Recommendations for cocktails?

Hi everyone,

I'm wondering where you would suggest I go for excellent, classic cocktails in Chicago. Perhaps this post belongs on the Non-Food Chat board, in which case I apologize.

I'm looking for a place that takes pride in making high quality drinks, uses fresh squeezed citrus juices, etc. It's a plus if they have some original "house" cocktails, but I'd be happy with a place that makes excellent versions of the classics.

I'm not specifically asking about a place that has a nice atmosphere, a good beer or wine list, etc. Those are great attributes also, but I'm mainly trying to find some great cocktail bars.

So where do I go now? Well, I like the sidecar at Mon Ami Gabi ("JB's Courvoisier Sidecar" - Courvoisier VS, with Cointreau, sweet and sour, and sugar rim). The best bar I have ever been to is Bemelman's Bar at the Carlyle Hotel in New York...but I'd prefer something local. Besides the romantic atmosphere, the formal waiters, and the music, the drinks were incredible -- perfectly executed, and wonderful originals.

Thanks in advance for any leads.

The Matchbox/The Silver Palm.

Discussed here, here, here, and here.

Matchbox
(312) 666-9292
770 N Milwaukee Ave
Chicago, IL 60622

Silver Palm
(312) 666-9322
768 N Milwaukee Ave
Chicago, IL 60622

Perhaps a place like the Coq d'Or in the Drake Hotel is what you're looking for. Otherwise, IMO you can't go wrong with the cocktails/bar at Gibson's (although it can be quite crowded and you have to contend with the "scene").

If you’re willing to pay up a bit, the bar at the Peninsula Hotel is a wonderful option. Very knowledgeable bartenders and accommodating wait staff. Nice liquor selection.

The room is stylin' and is usually loaded with elderly wannabe hipsters or Gordon Gecko types but is no doubt fun feed.

I find paying the premium usually worth it.

A good place to go twice a year; certainly for a one-time event.

Peninsula Hotel
108 E Superior St
(312) 337-2888

Ron A. wrote:Perhaps a place like the Coq d'Or in the Drake Hotel is what you're looking for. Otherwise, IMO you can't go wrong with the cocktails/bar at Gibson's (although it can be quite crowded and you have to contend with the "scene").

The Coq D'or remains a favorite place for a great "executive" Manhattan or gimlet. Too bad they've banned smoking...I've been boycotting since I found out.

Last time there I spied Liza Minelli.

California Clipper on California (2800W) just North of Augusta (1000N).

http://www.californiaclipper.com/Cocktails.htm

Have you been to Motel Bar on Chicago Avenue (same location as Japonais)? It devotes a lot of attention to serving up some classic cocktails. They also serve a decent size menu with a number of comfort-type foods, although I cannot comment on the food as I have not eaten there.

the Motel Bar
600 W. Chicago Avenue
312.822.2900

BR wrote:Have you been to Motel Bar on Chicago Avenue (same location as Japonais)? It devotes a lot of attention to serving up some classic cocktails. They also serve a decent size menu with a number of comfort-type foods, although I cannot comment on the food as I have not eaten there.

the Motel Bar
600 W. Chicago Avenue
312.822.2900

Yes, I have been there, for drinks only. I ordered a margarita, which arrived in a pint glass filled with ice. THey were happy to strain it into a smaller glass. But the drink wasn't very good -- they certainly used a margarita mix. The crowd was very similar to what you'd find downstairs at Japonais.

Thanks for the replies so far!

Darren72 wrote:

BR wrote:Have you been to Motel Bar on Chicago Avenue (same location as Japonais)? It devotes a lot of attention to serving up some classic cocktails. They also serve a decent size menu with a number of comfort-type foods, although I cannot comment on the food as I have not eaten there.

the Motel Bar
600 W. Chicago Avenue
312.822.2900

Yes, I have been there, for drinks only. I ordered a margarita, which arrived in a pint glass filled with ice. THey were happy to strain it into a smaller glass. But the drink wasn't very good -- they certainly used a margarita mix. The crowd was very similar to what you'd find downstairs at Japonais.

Thanks for the replies so far!

I would agree that your description does not sound like a good version of a margarita. However, Motel bills itself as a place to get more of the long-lost, classic cocktails and you indicated in your original post that one of the things you were looking for was a place that makes "excellent versions of the classics." I don't think that a margarita fits that category. But I've quite enjoyed their Manhattans, Gimlets and Negronis and I think they are very good, if not excellent, versions of the classics. As for the crowd, I'm not sure if you're saying that you don't like the "type" of people that hang out there (or at Japonais) but I've gone a handful of times with friends and we've always had a fun time.

BR wrote:I would agree that your description does not sound like a good version of a margarita. However, Motel bills itself as a place to get more of the long-lost, classic cocktails and you indicated in your original post that one of the things you were looking for was a place that makes "excellent versions of the classics." I don't think that a margarita fits that category. But I've quite enjoyed their Manhattans, Gimlets and Negronis and I think they are very good, if not excellent, versions of the classics. As for the crowd, I'm not sure if you're saying that you don't like the "type" of people that hang out there (or at Japonais) but I've gone a handful of times with friends and we've always had a fun time.

Perhaps a margarita isn't "a classic cocktail". But I would be surprised if they made very good versions of other drinks if they are using margarita mix. But there is only one way to find out...

Regarding the crowd...just making an observation. The crowd is very trendy, similar to Japonais. Some people like that, some people don't. I was just brainstorming about what I remembered from my visit to Motel. Hope I didn't offend. Anyways, thanks for the tip to try them out again.

If it's a margarita you want, I think it's impossible to beat (or tie) the bar at Frontera Grill. Since you made special mention of fresh juices as a criterion, in addition to Frontera I'd recommend Marche on W. Randolph and Cafe Absinthe on North/Damen/Milwaukee.

Kennyz wrote:If it's a margarita you want, I think it's impossible to beat (or tie) the bar at Frontera Grill. Since you made special mention of fresh juices as a criterion, in addition to Frontera I'd recommend Marche on W. Randolph and Cafe Absinthe on North/Damen/Milwaukee.

THanks Kenny. Actually, sorry for the confusion. I'm not particularly interested in a margarita per se. The margaritas at Frontera are truly excellent, as are the ones at Salpicon. I was refering to margaritas at Motel more as a statement about the bar overall.

I was thinking more about a bar that makes a whole range of cocktails, not specializing in a small number. I also would kind of prefer to go to a stand alone bar, rather than a restauarant bar.

I was recently in a NJ bar where there was a orange juice squeezer on the bar. Anyone seen one in a Chicago bar? That's the type of place I'd want to go for my cocktail.

I'll second frontera for their Margaritas, he changes them seasonally. I had an excellent blood orange Maragarita last time I was there

BR wrote:...However, Motel bills itself as a place to get more of the long-lost, classic cocktails and you indicated in your original post that one of the things you were looking for was a place that makes "excellent versions of the classics." I don't think that a margarita fits that category. But I've quite enjoyed their Manhattans, Gimlets and Negronis and I think they are very good, if not excellent, versions of the classics....

I suppose there's room to quibble but I think any cocktail that has lasted over fifty years can be considered a "classic". There are a lot of lousy Margaritas being made around the world but to be sure a well-made Margarita is a great drink.

Kurt

The Green Mill has all sorts of things going for it, expert cocktail preparation being one of them.

The Green Mill
4802 N. Broadway

We were recently in Overland Park, KS and ended up at the bar at (cough) Carrabba's. Kate ordered some fruity pomegranitini or something, fully expecting to dislike it. Much to our surprise, they squeezed fresh orange juice, mixed it well, and put out a pretty fine drink. Now the default serving of my Manhattan was on the rocks, but he quickly stirred and strained it when asked. And it wasn't too bad, either.

This certainly isn't to recommend Carrabba's as a place to drink here. I don't even know where Carrabba's is. But, in at least one location, I was pretty impressed with the quality of the chain bar, or at least bartender (who didn't appear much older than 17, by the way).

Perhaps not so incidentally, I also find that Carrabba's has better-than-you'd-expect food for a casual dinner chain, to which your options are largely limited in Overland Park.

The GP wrote:The Green Mill has all sorts of things going for it, expert cocktail preparation being one of them.

The Green Mill
4802 N. Broadway

I'll second that. We went there about a week ago after some excellent Vietnamese food on Argyle. It was a bit on the crowded side (what's new), but the Sidecars more than made up for it. The waitress was also incredibly friendly. My girlfriend and I like to joke that we're going to open up a training camp for waiters. We thought the woman working the floor at the Green Mill would be an excellent guest speaker.

Aaron Deacon wrote:We were recently in Overland Park, KS and ended up at the bar at (cough) Carrabba's. Kate ordered some fruity pomegranitini or something, fully expecting to dislike it. Much to our surprise, they squeezed fresh orange juice, mixed it well, and put out a pretty fine drink. Now the default serving of my Manhattan was on the rocks, but he quickly stirred and strained it when asked. And it wasn't too bad, either.

This certainly isn't to recommend Carrabba's as a place to drink here. I don't even know where Carrabba's is. But, in at least one location, I was pretty impressed with the quality of the chain bar, or at least bartender (who didn't appear much older than 17, by the way).

Perhaps not so incidentally, I also find that Carrabba's has better-than-you'd-expect food for a casual dinner chain, to which your options are largely limited in Overland Park.

What's wrong with a Manhattan on the rocks?

Hi
I agree the matchbox.. get the pineapple martini, also my other 2 favorite cocktails that use real fresh squeezed juices is again the pineapple martini at osullivans ( a big vat of vodka soaking in fresh pineapple)
deeelicious and strong and also the limonada at Mas!

Christopher Gordon wrote:What's wrong with a Manhattan on the rocks?

Nothing, I suppose, if that's what you like, but I encounter that formulation about as frequently as a martini on the rocks. I prefer both drinks up, and I usually find those served over ice, besides not being in my preferred form, are poorly mixed as well.

Aaron Deacon wrote:

Christopher Gordon wrote:What's wrong with a Manhattan on the rocks?

Nothing, I suppose, if that's what you like, but I encounter that formulation about as frequently as a martini on the rocks. I prefer both drinks up, and I usually find those served over ice, besides not being in my preferred form, are poorly mixed as well.

Interesting...

I'd NEVER drink a martini w/rocks, but that's my preferred presentation in a Manhattan. Now, I've had Manhattans served in martini glasses which is just soooo wrong.

Well, and as for poor mixing, I typically only order Mahattans in high end bars(cuz I've had some pisspoor classic cocktails in any average pub...I stick to what's on tap or a gin and tonic). Now I'm worried the bartenders are looking askance when I designate "rocks" to the waiter.

Christopher Gordon wrote:Now, I've had Manhattans served in martini glasses which is just soooo wrong.

Rocks Manhattans in a martini glass? That would be weird.

If you order your Manhattan up, it will likely (and appropriately, I believe) come in a cocktail glass.

Aaron Deacon wrote:

Christopher Gordon wrote:Now, I've had Manhattans served in martini glasses which is just soooo wrong.

Rocks Manhattans in a martini glass? That would be weird.

If you order your Manhattan up, it will likely (and appropriately, I believe) come in a cocktail glass.

Tis very weird...and it happened on two seperate occasions several years ago at my beloved Coq D'or. I didn't cause a fuss...I just drank it and vowed to determine to always request the appropriate glass. Which I haven't had to do since that strange era.

There was also a waitress working there for awhile who'd always ask if it was a vodka or gin gimlet the s/o wanted...vodka? in a gimlet?...wha???

Great bartenders, tho'. I think I've only sat at the bar once so I haven't made friends...we usually grab a booth. A particular booth. Our booth.

Christopher Gordon wrote:There was also a waitress working there for awhile who'd always ask if it was a vodka or gin gimlet the s/o wanted...vodka? in a gimlet?...wha???

Hey, I feel the same way about martinis. But vodka's hot these days, and what's not to love...muted flavor, sexy packaging, cheap mixers, big ad budgets. Damn, give me an Effen drink.

Thanks for bringing up gimlets; I think I'll take one of those instead.

I can't tell you the number of times I've asked for a Manhattan "up" and the bartender proceeded to measure shots of room-temperature whiskey (often as not, Jack Daniels) and vermouth (often as not, dry) into an otherwise empty (the one part they get right), room-temperature rocks glass. Once, because it was a cheap bar and a young bartender, I went ahead and drank it with a smile. Usually, I give them some direction. And, yes, that includes shaking with ice and straining into a chilled martini glass -- at least in my book. But hey, whatever floats your boat! I've heard some people like vodka gimlets, of all things!

JimInLoganSquare wrote:But hey, whatever floats your boat! I've heard some people like vodka gimlets, of all things!

If the bartender's only addition is crappy-pants Rose's™ Lime Juice (and a wedge of lime), what difference does it make whether it is vodka or gin?

Please don't tell me you would request that a premium gin like Plymouth, Junipero, or Hendrick's be mixed with that crap.

-----------

And, hey, JiLS, just for kicks, go to the American Bartenders School webpage and click on "Gin Gimlet."

What's on the ingredient list?

That's right, vodka.

E.M.

Erik M. wrote:

JimInLoganSquare wrote:But hey, whatever floats your boat! I've heard some people like vodka gimlets, of all things!

If the bartender's only addition is crappy-pants Rose's™ Lime Juice (and a wedge of lime), what difference does it make whether it is vodka or gin?

If you drink enough of them, that is certainly going to be true.

Erik M. wrote: And, hey, JiLS, just for kicks, go to the American Bartenders School webpage and click on "Gin Gimlet."

What's on the ingredient list?

That's right, vodka.

E.M.

That "Pop!" you heard was my head exploding.

My favorite cocktails are from the Matchbox. I love the margaritas made from fresh ingredients, and recently discovered their pineapple gimlet. i've always enjoyed their regular gimlets, but the pineapple version is just right for a summer drink. they don't make a bad mojito either - tho that's not one of my favorite cocktails, but it tasted a-ok.

Another favorite cocktail is the Makers Mark Manhattan. and surprisingly, one of the bartenders at the Empty Bottle (of all places!) makes a really great one. chilled, served in a martini glass - which I though was the standard(?).

JimInLoganSquare wrote:That "Pop!" you heard was my head exploding.

Ha!

And, they claim to be the "Nation's Oldest and Largest" school, established in 1969!!

E.M.

Erik M. wrote:

JimInLoganSquare wrote:That "Pop!" you heard was my head exploding.

Ha!

And, they claim to be the "Nation's Oldest and Largest" school, established in 1969!!

E.M.

I think bartenders should be home-schooled. That's how my dad did things.