Yana's Speakeasy — Restaurant in Highland Park

My wife and I frequent speakeasy establishments as we enjoy intelligent mixology as well as the clandestine and moody vibes most establishments offer in terms of the experience.

I made a reservation recently after knowing that my wife needed a pick-me-up after attending funeral services for a friend.

The entrance to the establishment does do a pretty good job as it has its own façade and "secret" way to enter. Yet, we were the ONLY ones who competed the ritual as suggested. The rest of the occupants either walked right in, or were ushered in ignoring the means of appropriate entrance.

We entered. We were promptly seated, and subsequently largely IGNORED when we sat. I believe that they only had ONE server who was responsible for balancing the needs of both the indoor and outdoor clientele and she was hard pressed to keep everyone appropriately attended. Blame that on ownership/management.

We were asked for our drink orders and then were left adrift for the large part of 25 to 30 minutes. My wife's drink arrived. My food order arrived. More waiting, then my drink arrived and then her food arrived even after being checked on twice and the latter instance may have been the owner herself. Not what I would call stellar service. The food was mediocre at best. Luke warm sour cream heavy stroganoff and Swedish meatballs with mash that seemed to both be IKEA quality.

The drinks were a strong point, but were largely unremarkable.

The interior/mood of the establishment is largely confusing. Large flat panel screens that had AI art (which is awful) and a bar that really seemed far more interesting than the seating in the establishment. Crowded (which happens at speakeasys) and a little TOO crowded.

What ultimately soured the experience were the rest of the patrons at the establishment. Most of them loud, obnoxious, and engaging in entitled behavior (being seated, then milling about, then asking the over stressed server if they could sit outside, staring at my wife and I as we were clad in black fresh from a funeral) As my wife attempted to leave the establishment (over paying for the food, but agreeable for the mixed drinks) a party arrived that clogged the doorway making leaving leaving largely a challenge. Even when we politely asked these people to move we were met with scowls and dirty looks and NOT MUCH MOVEMENT.

My wife and I have dined in Highland Park before and even attended events at Ravinia, but the people who showed up on that particular day were rude, entitled, and really, really unpleasant to have to negotiate. Utterly ruining the speakeasy experience.

Would I make a suggestion to this establishment, it would be this: Pick and IDENTITY and run with it. This establishment has potential regardless of the clueless and shitty people that may attend your establishment. Make clearer rules for entry and exits. Make the experience feel more exclusive as a speakeasies are...

What a joyous speakeasy to adorn the North Shore. Locally beloved business owner, Yana, has created this charming and beautiful new speakeasy for the North Shore that is an absolute delight to visit and enjoy spirits, cocktails, and wines. The decor is a perfect execution of a warm and laid back speakeasy with eclectic couches and bar stools to sip with friends. Yana also makes her own unique small plates with a global twist to savor (food options change often depending on what Yana wants to showcase so always exciting) alongside your libations. We loved the meatball skewers, chicken stroganoff with naan bites, Russian Cole slaw, and the lamb samsa. The mixologist, Alex, whipped up some absolutely delicious and perfectly prepared cocktails for us - Negroni and a house specialty herbaceous cocktail. The wine list is very tasteful too. Mike is amazingly warm and charming, and really makes you feel loved and welcome. Great experience to bring in the new year! Can’t wait to enjoy many relaxed...

Yana’s is a mega-trendy, super-cozy bar nestled on the quiet avenue of Roger Williams. I can’t comment on the food, but I have been here a number of times and it is an incredible place to hang out with friends or possibly on a date. The bartenders and owners are all very friendly and quite conversational. They put alot of thought into building out the location, and it all starts with the falsetto piano wall that secretly opens up as the entrance to the bar. There are TV monitors on the wall, but they play random pieces of trendy artwork, rather than the game. There’s not a ton of seating so you may have to wait for a spot at the bar, but I’ve found the drink selection is fairly thorough and unique to the suburbs. Highly...