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The Whistler
Cocktail Bar and Lounge$$$$
Logan Square, Chicago
The experts at Time Out Chicago and Chicago magazine recommend this place
"Movieoke is the best!"(3 Tips)
"The second saturday of the month BrassTax spins."(3 Tips)
"The bearded mixologist is a god among men."(13 Tips)
"Order the Rosemary Collins"(4 Tips)
110 Tips and reviewsFilter:
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Great cocktails. Good atmosphere and tunes. Usually a line, but that's because they do a good job of not letting it get too packed inside.
Cristian LöfvallJuly 11, 2016The drinks were delicious and the bartender was super attentive. Ask for recommendations or tailored cocktails, he'll hit the spot.
Phil WatsonMay 4, 2019They have a somewhat extensive beer menu, but what you ought to go for are the cocktails. Get something new and let yourself be surprised with how great it is.- Time Out ChicagoDecember 6, 2011Try the Oaxacan old-fashioned from our 100 Best list:This cocktail is not on the menu, but it’s a Paul McGee classic available by request.
Bob DeGraffAugust 16, 2018They make a good strong old-fashioned. Nice casual Beer Garden. Monday night was a bring your own musical instrument night with a jazz jam session.- Bob DeGraffAugust 16, 2018They make a good strong old-fashioned. Nice casual Beer Garden. Monday night was a byo musical instrument night with a jazz jam session.
Venue is stealthily increasing & improving its craftbeer roster. If craft cocktails tend to rack you up [they do me], view the list. Also a good place for jazz concerts [no cover charge].
Bradley KayApril 22, 2017Excellent cocktails cheaper than the all-too-common $15 standard, often good live music on the weekends. Miss having Bonnie's nearby for terrible decisions after the 2 am close.- Time Out ChicagoMarch 6, 2013Order the Rosemary Collins, essentially a Tom Collins with a sprig of rosemary, which provides a refreshing burst of flavor on the tongue and in the nose: http://tmoutchi.us/13EV7jr Read more
- Time Out ChicagoNovember 2, 2011It’s open and loftlike, with a permanent stage set up for weekly live music. One sip and there’s no doubt that despite everything else going on here, the cocktails are the reason to stick around.
- Time Out ChicagoMay 25, 2012Behind the bar, bartender Paul McGee skillfully makes cocktails like a rosemary Collins. One sip and there’s no doubt that despite anything else going on, the drinks are the reason to stick around.-JK Read more
David CurielNovember 29, 2014Great place for a drink and a performance. Nice atmosphere, if you find someone to dance with take advantage. Might end up going home with someone
Katie WatersNovember 1, 2012I was here for Halloween 90's night. They had a pretty good DJ, the bartenders were nice, and the crowd was friendly. In all, it's a good place for a good time!
Julianne OlivieriNovember 12, 2018Cool outdoor patio, and they have a great variety of DJs/performers. Only downside is the expensive cocktails
Time Out ChicagoOctober 19, 2011It’s open and loftlike, with a permanent stage set up for weekly live music. One sip and there’s no doubt that despite everything else going on here, the cocktails are the reason to stick around.- Time Out ChicagoJune 4, 2012From the outside, this place looks like a gallery. On the inside, it’s open and loftlike and behind the bar, bartenders skillfully make cocktails like a rosemary Collins.
Jake SmithJune 2, 2013Order a PBR (for $2.00) to wet your travel-weary whistle while you peruse the inventive and exciting cocktail list for your next drink.- Time Out ChicagoApril 22, 2010Drink this: Bartender Paul McGee's cocktail list is rad. Try the Old Square: Old Weller bourbon and a touch of apple brandy, vermouth and benedictine. Read more
Best bar in the Chicago suburb area! GREAT mix drinks with high quality. Alcohol! Will be back... Every nihgt! Bring me a taxi!- Time Out ChicagoSeptember 17, 2010Paul McGee, the bow-tied man behind the Whistler, is everyone’s favorite bartender: He’s patient. And not only are his cocktails delicious, they make anyplace charging more than $8 a drink seem greedy Read more
A brilliant cocktail list complemented with great music make this a bar worth frequenting.
Ninah RandolphDecember 8, 2015Great cocktails. They also used to do movieoke (like karaoke but with movie scenes instead pf songs)
Kellen TerrettAugust 10, 2014If the owner is making drinks, then wait in line for him to make you something amazing. He's the master.- Time Out ChicagoDecember 20, 2013The Autumn Sweater at the Whistler is one of the 100 best things we drank this year.
The door guy Michaell is in our current issue, article on his band the distractions! The bartenders Eric and Hugh are not to be missed!!! The drinks are amazing too!
Post Paul McGee cocktail list is still awesome. Milk punch was great. Go early on a week day and there will be no silly line.
Emily ParkerJanuary 27, 2012Paul McGee's Cocktail 101 class is well worth the time and extremely affordable. My boyfriend and I loved it and both learned a ton.
Adrienne PetrinoNovember 27, 2012Ice cubes make all the difference... And their cubes are on point!!!
PaddyApril 16, 2016Drinks were good but the live jazz was a little much sax for me. It was late and I was on the way to drunk so it's all I remember.
Shannon JeropkeJune 6, 2017Runner up for Most Creative Drink List at the 2017 Time Out Chicago Bar Awards.
Chicago magazineJanuary 16, 2012Must-try cocktail: Four Points. Rye, Bénédictine, sherry, and sweet vermouth, elegantly accented with a walnut liqueur rinse.- LaChelle ChrysanneMay 1, 2014The second saturday of the month BrassTax spins. Always a good time. Plus $4 rails.
Take note of the rotating art installation before enjoying the best cocktails in Chicago. If you're lucky enough, order the simple pleasures that come from the Rosemary Collins.- Hillman PhilistiaAugust 11, 2014Good music, line outside, crowded inside, too popular for its own good.
- Damon SununtnasukJanuary 15, 2017Long wait on Friday night. Live DJ. Good cocktails, small draft beer glasses
Good cocktails, good DJs. Check out the tightest monthly on Saturdays, Brasstax. #nobias
My favorite cocktail joint in the city. Ask for the sazerac.
Bev WoodingDecember 29, 2012The Jungle Bird is a surprisingly delicious mix of black rum and Campari.
Go for the jazz on Wednesday nights. Some of the city's best young, creative jazz musicians play, and there's no cover.
331 Photos
Foursquare © 2024 Lovingly made in NYC, CHI, SEA & LA
Open until 2:00 AM (Show more)
- Mon–Thu
- 6:00 PM–2:00 AM
- Fri, Sun
- 5:00 PM–2:00 AM
- Sat
- 5:00 PM–3:00 AM
(773) 227-3530
Features
Credit Cards
Yes (incl. MasterCard & American Express)
Wi-Fi
No
Outdoor Seating
Yes
Music
Live Music
Food & Drink
Drinks
Beer, Wine, Full Bar, Cocktails
See More
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"This is my favorite cocktail bar in the city. Draft tonics are delicious, staff is super knowledgeable and fun. Atmosphere is great."
Shannon Hallowell
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