The Best Cocktail Programs in Chicago Restaurants

By Carly Boers

What’s dinner without a quality liquid sidekick? We’d be remiss not to give a shout-out to our favorite restaurant cocktail programs.

Blackbird

Mixologist Lynn House incorporates herbs and orchard fruit from her own garden—along with her infectious laugh—to create her acclaimed seasonal sips.

Find it: 619 W. Randolph St., 312-715-0708, blackbirdrestaurant.com

Carriage House

Mark Steuer's downhome cocktails and punches garner nearly as much fanfare as the low-country cuisine they accompany.

Find it: 1700 W. Division St., 773-384-9700, carriagehousechicago.com

Gage

Grab a spot by the front windows (prime tourist-watching) and order up a seasonal cocktail, or dabble in a whiskey flight.

Find it: 24 S. Michigan Ave., 312-372-4243, thegagechicago.com

Lula Cafe

The secret’s long been out about the fabulous food, but Lula Cafe also cranks out solid cocktails—and a decent bar scene—late-night.

Find it: 2537 N. Kedzie Blvd., 773-489-9554, lulacafe.com

Masa Azul

Embark on the Tour de Mexico, a series of south-of-the-border-themed drinks mixed with your liquor of choice.

Find it: 2901 W. Diversey Ave., 773-687-0300, masaazul.com

Sepia

When an Old Fashioned is made with pomegranate-infused rye, blood orange, and brandied cherries (as it is at this rustic-contempo charmer), nothing about it feels old.

Find it: 123 N. Jefferson St., 312-441-1920, sepiachicago.com

Yusho

A draft cocktail du jour, well-curated sakes, and a spawling, L-shaped bar made for lingering actually make us hope there’s a waitlist for tables.

Find it: 2853 N. Kedzie Ave., 773-904-8558, yusho-chicago.com