Billy Sunday — Restaurant in West Chicago Township

Our experience.

We were travelling to Chicago on a business trip. An evening of trying different cocktails was on the list and Billy’s came up in local blogs.

We took an Uber from downtown specifically for Billy’s and arrived at 8pm, with the night ahead of us. We were met at the door, packed night. The person working offered us the table beside the open door, we asked for another and tried to defend our reason but they weren’t listening.

The next table they offered was dirty, which we didn’t mind waiting for but they quickly went to the next table, by the washrooms and gestured “here you go” we quickly turned around and said we’d wait for the table that needed to be cleaned “no rush” well… they did not like that. Picked up the glasses, “go ahead” and immediately went to her coworker behind the bar to say something that was worth their reaction of looking over at us to see who exactly they were speaking about and rolled their eyes. Honestly just shockingly rude considering I’m aware table switching is annoying but we never sat down, I tried to have a conversation with this person about our seating preferences knowing we’d be there for 4+ hrs but they didn’t want to listen.

Debating worth starting we decided to stay for a drink. We tried to access their menu but coming from Canada and no data we didn’t have internet access. We communicated this to our now new server and they questioned where we could be travelling from to not have internet. They said they didn’t have room on their server to have us connect to the internet. They didn’t have paper menus. They decided to allow us to look at their iPad, which of course feels very rushed - anyone can agree with this. We ordered 2 drinks, asked for the bill, I spoke to the server about our experience - maybe they would handle this? “Thanks for your feedback, have a good night”

I’m not sure if the owner of this establishment was in the building when this happened, I really hope not. But if you weren’t and this is how your staff treats new customers I can’t imagine you’d have a business’s outside of your staffs friends and the local scene. That’s really too bad because anyone who now comes into contact with us letting us know they’re travelling to Chicago I will be sure to acknowledge how we were treated here.

Embarrassing for “award winning” non-garnished cocktails. It’s a old fashion, add the orange peel...

Finally got a chance to try it after walking by so many times. Only went for a quick drink especially since their sign mentions "Rare Spirits" and that enthralled me. Welcomed into a cozy and narrow establishment that was dimly lit for the evening and giving vibes that would be welcoming to any traveller looking for a libation to help take a load off. My group and I were sat at a table and we scanned the menu from the table. The focus here is the various spirits and their specially concocted cocktails. I was eager to go through a list of their rare or hard to get whiskeys but unfortunately there isn't one available. So I looked at their cocktails instead to find something that would calm my thirst, but a whisper of "rare spirits" constantly fluttered in my ear and the desire to savor their unique characteristics that make them so sought after and rare, without any other additives. So I inquired with the waiter if they had a list of their rare spirits in an attempt at a Hail Mary. He reassured that unfortunately there is no list but if they have pretty much anything I can name of. So I gave it a shot and name a couple that came to mind like some Willet, Weller, Pappy Van Winkle, but was informed that they didn't have any of those. My mind snapped back to just ordering from the cocktail list and keeping things simple. The waiter later came back and informed me that they had some Weller special reserve. I already have a bottle of it at home and was hoping to try the other Weller, but settled for it since it is something I know I'd enjoy and I didn't feel like bothering the waiter any more. They only serve a couple of snacks. So if you're looking for dinner and libations you might want to come here first or after for a night cap.

Atmosphere: Warm, intimate

Food/drink: all about them cocktails, or know what rare spirits you're searching for

Service: helpful, attentive, quick

Room for improvement: maybe a list of some of the spirits. I'd image they have a lot so maybe a list of some items that the beginner whiskey drinker can take a gander of things they might not be able to find elsewhere so they would have...

Billy Sunday is a cocktail enthusiast's wet-bar dream in the most unassuming of digs. Their staff has all of the talent, creativity, and precision that you find at the Aviary, Pouring Ribbons, or Silver Lyan, but packaged into a cozy bar without any pretentiousness getting in the way of a finely crafted drink. Behind their bar is a collection of modern classics and vintage gems and their bar staff are friendly powerhouses of knowledge and skill. The bar is spotless clean and strictly enforces allcovid precautions - so enjoy their patio while the weather holds. After winter sets in, their take-home service and tasting classes are on point - especially if you're new to craft spirits or you find asking questions in a busy bar intimidating, the classes and to-go service give you a more private access to their staff from the confort of your own home, and the team are fantastic about sharing what they know at whatever level you're at. Just come with an open mind and a willingness to enjoy something new.

I found Billy Sunday because they are recognized for the largest collection of vintage Amaro in the US - a fact lauded in every book published on the subject. I stayed because they're awesome people that welcome you like an old friend. Whether you love booze like I do, or just want to sound more impressive at parties (once we can safely have them again) then you should head up to their bar and drink your way through their menu - just keep your hands off the 1960's Cynar until I can get a...