Bernard's | A Hidden Gem Cocktail Bar in Chicago Downtown

I was recommended this bar by a follower in my previous post about Chicago's North America's Top 50 Bars! 🥃 For my birthday, after Maple & Ash turned me away for bringing a cake, I needed a nearby spot to drink and cut my cake. Discovered this place right on the Magnificent Mile and it was love at first sip! 🥂 Seems like it's still under the radar on social media, so I had to share this find! - No.5 : This cocktail is served with a spritz of fragrance, leaving a subtle rose aroma around the rim. 🌹 It's a perfect balance of sweet and sour with distinct layers—a pretty little sweet drink that delivers on both looks and taste! - The Treasure : The drink comes in a wooden box. Opening it feels like discovering a treasure—smoke swirls, light glimmers, total ceremony vibes! 📦✨ The body has a strong agave and smoky flavor, but the finish is surprisingly smooth. The most surprising cup of the night! - Guava Sereno : The pink-orange liquid gives off major tropical feels. It smells of guava and orange peel, with a taste that's slightly bitter yet sweet. The layers are fascinating—great for anyone who likes Aperol's gentle bitter-orange note. - At First : The name is so fitting—"At First" is like love at first sip! 💖 It starts with a cool eucalyptus and tea fragrance, then unfolds into the sweet-and-sour taste of passion fruit. Complex yet clean, it's the kind of drink that grows on you more with each sip. - Heard it was my birthday, and they gifted us an Espresso Martini shot. Not bad at all! ☕️ - The mocktails aren't great, so you might want to skip those. 🚫 - Every table gets a complimentary snack platter. The almonds and olives were delicious and perfect with drinks—and you can get refills! 🫒 - The cakes in P1 & P7 are from @Miss Bunny s Cake. Not only are they incredibly detailed, but they're also seriously delicious. The sweetness level is just right for most tastes, and the value is amazing. Highly recommend! 🎂 📍 11 E Walton St The bar is located on the second floor of the Waldorf Astoria hotel. The ambiance is elegant and upscale, yet it feels quite undiscovered, so it's easy to book a table or just walk in. Have you discovered any hidden gem bars lately? What's your go-to cocktail? Share your favorite spots and drinks below! 🍸✨ #Chicago #ExploreChicago #ChicagoExploration #ChicagoBars #ChicagoLife #HiddenGemBar #Cocktails #SecretSpot #CocktailLover #NightOut