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Top Cocktail Bars in Chicago, IL
Are you planning a night out in Chicago and looking for the best cocktail bars to party in? Your search ends here! Imagine your guests enjoying delicious drinks in a stylish, VIP setting – the perfect recipe for a great party. Browse through our curated listing of cocktail lounges across Chicago, from speakeasies in Lincoln Avenue to high-end bars in trendy River North and whiskey bars in Downtown Chicago. Find the best location for any size group, whether you are planning a work party or a wedding reception. Use our smart filters to discover a fun spot with everything your party needs, and book it today!
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![Private Space Within Venue at Clara Chicago in Wicker Park, Chicago, IL]()
from $600
minimum spend / per dayCheck availabilityPrivate Space Within Venue
60 guestsClara ChicagoWicker Park, Chicago, ILEElvira P.
“The cocktails were incredible, and the bartender was kept busy but never seemed overwhelmed.” -
![Entire Venue at Clara Chicago in Wicker Park, Chicago, IL]()
from $1500
minimum spend / per dayCheck availabilityEntire Venue
119 guestsClara ChicagoWicker Park, Chicago, ILClara is an artist-owned bar and performance space dedicated to the fusion of craft cocktails and exceptional artistry. Located in the heart of Chicago’s Wicker Park neighborhood, our space is designed around developing and -
![Moonflower at Moonflower in Portage Park, Chicago, IL]()
from $1250
minimum spend / per sessionCheck availabilityMoonflower
70 guestsMoonflowerPortage Park, Chicago, ILAt Moonflower, we’re all about creating an inviting, Midwestern feel that makes you feel right at home. Sip on our signature cocktails, like the No Brainer—a refreshing mix of rum, strawberry, and banana. -
![Entire Venue at Nobody's Darling in Andersonville, Chicago, IL]()
from $2100
minimum spend / per sessionCheck availabilityEntire Venue
50 guestsNobody's DarlingAndersonville, Chicago, ILThe space can comfortably accommodate up to 50 guests. So whether you’re hosting an intimate gathering or a larger celebration, Nobody’s Darling has you covered. -
![Nightshade at Moonflower in Portage Park, Chicago, IL]()
from $1500
minimum spend / per dayCheck availabilityNightshade
60 guestsMoonflowerPortage Park, Chicago, ILDark candlelight and jazzy atmosphere for any special occasion with experimental cocktail offerings like the Late Bloomer with purple rice washed gin, coconut cinnamon and lime or our signature Old Fashioned with 12 year -
![Private Party Room at Claddagh Ring Pub in Ravenswood, Chicago, IL]()
from $75
hire fee / per hourCheck availabilityPrivate Party Room
50 guestsCladdagh Ring PubRavenswood, Chicago, IL
#Supervenue
AAamir B.
“Good space and service, easy setup for outside food, good bartending” -
![The Parlour at The Albion at The Albion Manor in Lincoln Park, Chicago, IL]()
from $3000
minimum spend / per sessionCheck availabilityThe Parlour at The Albion
75 guestsThe Albion ManorLincoln Park, Chicago, IL
#Supervenue
KKatherine N.
“Johanna provided excellent service with the room set-up and managing the bar.” -
![Bar Room at Port and Park Bistro in Lakeview, Chicago, IL]()
from $1000
minimum spend / per sessionCheck availabilityBar Room
66 guestsPort and Park BistroLakeview, Chicago, IL
#Supervenue
MMax D.
“The Bar room was very cool and was more than enough space for everyone. Food and drinks were great as well.” -
![Entire Venue at Claddagh Ring Pub in Ravenswood, Chicago, IL]()
from $99
hire fee / per hourCheck availabilityEntire Venue
100 guestsCladdagh Ring PubRavenswood, Chicago, IL
#Supervenue
KKelly D.
“Great space, perfect location and friendly bartenders! Highly recommend this venue!” -
![Bootleg at Everything Bar in West Town, Chicago, IL]()
from $750
minimum spend / per dayCheck availabilityBootleg
50 guestsEverything BarWest Town, Chicago, IL
#Supervenue
JJack K.
“We rented the room downstairs and it was great! Loved the decor and that we could play our own music.” -
![Rooftop Bar at The Pony in Lakeview, Chicago, IL]()
from $1000
minimum spend / per sessionCheck availabilityRooftop Bar
80 guestsThe PonyLakeview, Chicago, ILAAbigail
“Our bartender, Bekah, was incredibly lovely and we had such a wonderful time!!” -
![Private Party Room at Bar Cocina Lakeview / Lincoln Park in Lakeview, Chicago, IL]()
from $35
per person / per sessionCheck availabilityPrivate Party Room
75 guestsBar Cocina Lakeview / Lincoln ParkLakeview, Chicago, IL
#Supervenue
DDeborah W.
“Great venue! Food was delicious! Service was great and the staff I worked with to plan my event were fabulous!”
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FAQs about Top Cocktail Bars in Chicago, IL
In Chicago, prices of cocktail bars average $2000 minimum spend per event. Costs vary depending on guest capacity, popularity, location, and amenities like sound systems or bar services. Extra charges may apply for custom catering, decor, or event planning services. Packages with add-ons, such as DJs, photo booths, or other entertainment services, can also increase the overall cost. Check out the typical price ranges in Chicago, based on Tagvenue data from September 2025:
| From $1000 | to $2500 | minimum spend per event |
| From $35 | to $45 | per person |
| From $150 | to $550 | hire fee per hour |
Based on the popularity and user ratings on Tagvenue (updated September 2025), the best options include:
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Bar Room at Port and Park Bistro in Lakeview - rated 5/5
Our user said: ‘The Bar room was very cool and was more than enough space for everyone.’ -
Private Party Room at Claddagh Ring Pub in Ravenswood - rated 4.9/5
Our user said: ‘The bar was excellent. It was really one of the only ones I found that was reasonably priced to rent.’ -
The Parlour at The Albion at The Albion Manor in Lincoln Park - rated 4.9/5
Our user said: ‘The staff was incredible - so helpful and friendly. The room is gorgeous- such a great vibe.’
Hosting a cocktail party in Chicago offers a wonderful opportunity to get creative with your themes:
- Chicago Jazz Era: Step back in time with a 1920s jazz theme, celebrating Chicago's rich history in the jazz scene. Think flapper dresses, feather boas, and swing music to get everyone dancing.
- Windy City Elegance: Embrace the sophisticated side of Chicago with a sleek, modern theme. Use minimalist decor, a black and white color scheme, and serve contemporary cocktails.
- Sports Fanatic: Decorate with the team colors of the Bears, the Bulls, or the Cubs and serve local beers and stadium-inspired snacks.
- Chicago Blues Night: Dive into the blues music that Chicago is famous for. Create a moody ambiance with blue lighting and soulful music, and serve classic cocktails like whiskey sours.
For even more inspiring party themes, check out our comprehensive list of the 170 Greatest Themes to Rock Every Party.
Outside catering is often allowed at cocktail bars, though policies can vary by venue. For example, the Golden Years Cocktail Bar on West Chicago Avenue allows you to bring in an external caterer for events accommodating around 60-70 people. However, they do not allow you to bring your own alcohol; beverages must be purchased from the bar itself. Remember to check with your chosen venue beforehand to understand their rules regarding food and drink arrangements.
- Compare Prices: Research and compare prices from multiple cocktail bars to find the best deals.
- Off-Peak Bookings: Make your reservations during off-peak times such as weekdays or non-holiday seasons when rates are usually lower.
- Package Deals: Look for bars offering package deals that include food, drinks, and venue rental at a discounted rate.
- Negotiation: Negotiate with the bar management for a better price or added perks.
- Happy Hours: Host your event during happy hours to take advantage of lower drink prices.
- Cash Bar Option: Opt for a cash bar instead of an open bar to reduce costs.
- Smaller Guest List: Limit your guest list to a smaller number to keep expenses down.
- Lesser-Known Venues: Consider newer or less well-known cocktail bars that may offer competitive pricing to attract customers.
