Barrel cheese & wine | cocktails | Event Space — Restaurant in Lake View Township

Ordered a Rye Old Fashioned. I didn’t see the bartender make it at first, but it tasted very odd when I got it. I asked him what he put in it, and after clarifying with the hovering manager confirmed he used Vermouth in it. Vermouth doesn’t belong in an Old Fashioned. And in the proportions used doesn’t even make a good Manhattan. He started remaking it using Jim Beam bourbon instead of an actual Rye, at which point I walked out. Hire actual bartenders or mixologists, not your buddy, and make sure they can make the most dead simple drinks. Don’t have them learn on real customers.

Edit: in response to the owner’s reply: they lied and said I asked for a Manhattan when I 100% did not. I explicitly asked for a Rye Old Fashioned AND the bartender said he made me an Old Fashioned when I asked what he put in it when it tasted funny after delivery. He clearly only understood whatever Eastern European language everybody else there spoke, but he was able to confirm that he made me an Old Fashioned when I asked after the fact. I asked again what he put in it, and the hovering manager clarified the question to the bartender, and he then said Vermouth. If the owner’s reply is accurate, why then did the bartender say he made me an Old Fashioned and serve it to me in a rocks glass (a very typical glass for an Old Fashioned)? A Manhattan is served in a martini glass, not a rocks glass. AND THEN while remaking it you use Jim Beam instead of Rye like I asked? Firstly you screwed up a super basic cocktail, then didn’t understand me trying to figure out why it tasted disgusting, and then make it wrong a second time? And you try to call me out for walking out after that? Admit your mistake and don’t blame me for knowing a basic cocktail that I ordered. Hire...

This is the best place to organize a private event in Chicago! I recently organized my husband’s 40th surprise birthday party and I’m so glad I found Barrel Cheese and Wine because everything went so smoothly and we all had a blast! The owner Ahmed was always super responsive and accomodating throughout the planning. They have an entire floor upstairs equipped with a bar, bluetooth speakers and plenty of leather couches and high tops tables for people to sit and mingle. We had no time limits and no crazy fees like a lot of other places. All my guests complimented me for founding such a great place! We didn’t order the food from them so I cannot comment on that but it is an option. We ended up catering and they still have us plates, cutlery and glasses (which not everyone will offer especially if you order food elsewhere). The owner and all the staff are such a nice people and would do anything to make sure you are happy! Overall I would strongly recommend Barrel Cheese and Wine for...

I wanted to share about a delightful spot a friend and I happened upon this past weekend.

What a charming, elevated, and enjoyable place! Barrel offers reasonable prices, quality drinks, yummy charcuterie, talented live music, and sultry decor. The service was also top tier with knowledgable recommendations and personable attention!

This place is an incredible spot to meet up with friends, take visitors, and is sure to be a guaranteed win for date night. I will be taking more people here, without a doubt! Their patio is also dog friendly.

My only regret is I wish I would have stopped in sooner. I must’ve walked by a hundred times but it took their folding doors being opened to the sidewalk for us to stop in. I must’ve been living under a rock to miss this gem!

I know I’m not the first or only person to ‘discover’ this place, but I sure am glad sidewalk serendipity led to one of the most pleasant...