Zhanna Albertini – Staypineapple Chicago
Gilt Bar
This sleek and moody spot offers a shareable menu that includes tenderloin steak tartare, truffle pasta, and grilled farm chicken as well as an array of negronis, mules, Manhattans, Martinis, and much more.
Alex Abello – Fairmont Hotel
Untitled Supper Club
Shared plates, whiskey, and live music are the name of the game at Untitled. Updated takes on classic American dishes like green curry mussels and lamb t-bone complement more than 550 whiskeys are offered on the menu.
John Dillon – Langham Hotels
The Office at Aviary
Looking for a truly unique cocktail experience? Cozy up to The Office at the Aviary, where expert bartenders serve up classically inspired cocktails and vintage spirits along with unique bites in a speakeasy setting.
Marcus Hollis – Omni Hotels
Violet Hour
Known for their expertly handcrafted rotating cocktail list and their sophisticated setting, Violet Hour offers pre-prohibition style cocktails with creative names like Travails of the Swamp Thing and Running Out of Runway.
Mat Chapman – JW Marriott Chicago
Ladies Room at Fat Rice
Global flavors, house-made infusions and rare wines make up the taste of Ladies’ Room’s cocktail list. Enjoy an intimate setting while sipping on a cocktail built for one, two, or three people.
Jonathan Rettemnier – Corporate Concierge Services
The Berkshire Room
Located in the Acme Hotel, this lounge offers a variety of specialty drinks and New American bar snacks in a loungey space. Try the Root Cause or one of their barrel finished cocktails like the Old Money.
Luis Torres – The Trump Hotel
Bordel
A hidden gem inspired by Chicago’s Prohibition Era, Bordel offers live performances and an eclectic space with dozens of specially crafted cocktails, porróns, and punches.
Rebecca Starodub – Ritz Carlton Chicago
The Darling
This posh bi-level bar and restaurant boasts modern and classic cocktails and creative fare that you’ll remember forever. Cocktails feature floral designs and garnishes and are delicious to boot.
Shannon Boland – LondonHouse Chicago
My favorite Speakeasy is The Drifter. Tucked under the Green Door Tavern, they are an original prohibition gem with the drink menu presented on Tarot Cards!
Andrea Behrstock – The Drake Hotel
Speakeasy is a nostalgic word, a throwback to Prohibition, so I have to go with the historic Green Mill. Mondays, when Patricia Barber performs, is a memorable experience.