Important Notice:We have made the tough decision to say goodbye to the Foursquare City Guide mobile app, effective December 15, 2024, with the web version to follow in early 2025. Visit our FAQ for more information or to download our Swarm app.
Planning a trip to Chicago?
Foursquare can help you find the best places to go to.
The Barrelhouse Flat
(Now Closed)Cocktail Bar, Lounge, and Speakeasy$$$$
Lincoln Park, Chicago
Has a stamp of approval from Time Out Chicago and Eater
90 Tips and reviews
Sort:
- Popular
- Recent
Jeremy CMarch 13, 2016If you really like whiskey cocktails - this is your spot. You can select from several Bourbon or Rye brands as your base and then choose from a variety of classics and new creations.
Great snacks and cocktails. Try the Reply to All or Mamie Taylor. For a quieter setting or a large group, try the speakeasy upstairs.
Kevin M. McNally, CMPAugust 20, 2018Very cool and smooth cocktail lounge with staff that knows beverages. Chill out and snack on fried pickles. I know, right? Very low key and great way of changing gears after a fast paced day.
Time Out ChicagoMarch 6, 2013Make a meal out of small plates like the wings, slicked in a gingery soy-caramel glaze and tossed with cucumber kimchi and sip on the perfect stirred Sazerac:
Kristen MoranOctober 27, 2018Excellent selection of cocktails, and they do the classics just right. Great ambiance for a date or groups. Good service, too.
Great cocktail selections. If you're on a date, definitely put your name on the list, and make your way upstairs. Much more intimate vibe compared to downstairs.
Khoa TruongMarch 11, 2018Great whiskey sour made here, but I don't know what it was: the night I went, I didn't vibe with the atmosphere.
The fried pickles, truffle fries and double cheeseburger are very good. The jade sour, peach emoji and pink lady are very good.
Redeye ChicagoAugust 3, 2014A sexy two-floor lounge where progressive bartenders push the envelope when it comes to fun ingredients while still respecting the classics. Read more
Philip AJanuary 19, 2013I would like to say Thank You to James Wright!! This is place is a recommended place if you wanna have a good sit down dinner and socialize! The ambience and the atmosphere is great!
Jen Marquez GinnMarch 6, 2015Make sure to get a spot upstairs. Fantastic date night spot. Dimly lit and romantic. Great bartenders. You won't be sorry.
Bobby KennedyDecember 23, 2016Apparently there's an upstairs that's calmer. Should probably try that, as downstairs gets louder and more bro-filled each visit.
EaterApril 11, 2013Stephen Cole's temple to cocktailing is still shaking things up in Lincoln Park with some deceptively strong craft drinks.
Jake SmithFebruary 9, 2013The cocktail menu is a bit intimidating (7 pages!) but it is divided by drink type with useful words like "bubbles," "stirred," or "egg."
Melissa EDecember 31, 2014Wonderful cocktails. Go with egg white for some yummy foam. Popcorn is the best! Also head upstairs for a cool environment.
Jeff WeinsteinMarch 26, 2014See if you can get the upstairs big table for 6ish people. Great (but expensive) cocktails. I'd skip the food. Reservations see to be required for busy nights.
Renaissance HotelsOctober 15, 2012Try the Pig Face Poutine - a combination of sweetbreads and fries, it's the richest, and the most popular dish. Served late into the night, of course. Read more- Redeye ChicagoAugust 3, 2014This sexy cocktail bar doesn't have much in common with British pubs, save for one all-important detail: a proper Pimm's cup ($11). Read more
Jinnie LOctober 2, 2014Upstairs! (Speakeasy vibe) I love truffle fries. Staff is very polite, great place to drink :D
Emily SDecember 6, 2014Hip, super nice ambiance. Servers are super knowledgeable - ask them to surprise you with a cocktail of their choice!
Matt PatrickMay 25, 2012See this? This may look like popcorn, but it's more than that. It tastes like ITALIAN SAUSAGE... Yeah... ITALIAN SAUSAGE. Amazing. Also, the cocktails are surreal.
Chicago magazineJanuary 16, 2012Must-try cocktail: Creole Cocktail. A seldom-seen classic (bourbon, sweet vermouth, Bénédictine, Amer Picon) done exactly right.
AshleyFebruary 10, 2013A tad pricey. But worth the chill atmosphere and nice drink menu. Come early before a line starts, and try the mint julep.- Melissa EAugust 17, 2014Great place to a cocktail. Also can't pass up the flavored popcorn if you're sticking around for a while.
- Time Out ChicagoDecember 6, 2011Try the blue-cheese-and-mushroom beignets from our 100 Best list:We went for the cocktails. We came back for these meltingly rich puffs.
Allyson ⚡March 20, 2013Good drinks and a great atmosphere, but the staff that controls who goes upstairs always seems kind of salty. Pool table upstairs is a lot of fun!- Rebecca RickertJanuary 14, 2015Very crowded, however awesome hand crafted cocktails. Great bartenders!
Highly recommend the upstairs section with the live pianist. Great date spot.
Mary Kay HardcastleJanuary 17, 2013Eater says try The La Catrina ($13) a warming concoction of Reposado tequila, Punt e Mes, lemon, ginger syrup, and chocolate bitters.
The "Jack Rose" is a real kicker in terms of flavor and alcohol content. A definitely winner for anyone who likes brandy.
Great cocktails, but it can get loud inside (i.e. lots of bros)
Interesting cocktails & fun atmosphere. Go upstairs to the lounge after you grab a drink at the bar downstairs.
The cocktails are great and the upstairs atmosphere is relaxing.
Can't go wrong with the creole cocktail, deviled eggs, and chicken and waffles
Tasting TableAugust 8, 2012Enjoy this rotating repertoire of cocktails, and be sure to come back again for next month’s batch: Read more
Ellen TsayNovember 6, 2011Kenny is the best! He'll help you navigate through the menu and you won't regret the choices you end up w
299 Photos
Foursquare © 2024 Lovingly made in NYC, CHI, SEA & LA
The Barrelhouse Flat
2624 N Lincoln Ave (at W Wrightwood Ave)
Chicago, IL 60614
United States
Chicago, IL 60614
United States
(773) 857-0421
Features
Credit Cards
Yes (incl. American Express)
Wi-Fi
No
Outdoor Seating
No
Food & Drink
Drinks
Beer, Full Bar, Cocktails
See More
You might also like
Places people like to go after The Barrelhouse Flat
- 8.9
"Excellent and strong old fashions. Good beer list. Careful though. Keep an eye on those prices before you order. There is a wide range. Great service."
Bob DeGraff - 7.5
"Excellent offers daily, amazing staff and service. Get there early for games."
Cesar - 7.1
"Perfect little dive bar. Great bartender."
Michael
Appears on 533 lists
Created by AskMen
177 items • 1,550 followers
100 Best things we ate (and drank) in 2011
Created by Time Out Chicago
96 items • 2,701 followers
Created by Time Out Chicago
28 items • 758 followers