La Pharmacie — Restaurant in Lake View Township

Stopped here before seeing some friends after Lollapalooza looking for a drink and quiet space. Interesting building, doesn’t look like much from the outside. I genuinely thought they were closed but fortunately they were not! (Tough to tell from the outside since it’s dark inside as well) Greeted by the bartender, notified about summer cocktails and got some water within the minute of me walking in.

What I ordered:

Touch the Sun - Starts off with a pleasant agave sweetness that compliments the freshness of the jalapeño/cucumber shrub. It has a touch of heat, which i think is phenomenal. The lime bitters add that citrus note without diluting the drink further and the Turkish Tobacco Bitters meld wonderfully with the mezcal, as your drink dilutes down the sweetness goes away and the smoke is a beautiful surprise. It’s extremely welcoming and overall a well done cocktail. Whoever made this, you did good work.

The Venus: Passionfruit is strong in smell and it’s quite pretty to look at. I love the color conteast between the cherry and drink itself. First sip, immediate passionfruit flavor (that’s nice) and then came the Suze. The bitterness from the Suze overtook any flavor i was looking for in the cocktail (passionfruit sweetness, lime acidity, falernum). I was expecting it to be brighter and citrus driven with some sweetness and underlying bitterness on the finish. I did notice as it warmed up I was getting more and more flavors as I waited a lil longer so keep that in mind. If you’re looking for a fresh cocktail with a drier and bitter finish, this is right...

Every once in awhile one is lucky enough to walk into a place that just gets it right......La Pharmacie is such a place! Nestled in the historic Edgewater Beach Apartments ( Sheridan & Bryn Mawr) , you seemingly can't help but feel the coolness one envisions encapsualted the Roaring 20's. That high end "Speak" only those in know were lucky enough to be found at. Mint Julips and class galore. Chic, quaint, stylish yet personable and warm ....Proof that customer service isn't dead at a time where far to often it is...... Add Top Shelf Mixologist on top .....One's where you can truly tell the pride that is placed in every cocktail 🍸. Quans father Mr. Dao had a long tenured legacy as a succesful restauranter in Edgewater so it's no surprise Quan would excel. I can only imagine the pride his father must take when making an ocassional cameo. Some things are just timeless. Some are birthright. Some simply represent what generations of getting it right can create. La Pharmacie simply gets it right on so many levels. See for yourself and you can become " In the know" as well .

Kurtis, Seth, Quan.....it's always a true pleasure frequenting your fine establishment. Well done.

MW...

La Pharmacie is an absolute gem in the Edgewater historic district! From the moment you step inside, you're greeted with an ambiance that preserves the original pharmacy quality with absolutely "pharmaceutical-grade" drinks.

The cocktails here are exceptional - crafted with unique flavor combinations that never disappoint. I still dream about the seasonal celery juice cocktail (don't knock it until you try it). But watch out... they taste so good that they're mistakably strong.

Not only a fan of the drinks, but the food is delicious- go for the tacos! La Pharmacie has a great the local feel and home-like hospitality. You really will come in as a guest and leave as a friend.

Whether you're looking for a cozy spot for date night, a place to catch up with friends, or a venue to host a special event (yes, I have), La Pharmacie checks all the boxes. I can't recommend this place enough - it's definitely a must-visit destination in Chicago! I can't believe it has taken me this long to review La Pharmacie, but thrilled to be the 100th review...