Bokeh — Restaurant in Jefferson Township

full disclosure for my review: I'm just a trashcan "function über alles" guy. I'd rather drink blood temp excellent mezcal out of a crumpled poland spring bottle than shitty mezcal out of a fancy crystal goblet. I know this from experience, having done both. if you want pretty cocktails for the 'gram and you're okay with inconsistent washlines, variable service, long ticket times, ... cont., then go for it, a salud. you might have a good time.

for all others tho...

eh. cocktails are super precious, rather uninspired, pretty out of date. spirits on offer are relatively good but out of date, kitchen is inconsistent, bar ticket times are horrible (7 to 10 minutes). since they lost their bev director in 2023 the staff seems rudderless and generally unknowledgeable of cocktails, classic or otherwise. juice quality is inconsistent, seating is uncomfortable, garnishes are completely extravagant [pejorative], owner is what might be charitably termed "unpleasant," prices are high, vibes are inconsistent, juice quality is undependable (don't hold lime juice for more than 18 hours you guys cmon it's 2025, you're charging $16 for a drink!) glassware is weird & mostly unpleasant (tho being fair, the ice is generally pretty good), their menus are heavy, facile, & ostentatious.

there's a lot of books on the back shelf! but I don't think anyone who works here has opened much less read any of them, and that's a bummer. I live in the neighborhood, been working in food & bev for 20+ years, I've met a lot of those authors (and even worked with some of 'em!). I'd love to have a good or even passable cocktail bar in the neighborhood, but this ain't it. I don't give one stars lightly but like... this place is weak sauce. oxidized vermouth, married bottles of BTG wine, perpetually busted kegerator, cutesy lily-gilding garnishes... yeah.

I don't think I'll...

I was there today and yesterday (did get really drunk/tipsy which I appreciate… both nights… probably shouldn’t have drove home. Eeekkk.)… I’ve been here a month or so ago too. The last couple of days were a little off (I’m off Sunday and Mondays). Was getting a bit of rudeness from the bartenders. They seemed fresh so can’t blame em. They seemed a bit sleepy too. With more time they will come around and not be so green. Tried to say a witty “joke” but got nothing (maybe it was no good haha). The bartenders really play favorites too (I don’t go to many bars so that might be usual. I really wanted this to be my neighborhood spot though since I always got friends coming through). Since I’m not the coolest looking person with normal color hair I get it though. At least pretend, ya know. Drinks were ok (todays were better). Nothing special. Not really gonna recommend this place to friends but I’m sure I’ll be back one of these days. Either save you money or go somewhere else. Albany park is diverse. Cute spot though. I also wish I got to join them with their shots (but again.. not cool enough :( haha). So give this a 3 and a half since I’m just a little cry baby at times. Not...

I really had high hopes for this place (I enjoy Albany Park and am 1000% pro LGBTQ+ places), but the service wasn’t the best. I get that they’re going to be busy on a Saturday evening, so they said we could be put on a waitlist (just two of us). I wrote down my information on said waitlist, but they let two other couples in front of us who were signed on the waitlist after us. What is the point of a waitlist if you’re not going to prioritize people in order? Finally after 30 minutes of waiting (and watching others be let in in front of us), I inquired with the staff and they said we could sit at the couches in the front, which is fine. But even after that the service was a bit slow. The drinks were good and the atmosphere is cute, but for $14 on average per cocktail, I’d expect a higher alcohol content. I’m all for low/zero proof cocktails, but I’m paying a lot of money for cocktails that are not very strong. Overall I’d definitely be willing to give this place another chance, but I’m sadly a bit disappointed in my first visit. I hope Bokeh continues to succeed and that maybe the quality of service could be a...