I recently had the pleasure of visiting this bar after it having been on my list for quite some time, and I can confidently say it’s by far one of the best bars I’ve been to in the Midwest. The drinks are nothing short of spectacular—each one is unique, complex, and expertly crafted. The bartenders are incredibly skilled and personable, but what really set this experience apart was their willingness to share their inspiration and the process of how they create their cocktails. Tao, in particular, went above and beyond in explaining the intricacies of their drink-making process, and I left with a deeper appreciation for the craft.
As a bartender myself, I left feeling incredibly inspired and grateful for the time Tao took to share his knowledge and teach me new techniques. His passion for the craft was truly contagious, and I walked away with fresh insights that I can’t wait to apply to my own work.
The space itself is also a blast—it's got this fun 90s kid nostalgia theme that just adds to the overall experience. It’s playful and takes you back to childhood while you’re enjoying incredible drinks.
The level of service here is outstanding, with a friendly, welcoming vibe that makes you feel right at home. Every drink was a conversation in itself, and I truly felt like part of the experience, not just a guest. I’m already looking forward to returning to try the entire menu—I have no doubt there’s even more to discover. Highly recommend this spot to anyone looking for top-tier drinks and even better service!
A huge thank you to Tao and the whole staff—you’ve truly blown my mind, and I can’t...
Read moreNo School Tomorrow is, quite simply, The best cocktail bar available in the Chicago suburbs. Founded by Tao Zrafi (of Drinkmaster fame), the bar successfully taps into a deep, and as yet underexploited vein of millennial and Gen X 90s nostalgia. The drinks are whacky, fun, and extremely tasty, with a wide variety of taste profiles represented for everyone.
The digs are simple and colorful, nestled in the Itasca Country Club property. Steve and Luis were both absolutely fantastic, effectively guiding our choices. I have been here 4 times in two weeks, and have tried seven of NST’s cocktails so far. I have not yet had a bad, or even average cocktail. My particular favorites thusfar have been the “Episode 2”, Savory Tomato, and about the best Mojito I’ve ever tasted.
Expect to spend $15-20 per cocktail, $10 during their all-day Sunday happy Hour. Their pours are generous, with free cocktail samples with each purchase and a sizable helping of goldfish with your drinks. You are unlikely to need more than 2 drinks here.
Guys, try this bar. It might be in a slightly odd location, but it’s...
Read moreI've visited this bar twice, and my experiences were quite different.
First Visit: My first visit was fantastic! The vibe was relaxed and chill, even with a couple of groups around. We sat at the counter and enjoyed great conversations with the knowledgeable bartenders. Their recommendations were spot on, and I loved the unique craft cocktails. I left eager to return.
Second Visit: My second visit was a letdown. I returned on a Saturday night around 8 PM, but the atmosphere had changed dramatically. It felt more like a club with louder music and a bigger, rowdy crowd. We sat at the bar again, and while the new bartender was friendly and helpful, the noise made it hard to enjoy our drinks or converse. We found ourselves yelling just to hear each other.
While I appreciate the unique and interesting drinks, if the bar leans toward a dive bar atmosphere, I might not return. I prefer enjoying a $20 cocktail in a chill vibe rather than a loud environment. Overall, I hope they can find a balance between the two...
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