Aviary

The Aviary Chicago cocktail bars
Image: Facebook/Aviary
WEDNESDAY - SUNDAY: 6 P.M. - 'TIL | CLOSED MONDAY & TUESDAY
312.226.0868 | WEBSITE

The liquid counterpart to chef Grant Achatz’s Next, Aviary exhibits a similar dedication to innovation and theater. The not-quite bar (there is no “bar” to speak of, just a kitchen with prep stations) adopts a molecular slant, delivering cocktails in unexpected forms and flavors—an Old-Fashioned served inside of an ice cube, a drink that tastes like buttered popcorn—served in a tasting menu format. This may not be anything like your average bar, and that’s exactly the point. After drinking at Aviary there’s absolutely no way you’ll look at a cocktail the same way again.

Known For
  • craft cocktails
  • bar food
What to drink
The three or five-course tasting menu. Be prepared for something to smoke, dissolve, spark or crackle without warning.
Neighborhood
West Loop
ProTip
While the bar reserves 40 to 50 percent of seats for walk-ins, avoid the hassle and make a deposit and reservation online. If you’re feeling bold, try to snag an invite to the basement speakeasy, The Office.