1. Delilah's
9.0
2771 N Lincoln Ave (at W Diversey Pkwy), Chicago, IL
Whisky Bar · North Side · 106 tips and reviews
Colin C: Best whiskey bar in Chicago, interesting mix of ppl and an incredible selection of booze. I'm not usually a bourbon drinker, but the Delilah's 13 (yes they bottle their own bourbon) is incredible!!!
@MisterHirsch: A classic Chicago dive bar. Great spot with plenty of whiskies and beer.
Time Out Chicago: Great, eclectic DJ lineup, better whiskey selection.
3. The Violet Hour
9.0
1520 N Damen Ave (at Pierce Ave), Chicago, IL
Speakeasy · Wicker Park · 256 tips and reviews
Nikol Hasler: Order a Julietta y Romeo- Wonderful gin fizz with champagne. If possible get a seat in the back. It is worth the wait.
Jenny Fukumoto 🍺: If you're adventurous and want to try a drink with whipped egg whites, go for the Swingin' on the Lawn - brandy, lemon, cherry liqueur/bitters - delicious!
MissBruce Lee: An original selection of cocktails, and an impressive whiskey selection! Hidden location and quiet design, bringing a date at Violet Hour is a winner.
4. Scofflaw
9.3
3201 W Armitage Ave (at Kedzie Ave), Chicago, IL
Cocktail Bar · Logan Square · 149 tips and reviews
Ava: super super cute and cozy, lots of delicious gin cocktails (loved the one with mezcal)
Kara H: Great atmosphere and interesting choice of gin based cocktails. It's crowded and tables are on a first come basis so if you don't mind standing around and scouting tables all night, check this out.
Erika Davis: Cozy atmosphere and great gin-based cocktails. Perfect place if you love Gin and want to chill.
5. Big Star
9.0
1531 N Damen Ave (at N Wicker Park Ave), Chicago, IL
Taco Restaurant · Wicker Park · 572 tips and reviews
Marc Jacobs Intl: Go for the amazing and cheap tacos and great whiskey!
Jake Smith: Sonoran hot dog, with any of their surprisingly refreshing whiskey drinks, while sitting at the bar is the way to go.
Eater: It's difficult to beat a classic. We're talking about the classic margarita, made with tequila Lunazul tequila, lime, and orange curacao. Read more.
7. Binny's Beverage Depot
9.1
3000 N. Clark (at W Wellington Ave), Chicago, IL
Liquor Store · Lake View East · 38 tips and reviews
LT: The biggest selection of wine, beer, and liquor I have ever seen!!
Doug Ruhl: Great spot! But not a wine bar. Liquor Store.
Dan: Their selection of craft beer is the best around. Great prices. They also have a person dedicated to their impressive whiskey section. Throw in free samples and friendly service and it's the best.
10. The Monkey's Paw
8.7
2524 N Southport Ave, Chicago, IL
Whisky Bar · North Side · 26 tips and reviews
David Farris: Very impressive Single Malt Scotch list for Chicago as well as American Whisky. Friendly bartenders
Kevin Dulin: Loads of beer on tap, whiskeys, and cocktails, which are very good. The poutine was fantastic & an excellent twist on the Canadian Classic. The Octopus wasn't all to tender and the sauce wasn't great.
Adam Lang: Great Scotch selection and knowledgable bartenders.
12. Estereo
9.1
2450 N Milwaukee Ave (Sacramento), Chicago, IL
Cocktail Bar · Logan Square · 22 tips and reviews
Bobby Kennedy: Strong yet refreshing Latin American inspired cocktails, mostly tequila, rum and mezcal. Great place to hang on a warm weekend afternoon with the windows open.
ᴡ Hinds: Coffee with a drop of mezcal delicious. I'm conflicted about the level of appropriation happening in this place, but the vintage decor is right on point.
Chad: A little bit of Mexico City in Chicago. Bangin' music. Great place to sip a mezcal cocktail and watch the world go by.
15. The Aviary
8.7
955 W Fulton Market (at Morgan St.), Chicago, IL
Cocktail Bar · Fulton Market · 174 tips and reviews
Euclid Walker: Go to the Office & for your second drink, try telling the bartender what you enjoy (e.g scotch with an exotic spicy twist) & let them make you a custom cocktail. Jason made us some amazing drinks!
Stacey Strykowski-Corsten: Get a reservation and come in for amazing gastronomic cocktails..... Or a flight of Whiskey (whisky)!!!!!!
Sam Hughes: Just do the cocktail degustation. Trust me, you need to try everything. At the very least, get the school lunch - snickers foie gras and rum chocolate milk is the truth.