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Top Cocktail Bar Venues in Chicago, IL
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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
30 guestsClara ChicagoWicker Park, Chicago, ILEElvira P.
“The cocktails were incredible, and the bartender was kept busy but never seemed overwhelmed.” -
![Garden at Celeste in River North, Chicago, IL]()
from $115
per person / per sessionCheck availabilityGarden
75 guestsCelesteRiver North, Chicago, ILJJana P.
“Wow, what an outstanding staff and event space at Celeste!!” -
![Full Room Buyout at Three Dots and a Dash in River North, Chicago, IL]()
from $40
per person / per sessionCheck availabilityFull Room Buyout
250 guestsThree Dots and a DashRiver North, Chicago, ILThree Dots and a Dash is a tropical cocktail bar with several distinct areas that can be used for group gatherings, from smaller semi-private lounges to larger event setups. -
![The Oasis at Three Dots and a Dash in River North, Chicago, IL]()
from $40
per person / per sessionCheck availabilityThe Oasis
60 guestsThree Dots and a DashRiver North, Chicago, ILThe space forms part of a cocktail bar setting with a dedicated lounge arrangement. Ideal for: Small to medium-sized groups seeking a relaxed, informal gathering with a mix of seating and standing. -
![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 -
![Half Room Buyout at Three Dots and a Dash in River North, Chicago, IL]()
from $40
per person / per sessionCheck availabilityHalf Room Buyout
100 guestsThree Dots and a DashRiver North, Chicago, ILThree Dots and a Dash is a tropical tiki cocktail bar that brings island-inspired drinks, food and design to private events. Venue highlights: A dedicated special events team builds celebrations around each organiser’s brief, -
![Nightshade at Moonflower in Portage Park, Chicago, IL]()
from $1100
minimum spend / per sessionCheck availabilityNightshade
60 guestsMoonflowerPortage Park, Chicago, ILA candlelit, jazzy atmosphere for any special occasion with experimental cocktail offerings, cozy lounge seating, and space for a DJ and dance floor. -
![Bamboo Room at Three Dots and a Dash in River North, Chicago, IL]()
from $40
per person / per sessionCheck availabilityBamboo Room
25 guestsThree Dots and a DashRiver North, Chicago, ILFeatures: A bar counter anchors the room, while small round tables provide places to sit and socialise. The drinks menu focuses on refined rum cocktails and rhum agricoles across multiple styles. -
![The Lagoon at Three Dots and a Dash in River North, Chicago, IL]()
from $40
per person / per sessionCheck availabilityThe Lagoon
16 guestsThree Dots and a DashRiver North, Chicago, ILLocation: River North is a Chicago dining and nightlife district filled with restaurants, cocktail bars and galleries, giving guests plenty of options for continuing the evening. -
![Whiskey Bar at Celeste in River North, Chicago, IL]()
from $115
per person / per sessionCheck availabilityWhiskey Bar
120 guestsCelesteRiver North, Chicago, ILWith stylish high-top tables, intimate booths, and a nearly full-room bar, it's the ideal setting for gatherings of 100 to 120 guests. The handsome interior features a long marble-topped bar, hardwood floors, unique light -
![Cove at Three Dots and a Dash in River North, Chicago, IL]()
from $40
per person / per sessionCheck availabilityCove
30 guestsThree Dots and a DashRiver North, Chicago, ILCove is a semi-private lounge area within the bar, with a tucked-away layout that gives groups a more secluded setting while keeping them connected to the wider venue. -
![Moonflower at Moonflower in Portage Park, Chicago, IL]()
from $1100
minimum spend / per sessionCheck availabilityMoonflower
70 guestsMoonflowerPortage Park, Chicago, ILAt Moonflower, your neighborhood cocktail spot, you'll feel right at home. Our Events Director, Morgan, is available to help make the planning process simple.
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FAQs about Top Cocktail Bar Venues in Chicago, IL
Booking costs of cocktail bars average $40 per person. 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 $40 | to $55 | per person |
| From $1000 | to $3000 | minimum spend per event |
| From $150 | to $300 | hire fee per hour |
Based on the popularity and user ratings on Tagvenue (updated September 2026), the best options include:
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Golden Years Cocktail Bar at Golden Years in East Village - rated 5/5
Venue said: Our expertly crafted cocktail list features dialed-in classics of the era with a modern twist. Our Events Director, Morgan, is available to help make the planning process simple. -
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.’ -
Private Space Within Venue at Clara Chicago in Wicker Park - rated 4.8/5
Our user said: ‘To this day, we still have guests who say our engagement party was great, but that the venue was fantastic!’
You'll find cocktail bars in various sizes, from smaller spots to larger venues; keep in mind that the type of space and your chosen layout will affect the capacity! Below you can see the typical venue sizes in Chicago, together with the standard prices in each size range, based on Tagvenue data (September 2026):
| Small | up to 50 guests | prices average $1500 minimum spend per event |
| Medium | between 60 and 90 guests | prices average $1200 minimum spend per event |
| Large | over 120 guests | prices average $2000 minimum spend per event |
These are the venues within 0.7 mi from central Chicago, available to book on Tagvenue:
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Whole Venue at The Tavern Club at 333
on 333 Michigan Avenue - 0.4 mi from center.
Venue said: Located inside a national historic landmark, 333 North Michigan Avenue, the Tavern Club at 333 provides the perfect setting for private functions. Host a business meeting with an unprecedented view of downtown Chicago, a... -
Top Deck at Howl at the Moon, Chicago
on 26 West Hubbard Street - 0.7 mi from center.
Our user said: ‘The staff was also very on point with quick service delivering drinks, bringing out food, etc.’ -
Fins Porch at Margaritaville Restaurant - Chicago
on 700 East Grand Avenue #118 - 0.7 mi from center.
Venue said: The weather is here, wish you were! At Margaritaville Chicago Bar & Grill we specialize in Corporate Team Building, Holiday Parties, Company Outings and Special Occasion Receptions!
In Chicago, cocktail bars are most commonly booked for 30 to 50 guests. Here are some popular kinds of events people have hosted at these spaces on Tagvenue, as of September 2026:
| Party | Usually between $300 and $1,300. |
User who booked The Parlour at The Albion at The Albion Manor for 65 guests
said: ‘The venue was cozy, fun and vibrant! We had alot of compliments on the food!’ |
| Birthday Party | Usually between $350 and $1,600. |
User who booked Bootleg at Everything Bar for 45 guests
said: ‘I loved the downstairs speakeasy room with lights, tvs, place to plug in music, and overall vibe.’ |
| Graduation Party | Usually between $900 and $3,500. |
User who booked Private Party Room at Claddagh Ring Pub for 49 guests
said: ‘Everyone had a wonderful time, and I will rebook for my next party.’ |
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.
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Page last updated in September 2026
To provide you with relevant information, our pages are refreshed using an algorithm that aggregates real-time data, including bookings, reviews, and venue updates.