The Top Bars In Chicago For Cocktails And Good Eats

By Life Done Well

Chicago has so many great bars and amazing places to eat. While it's incredible to find places that successfully combine the two, when you add in a third ingredient, a cool space, you end up with the perfect hot spot. We searched high and low, drank many cocktails, and nibbled on food around town until we found three hot spots worthy to be shared. All three are located in hotels, which make perfect gathering places for travelers and locals alike. 

RAISED

Raised is an urban rooftop bar in the Renaissance Chicago Downtown. It has both a wonderful indoor space, which would be super cozy in winter, as well as a gorgeous rooftop with a view of the Chicago River. A couple of private cabanas and tabletop fire pits are thrown in for pure pleasure. 

There are two not-to-be-missed cocktails, although the entire menu is creative and worth experimenting. The first is the Jenever made with Bombay Sapphire, lavender, lemon, and fresh strawberry compound. But, by far, my favorite is the Watered Flowers. Made with orchid and cucumber-infused Kettle One, Aperol, strawberry, lemon, egg whites, and angostura, it is fresh, light, and divine. 

Many of the ingredients used in the cocktails and food are grown right on the rooftop in the garden oasis. While there are wonderful bites to be had at Raised, the desserts are the highlight of the menu. If you order one thing, make it the Lemon Blueberry Salted Tart. 

UPSTAIRS AT THE GWEN

Upstairs at the Gwen, located at the Gwen Hotel, is home to spaces that are stunning. Both the inside and rooftop bars at Upstairs are prime for cocktails and bites. With beautiful city-scaped views, a community table, games to enjoy, and cozy nooks, the outdoor space is an ideal spot to gather with friends. Add in the heaters and the rooftop bar can be enjoyed much of the year.  

Upstairs at the Gwen has recently worked with famous Chicago mixologist, Freddie Sarkis, to create a wonderful new bar menu. My two favorites from Freddie are the Bear Champ and Miss Van's Virtue. Bear Champ is made with Elijah Craig Bourbon, honey, lemon, Earl Grey tea, grapefruit, and nutmeg and served in a honey bear. It is the perfect sipping drink. But, my absolute favorite cocktail in Chicago right now is Miss Van's Virtue. It starts with Tequila, Mescal, St. Germain, lemon, honey, baked apple, and bitters and then is topped with sparkling wine. If that doesn't scream delicious, I'm not sure what does.  

The food menu is just as delightful. We enjoyed a selection of East and West Coast oysters, strawberry burrata, and tuna tartar. The rooftop also serves Poptails, frozen prosecco popsicles finished with La Marca Prosecco that are quite popular and super fun to enjoy.

THE ALBERT

Located in the Hotel EMC2, The Albert is one of the newest hot spots for cocktails and great bites in Chicago. The space is both comfortable and thought provoking, with books and collections all around. The Albert has an elaborate wine menu, but it is very approachable. The bar and kitchen work hand in hard to assure the flavors compliment each other well, much like Chef's favorite cocktail, Le Cuisiniere. Made with CH Gin, Boomsma, lime, and simple syrup, it is so, so simple and refreshing. 

The menu, like the open kitchen space, is also thought provoking and tastebud pleasing. My favorite bite was the Spanish Octopus served charred with avocado and melon. The prawn with avocado and grapefruit was a runner up. Each bite was fresh, probably because Chef focuses on local, seasonal ingredients served to allow the flavors to shine through. 

There are many spots to enjoy while in Chicago, but these three should not be missed. You'll be rewarded with an amazing selection of cocktails and bites, not to mention cool spaces.