Though it's been open for less than 2 weeks, it seems like Lost Lake is going to be an instant classic. I'd comfortably and enthusiastically add it to this list of local places where great cocktail experiences can be had.

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Lost Lake
3154 W Diversey Ave
Chicago, IL 60618
(773) 293-6048

ronnie_suburban wrote:My current favorite bars worth hitting specifically for cocktails (not necessarily ranked and I'm sure I'm leaving a few out *hic* ) . . .

Scofflaw
Sepia
Sportsmans Club
Barrelhouse Flat
Berkshire Room
Ward 8
Analogue
Billy Sunday
Punch House
Sable
Bar DeVille
Violet Hour
Dusek's
Lone Wolf
Yusho
Whistler
A-10
Bavette's

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Great list. I would add the establishments on a emerging "Cocktail Row" on Armitage in South Logan Square.

Just a little east of California on Armitage is Table, Donkey, and Stick. Ever since they installed their bar (which is fantastic, BTW), they have definitely stepped up their cocktail program. Plus the food is really good. Monday nights there, they have some really great food and drink specials.

Then heading west past California, you have Osteria Langhe. Great northern Italian food and a nice wine list, but what most surprised and impressed me was their cocktail menu. A lot of great amaro-based cocktails, plus a nice classic daiquiri.

Heading half a block further west is Parson's. Their cocktail menu skews heavily towards summery stuff (not surprising), but they are all well crafted. I am currently in love with one of their brunch cocktails, the Blood and Leather, which is basically their bloody mary, but instead of vodka, they use 1.5 oz letherbee gin and .75 oz letherbee fernet. The bitterness of the fernet really works well with the spicy, acidy bloody mary base.

And then going further west down to Kedzie, you've got the previously mentioned Scofflaw. That would make for a nice cocktail crawl with some tasty food thrown in for good measure.

Away from Armitage, I would also mention the bar at Trenchermen as having some pretty great cocktails.

Would also be curious to know if anyone has suggestions for North Shore area. We tend to keep going to the same places for dinner and drinks and it would be nice to try something new on the recommendation of people who had been there.

I'd add to the list of spots on Armitage row our neighbors down the street at the former Marble, which is soon to reopen as Best Intentions. The Marty boys and their crew make some mean drinks, I especially like the way Chris designs simple edible garnishes to down in one bite between your first couple sips as an accompaniment and enhancer of the drink. The atmosphere is very clubhouse-y and welcoming, no pretension, the "Fancy Cocktail Bar" a cheeky joke rather than a mission statement. It's a party, the atmosphere is loose and light. It's fun, like going out drinking is supposed to be.

I'd add Masa Azul to this list. Their entire cocktail program is tequila-, mezcal-, and sotol-based, but owner Jason Lerner makes regular trips to Mexico to educate himself about the best artisanal offerings in this milieu. He often has some pretty rare bottles on the bar and is a great resource on provenance. I love popping in for a small plate and a couple of cocktails (my favorites are Where There is Smoke and the Pablo) and hearing Jason talk about his spirits collection.

The cocktail program recently returned to its origins - the same classic menu that put mixologist Jenny Kessler on the map when Masa Azul first opened. This was an excellent move. These are some of the most well-balanced and affordable cocktails in the city, imho, and they pair beautifully with a chile-inflected food menu.

ChristyP wrote:I'd add Masa Azul to this list. Their entire cocktail program is tequila-, mezcal-, and sotol-based, but owner Jason Lerner makes regular trips to Mexico to educate himself about the best artisanal offerings in this milieu. He often has some pretty rare bottles on the bar and is a great resource on provenance. I love popping in for a small plate and a couple of cocktails (my favorites are Where There is Smoke and the Pablo) and hearing Jason talk about his spirits collection.

The cocktail program recently returned to its origins - the same classic menu that put mixologist Jenny Kessler on the map when Masa Azul first opened. This was an excellent move. These are some of the most well-balanced and affordable cocktails in the city, imho, and they pair beautifully with a chile-inflected food menu.

Totally agree with this; I recently moved within walking distance of Masa Azul and LOVE the cocktails here. My personal favorite is the China Poblano. Jason is such a friendly person (I love sitting up to the bar when I come here) and amazing cocktails and extremely tasty and affordable food.

Gonzo70 wrote:Totally agree with this; I recently moved within walking distance of Masa Azul and LOVE the cocktails here. My personal favorite is the China Poblano. Jason is such a friendly person (I love sitting up to the bar when I come here) and amazing cocktails and extremely tasty and affordable food.

I couldn't agree more. Tequila and Mezcal are not my favorite spirits but they do a great job with them at Masa Azul. Their program is really distinctive. And yes, Jason is the best!

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Wow guys thank you for the kind words! I'm extremely flattered
After a brief experiment, I'm happy to be back running the cocktail program at Masa. Jenny Kessler created something very unique here, and we are back on that track once again. It's encouraging to hear this great feedback, tells me I'm on the right path. Thank you all for your amazing support of my place!

agaveevangelist wrote:Wow guys thank you for the kind words! I'm extremely flattered
After a brief experiment, I'm happy to be back running the cocktail program at Masa. Jenny Kessler created something very unique here, and we are back on that track once again. It's encouraging to hear this great feedback, tells me I'm on the right path. Thank you all for your amazing support of my place!

Love your handle, too!

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