Best Cocktail Bars in Evanston

17 restaurants available nearby

1. The Violet Hour

4.7

Exceptional(150)

Price: Expensive

• Cocktail Bar • Bucktown / Wicker Park

Booked 22 times today

The Violet Hour, nestled in the lively Wicker Park neighborhood of Chicago, is a beacon of Dining Bar excellence, celebrated with a prestigious James Beard award. This venue shines with its seasonally-driven cocktails crafted by the visionary head mixologist Toby Maloney, offering an experience that is both intimate and exhilarating. Patrons rave about the "unique and delicious" drinks and the "terrific atmosphere" that makes it easy to enjoy conversations without the usual din. The sprawling marble bar and candlelit ambience add to its allure, making it a must-visit for those seeking a top-tier dining bar experience. As one reviewer puts it, it's "the best hospitality experience I’ve ever had," highlighting the exceptional service and sophisticated environment that make The Violet Hour a standout destination in Chicago's vibrant culinary scene.

A photo of Farm Bar - Lakeview restaurant

2. Farm Bar - Lakeview

4.7

Exceptional(182)

Price: Moderate

• Cocktail Bar • Lakeview / East Lakeview

Booked 73 times today

Farm Bar - Lakeview is a cherished gem in Chicago's Lakeview neighborhood, renowned for its quintessential Comfort Food that warms the soul. With a farm-to-table ethos, this delightful spot sources organic ingredients from its very own Brown Dog Farm, ensuring each dish is not only comforting but also crafted with the freshest produce. Patrons rave about the "delicious and perfectly cooked" Classic Burger and the "famous Wisconsin Cheese Curds," which are a must-try for anyone seeking authentic Midwestern flavors. Reviews consistently praise the welcoming atmosphere and attentive service, making Farm Bar a go-to for both locals and visitors. Whether it's for a laid-back brunch or a cozy dinner, Farm Bar promises a heartwarming dining experience where every meal feels like coming home.

3. Bordel

4.4

Awesome(32)

Price: Moderate

• Cocktail Bar • Bucktown / Wicker Park

Booked 15 times today

Bordel, a gem nestled in Chicago's vibrant Wicker Park, is a cocktail connoisseur's paradise. Known for its captivating Parisian speakeasy ambiance, Bordel promises an unforgettable experience with its high-quality, creative cocktails that perfectly complement the nightly cabaret shows. Patrons rave about the "delicious drinks" and the exceptional service, with one guest celebrating the "best burlesque show in town." The unique blend of burlesque, live music, and expertly crafted cocktails makes Bordel not just a bar but a destination. As one reviewer puts it, "It's all the sexy red room vibes you can handle," making every visit a spectacular adventure in Chicago's nightlife.

4. Spirit Elephant

4.8

Exceptional(1540)

Price: Moderate

• Cocktail Bar • Winnetka

Booked 64 times today

Spirit Elephant in Winnetka is a paradise for anyone seeking exceptional vegan cuisine, blending quality, taste, and a commitment to plant-based ingredients. This award-winning restaurant is celebrated not just for its vegan offerings but for its culinary excellence that appeals to all food lovers. Diners rave about the "wildly tasty desserts" and innovative dishes like the "meatless meatloaf that will fool you" and "perfectly crusty sourdough pizza." With an "elegant patio" setting and a seasonal menu that keeps the dining experience exciting, Spirit Elephant stands out as a gem. The consistent praise for its "phenomenal" food and "excellent service" makes it a must-visit for both vegans and non-vegans alike.

A photo of Basant Modern Indian restaurant

5. Basant Modern Indian

4.7

Exceptional(438)

Price: Expensive

• Cocktail Bar • North Center

Booked 17 times today

Basant Modern Indian, nestled in the vibrant North Center neighborhood of Chicago, is a culinary gem that artfully blends traditional Indian flavors with modern culinary techniques. Reviewers rave about the "unique take on South Asian cuisine," highlighting dishes like the jackfruit fritters and cilantro chicken that are "bursting with unique flavors and impeccable seasoning." Patrons are consistently impressed by the creative cocktail menu and the restaurant's ability to maintain a "cool atmosphere" that is more modern than most Indian spots. As one reviewer puts it, Basant is not just about food but an "outstanding experience" where "each dish is a culinary masterpiece." This restaurant is highly recommended for anyone looking to explore a fresh and sophisticated take on Indian cuisine.

A photo of Barrel Cheese & Wine restaurant

6. Barrel Cheese & Wine

4.0

Excellent(30)

Price: Moderate

• Cocktail Bar • Lakeview / East Lakeview

Booked 9 times today

Barrel cheese & wine is your new perfect favorite spot for a date night. Fireplace, wine racks, special cocktails and absolutely delicious food!

7. MEDI

4.6

Exceptional(358)

Price: Moderate

• Cocktail Bar • Lincoln Park

Booked 14 times today

Located in the vibrant Lincoln Park, Chicago, Medi Kitchen + Cocktail is a standout venue for superb cocktail experiences. Known for its modern Mediterranean flair, the bar is celebrated for its craft cocktails that are as inventive as they are delicious. Patrons rave about the balance and creativity of the drinks, with favorites like “The date went sour” earning accolades as top-tier choices. The ambiance, enhanced by Middle Eastern-inspired decor and a cozy setting, makes Medi an ideal spot for everything from a lively brunch to a romantic evening. As one guest put it, the cocktails are “amazing” and the overall experience is bolstered by friendly and attentive service, making Medi a must-visit for cocktail enthusiasts seeking quality and authenticity in their drinks.

A photo of KAMA – Wicker Park restaurant

8. KAMA – Wicker Park

4.6

Exceptional(176)

Price: Expensive

• Cocktail Bar • Bucktown / Wicker Park

Booked 27 times today

KAMA – Wicker Park, located in the vibrant Bucktown / Wicker Park area of Chicago, is a haven for Vegetarian / Vegan cuisine enthusiasts seeking authentic and bold flavors. This culinary gem stands out for its commitment to fresh, scratch-made dishes that celebrate traditional Indian recipes with innovative twists. Patrons rave about unique offerings like the "paneer ravioli," described as "creative and unique, and the appetizers were delicious!" The restaurant's atmosphere is matched by its exceptional service, making it a must-visit for both seasoned foodies and those new to Indian cuisine. As one reviewer put it, KAMA is "indeed a different Indian restaurant experience! Lovely ambiance, amazing food, and great service!" making it a standout destination in Chicago's dining scene.

9. Revolver

4.4

Awesome(33)

Price: Moderate

• Cocktail Bar • Bucktown / Wicker Park

Booked 5 times today

Co-owners LeQoinne Rice and Chris Scardina (also behind The Duplex in Logan Square) have invoked speakeasy-style concept, drink menu laden with pre-Prohibition classics like Amaretto sours and dirty martinis alongside contemporary cocktails.

A photo of North Shore Bistro restaurant

10. North Shore Bistro

4.1

Excellent(29)

Price: Very Expensive

• Cocktail Bar • Highland Park

Booked 23 times today

A fun and exciting new addition to the North Shore! Located at 250 Skokie Blvd. in Northbrook, North Shore Bistro is a mix of modern Italian Cuisine and high end handcrafted cocktails! Open until 2 AM Friday and Saturday we are bringing the night life back to Northbrook! But don't forget the food! We have all of Chef Marciano's specials that made the place so special in the past! Come in today, see all the new decor, and try an amazing meal paired with some delicious drinks or a bottle of wine from our handpicked wine list!

‘About the restaurant’ descriptions have been generated using an artificial intelligence model comprised of OpenTable proprietary data that has not been independently verified by OpenTable. The content is presented as-is, for informational purposes only.

See what locals rave about

From verified diners like you

K
kellyvip
Denver / Colorado •11 reviews
5.0
Dined 1 day ago
Delicious food , good service. The interior is warm and old school steak house vibes with a modern touch. We had baked clams, burrata salad , cacio y Pepe and the monkfish everything was cooked perfect and had great flavor. Will be back for sure
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FiorettaPrice: Very Expensive• Steak• West Loop
•
4.6
D
Denise
Wisconsin •19 reviews
5.0
Dined 3 days ago
Cocktails are creative and playful. Service was amazing, they go out of their way to make sure you're happy. Loved the chill vibe, not at all pretentious. Will be back
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The Violet HourPrice: Expensive• Cocktail Bar• Bucktown / Wicker Park
•
4.7
T
Tovar
Chicago / Illinois •9 reviews
5.0
Dined 5 days ago
We had the pu pu platter plus some sides, everything was really nice plated and yummy, my favorite thing forever is the curry. The holiday drinks were really cute and i also like that they have zero proof drinks that are delicious and also come in a cool glass.
More info
Three Dots and a DashPrice: Expensive• Cocktail Bar• River North (Chicago)
•
4.7
M
Mariana
Chicago / Illinois •1 review
5.0
Dined on 27 Oct 2024
The food here was amazing. Everything was served very quickly and in a beautiful presentation. Definitely recommend this place 10/10. Drinks were amazing their old fashion was one of a kind. All the food was very fresh. A little pricey but well worth it. To top it off they have a great view of the city. Perfect experience.
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Rooftop at Nobu HotelPrice: Very Expensive• Cocktail Bar• West Loop
•
4.4
J
Jasonvip
Chicago / Illinois •46 reviews
4.0
Dined on 3 Oct 2024
Just had drinks. They were good. Nice rooftop spot.
More info
Chateau CarbidePrice: Expensive• Cocktail Bar• River North (Chicago)
•
3.8

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Evanston

Cocktail Bar

Best Cocktail Bars in Evanston

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17 restaurants available nearby

1. The Violet Hour

2. Farm Bar - Lakeview

3. Bordel

4. Spirit Elephant

5. Basant Modern Indian

6. Barrel Cheese & Wine

7. MEDI

8. KAMA – Wicker Park

9. Revolver

10. North Shore Bistro

See what locals rave about

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