Lemon — Restaurant in West Chicago Township

Lemon is one of those rare cocktail bars that manages to feel both elevated and completely unpretentious. The space is clean and minimal without feeling sterile—just the kind of place you could easily lose a few hours in without meaning to.

The cocktails are thoughtful and creative without being over-the-top. I had the “Babe the Blue Ox,” which was a playful, deeply flavorful twist on an old fashioned—with amaretto and blueberries that added just enough intrigue without overwhelming the base spirit. It was beautifully balanced and still very much a sipping drink. My co-drinker had a sake-based cocktail with egg white that was light, silky, and subtly layered— we can’t remember the name, but we can’t stop talking about it. Find it and order it.

The staff strikes the perfect tone—laid-back but clearly dialed in. They know their menu and they care about what they’re making, but it never feels performative (which is an annoyance of mine at cocktail bars). Just good hospitality and excellent drinks.

If you’re into serious cocktails in a chill setting, Lemon nails it. It’s the kind of place you want to keep to yourself—but also can’t stop telling people about. I can’t wait to return for their live music and/or bingo night!

Tip: Visit the antique/vintage shops in West Town...

We've been here a few times since we moved to the area, the first 2 times it was great, good service, music and vibe the last 2 times we came it was a very different vibe. The very last time we stopped in on a Thursday night. The Bartender was rude and very condescending. He tried to educate me on "vodka" when I asked for a Tito's and Soda. They don't have Tito's which is my preferred vodka no big deal but then he chose to tell me all Vodkas are gluten free & Tito's is the only one that markets that way. Which is false, yes, all Vodka SHOULD be gluten free but sometimes there are additives that don't make it GF so its best to check all ingredients no matter what. Also, if someone has a severe allergy or is celiac and the Vodka was made in a facility where there is wheat or Gluten, there can be cross contamination. But he apparently knows it all. After we got our drinks him and another bartender were screaming over the music to have a conversation about how much they workout and bench at the gym. Needless to say my husband and I left very shortly after since we couldn't enjoy the music or even our own side...

I knew a handful of the folks who both own and work here back when I frequented a different bar they worked in Logan Square. When I heard they were leaving to start their own place, I spent the next few years eagerly waiting for Lemon to open, and let me tell you it did NOT disappoint. The space is absolutely gorgeous and you can see the care and detail that’s put in. The staff is welcoming and wonderful (which is unsurprising), and they clearly take care of their people and are making waves to change what can be a deeply toxic industry. Finally, the drinks: some of the best I’ve had from any cocktail bar in Chicago to date. Everything (including the classics) is nuanced, and some even trigger old memories and nostalgia from before I could even go to a bar. I heavily recommend making time to check them out, and I cannot wait to go back and see how they continue to...