The Meadowlark — Restaurant in West Chicago Township

Oh, my dears, let me tell you about my recent venture to "Meadowlark," a most curious little establishment tucked away in the heart of Chicago. Now, I wasn't lured by the promise of exotic cocktails or hushed conversations, no. My interest was piqued by the subtle, almost clandestine, avian marker beside the entrance. A small, unassuming bird, etched into the wood, like a secret whispered only to those who truly understand the language of the feathered world. Naturally, as a devoted ornithological enthusiast, I simply had to investigate. The wait, I must confess, was rather protracted. One finds oneself standing, patiently, amidst a throng of city dwellers, all seemingly oblivious to the subtle nuances of the surrounding urban ecosystem. I, however, used the time to observe the local sparrows, noting their foraging patterns and subtle vocalizations. Even in the midst of a bustling metropolis, the avian world provides endless fascination. Eventually, the hidden door swung open, revealing a dimly lit, cozy interior – a veritable nest, if you will, for those seeking refuge from the urban clamor. Inside, the atmosphere was thick with a hushed reverence, like a secluded woodland glade. The lighting, low and warm, mimicked the soft glow of twilight, creating an almost ethereal ambiance. The bar itself, a long, polished expanse, resembled a fallen tree trunk, adding to the naturalistic charm. I half-expected to see a flock of finches perched on the back bar, chirping their approval. The menu, presented with a flourish, was a delightful surprise. Each cocktail, it seemed, was named after a different species of bird. I opted for the "Cardinal," a vibrant concoction of ruby red hues, which, I must admit, was as visually appealing as the bird itself. The bartender, a young man with a surprisingly keen interest in the natural world, even shared a few anecdotes about the cardinal's territorial displays, much to my delight. The overall experience was akin to discovering a hidden sanctuary, a place where the urban chaos fades into a gentle murmur, replaced by the soothing ambiance of a well-crafted space. It was a place where one could easily imagine a group of warblers gathering for their evening song. The dim lighting, the warm wood, and the subtle avian motifs all contributed to a sense of tranquil escapism. While the "Meadowlark" may be known for its cocktails and secretive allure, it resonated with me on a deeper level. It was a reminder that even in the most concrete of jungles, the natural world persists, offering moments of quiet contemplation and unexpected beauty. The subtle bird marker, a silent invitation to those who truly see, transformed a simple bar visit into a delightful ornithological adventure. I left "Meadowlark" feeling refreshed and invigorated, like a migrating bird after a long journey, finding a safe and welcoming roost. It's not just a bar; it’s a tiny, carefully crafted ecosystem, a reminder that the beauty of the natural world can be found even in the heart of a bustling city. For any fellow bird enthusiasts visiting Chicago, a trip to "Meadowlark" is a must. Just remember to look for the little bird, and let your inner...

Tucked behind an unassuming entrance in Chicago’s Logan Square, The Meadowlark is a cocktail lover’s dream. This intimate, 30-seat hideaway feels like a cross between a vintage library and a secret society lounge — low lighting, plush seating, and shelves lined with old books create a moody, inviting atmosphere. Whether you’re at the bar or tucked into a velvet corner, it’s the kind of place that instantly slows you down and invites you to sip and savor.

The cocktail program is next level. Each drink is crafted with both bold creativity and subtle balance — many named after Midwestern birds, like the Cedar Waxwing or Blackbird, each telling its own flavor story. Drinks are layered, innovative, and perfectly suited for the space. Even the small plates are thoughtful: smoky jerk chicken hearts and buttery turkey empanadas in bacon-fat pastry had just the right punch to pair with the cocktails.

But what made our visit truly unforgettable was attending “The Twist,” a special dinner experience hosted by Resy and American Express as part of Member Week.

This event was exclusive to American Express Platinum Card Members, and the elevated service and attention to detail made that abundantly clear. From the moment we checked in, the vibe was sophisticated yet unpretentious. The evening featured a three-course prix fixe dinner, each course masterfully paired with a modern twist on the classic martini.

We started with a fresh seafood crudo paired with a bright, citrusy lemongrass martini. The main course — duck confit with roasted spring vegetables — was elevated even further by a dirty martini made with mushroom-infused vodka and olive brine. Dessert was a beautiful floral sorbet accompanied by a lavender and dry vermouth martini that was both aromatic and refined.

Throughout the evening, live jazz set the tone while the Meadowlark team guided us through each pairing with warmth and precision. The cocktails didn’t just accompany the meal — they enhanced the entire experience, transforming it into something memorable, luxurious, and genuinely unique.

Huge thank you to American Express and Resy for curating such a thoughtfully executed event. As Platinum cardholders, we felt truly celebrated — from the curated menu to the exclusive ambiance, it was a night that reminded us of why we love exploring cities through food and drink.

We’ll absolutely be back to The Meadowlark — and we’ll be keeping an eye out for the next Platinum experience....

I consider myself incredibly fortunate to have been a frequent visitor to Meadowlark since it opened in fall of 2022, which has allowed me the pleasure of working my way through all three of their cocktail menus to date. I love this bar so much that even though I now live on the west coast I will fly out just to pay them a visit.

The bar offers an unmatched drinking experience thanks to the admirable way in which it blurs lines between elevated cocktail bar, moody, romantic speakeasy, and always inviting neighborhood bar. This balance allows it to serve as a perfect locale for any occasion - wowing a first date, showing your parents what Chicago is about, pre-dinner drinks in Logan Square, or a serendipitous nightcap. Keep in mind you can reserve lounge space for larger parties, but the bar is first come, first serve.

The menus are incredibly inventive, diverse, playful and surprising. With drinks ranging from lighter and sweeter to darker and more spirit-forward there are always multiple cocktails that will suit everyone’s taste.

The bar team is truly exceptional. I have experienced some of the best service and hospitality in my life at Meadowlark, and if nothing else, that alone is worth coming for. Shane, Beth and Nico are true professionals; each brings a remarkable cocktail acumen to their craft, and their attention to detail, care, and originality are what really elevate the experience.

Beyond the drinks, the menus are part of the drinking experience itself. Each iteration (Birds of the Midwest, Magic City, Composition Book) has been thoughtful, original and authentic - they are thoroughly researched and so beautifully presented that I have bought one of each to display on my home bar.

To create a speakeasy and cocktail program of this depth, originality and quality is an incredible feat in and of itself, but to accompany it with a series of menus that authentically capture Chicago’s history and stature within American culture is a monumental feat - the artistry, craftsmanship, hospitality and attention to detail on display at Meadowlark combine harmoniously to make indulging at the speakeasy nothing short of the finest drinking experience...