out these locations and find your new favorite place.
These hidden-away places feature extensive champagne lists, light cocktails, tasty plates, and vintage charm.
Comment below, and share your personal experience with the best speakeasies in Chicago on your trip!
Best Speakeasy in Chicago
- The Violet Hour
- SUSHI DOKKU Japanese Restaurant [ Booze Box Lounge ]
- The Drifter
- Blind Barber
- Pigtail
- Nine Bar
- The Office
- The Milk Room
- Bordel | Cabaret & Cocktail Bar
- The Alderman
- The Bamboo Room at Three Dots and a Dash
- 5th Province
- Soif Wine Lounge
GIPHY App Key not set. Please check settings