Best Bar — Restaurant in Chicago

I stumbled upon this bar passing by after dinner. It reminded me of a cocktail bar I used to visit frequently in Chinatown in NYC, so I doubled back and went inside.

They manage to capture the essence of a Chinatown bar; that feeling of intimacy and hospitality, with a lean toward dramatic decor that is understated with more casual furniture, and it all balances out to create a perfect place to sit down for a drink or two or three.

The bartender, Tristan, gives excellent recommendations, sees everything happening in the bar like the eye of Sauron, and instantly made me feel welcome. It was a freezing night in Chicago and I was in the mood for something with heat, and he recommended their “…we have a problem” cocktail and it was the perfect amount of sweet with a cinnamon kick that makes this cocktail extremely drinkable. It was so drinkable that I was surprised at how fast I drank it, and although I meant to only stop in for one drink, I was eager to order another one.

I ordered two more cocktails, each equally as excellent as the last in their own unique way. If it wasn’t a Monday night and I didn’t have work the next morning I would have stayed for more. The spirits they are using are quality and many of them local. The ingredients they use are unique but familiar, like river salt on the rim of the “Super Nice” cocktail. The craft in the cocktails is obvious, and the best part is that they’re not pretentious about it.

The bartender, Tristan, walks the fine line of bringing the guests at the bar together while also letting people breathe in the way only the best bartenders can do. He reads the room and reads the crowd (hence why I said he’s like the eye of Sauron) and he also makes excellent cocktails the whole time. I have had great cocktails in many places, but my favorite place to have great cocktails is a place...

[Photos are from original review] Update (07/17/2023): Quality drop in all aspects except decor. Not sure if it's new ownership that took over after reopening, but the menu is completely changed and a MAJOR downgrade from what it was before. For a cocktail bar, the new selection is...minimal to say the least. They taste fine, but it's all very plain in presentation and nothing to write home about in taste. I'm bummed out because this place had some beautiful looking and great tasting drinks. Service is fine, and I won't hold it against any of them. They're all new, but it also wouldn't be so bad to at least feel welcomed, or for staff to try to be a bit more friendly. Had one drink and left. The creative drinks and charm this place had is definitely gone. I hope something changes soon.

Old Review: I've been wanting to check this place out for the longest time, but never got around to it. Went for the first time today with my fiance, and it was awesome! We tried a few of the cocktails and none of them fell short of expectations. I had the pleasure of talking and having my drinks made by Chris, Tim, and Bismarck. All super friendly, professional, and definitely know their way around the bar 🔥 This place has a great vibe and it's accompanied by a HUGE selection behind the bar. There are small 2 person tables on the side, and a good sized lounge area in the back with comfy sofas and lighting that helps set a chill but upbeat mood. The bathrooms are both unisex and kept very clean also! Be adventurous and give the cocktails a try, or you can even ask Chris for a recommendation based off what you prefer to drink. You're in good hands when you come here, and I'm DEFINITELY coming back soon....

If you get a chance you should try this place. My niece wanted to hang out the last evening I was in Chicago and suggested this bar in Chinatown. It is a craft cocktail bar. I wasn't sure what to expect when I got there, but MAN am I glad I stayed. The drinks were really great and best of all the experience along with the drinks. So the guy making my drink in the picture is Tristan. He spent the evening with me and my niece talking about the drinks. I mentioned that I had gone to a bar in London and the bartender asked me what I wanted and I said I didn't really have a clue so he started talking about what I usually drink and said let me make you something. Tristan explained to me the concept of the bar was to do the same thing I did in London with him and he'd create something for me. It was a lot of fun and he was really attentive but didn't do a hard sell. We got a history of craft cocktails, he explained mixing techniques and let my niece taste things she was interested to try. I had a cocktail from the menu, he created something for me (which was amazing) and then tried a third which missed the mark, but he said that's all a part of it and offered that one on the house. The whole experience was worth the price and he definitely earned his tip. When I'm back home I'll stop in and take a friend or two to have Tristan make more drinks. Go do...