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The Alderman, Chicago, IL

The Alderman

4.9
4.9
202 Reviews
$30 and under
Cocktail Bar

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2 people
19:00
Booked 19 times today
  • Great for creative cocktails
  • Good for special occasions
  • Innovative
Winner of the 2022 Jean Banchet Award for Best Bar, THE ALDERMAN is an intimate, 16-seat cocktail bar tucked away, behind closed doors, within Pilsen Yards. The cocktail list rotates some of its original cocktail features, while the twists on American classics are staples of the cocktail list.

With a plush velvet banquette and a 4-seat counter, it’s the perfect room for a night cap, a date, or a casual evening of one to several astonishingly good cocktails.

Additional information

  • Dining style
    Casual Dining
  • Price
    $30 and under
  • Cuisines
    Cocktail Bar
  • Hours of Operation
    Wed–Sun 16:30–23:00
  • Phone number
    (312) 243-2410
  • Payment Options
    AMEX, Discover, Mastercard, Visa
  • Dress code
    Casual Dress
  • Area
    Pilsen
  • Cross Street
    Racine
  • Parking details
    Valet or Street Parking Available
  • Public transit
    18th St Pink Line
  • Additional
    Bar/Lounge, Beer, Cocktails, Full Bar, Late Night, Private Room, Wine

What 202 people are saying

Overall ratings and reviews

Reviews can only be made by diners who have eaten at this restaurant

4.9
4.9 based on recent ratings
  • 4.7Food
  • 4.9Service
  • 4.9Ambience
  • 4.8Value

NoiseModerate

Loved For

  • Chicago / Illinois

    Best Overall

  • Chicago / Illinois

    Best Ambience

  • Chicago / Illinois

    Best Value

  • Chicago

    Best Overall

  • Chicago

    Best Service

  • Chicago

    Best Ambience

  • Chicago

    Best Value

Review summary

AI-generated from verified diner reviews
The Alderman is a hidden gem in Chicago's Pilsen Yards, celebrated for its unique speakeasy vibe and intimate atmosphere. Guests rave about "killer cocktails" and "amazing bartenders" like Roger and Sven. The creative drink menu and personalized service make it a "must-visit" spot for craft cocktail enthusiasts.

202 Reviews
  1. miryam

    Chicago

    13 reviews

    5.0

    13 reviews

    Dined 2 days ago

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    This place is truly a gem! The service from our bartender was outstanding and the ambiance is cozy and the smell of palo santo is amazing. The 2 drinks I had were created with different but fantastic quality. Love this place!

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  2. Wes

    Greater Boston

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on 28 September 2024

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 3
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    One the best cocktail experiences I’ve had in the city.

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  3. Johnaé

    Chicago

    1 review

    vip
    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on 23 September 2024

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 1
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    We came to celebrate a birthday and the ambiance and service were amazing!

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  4. Steve

    Chicago

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on 15 September 2024

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    I’ve been to many mixology and speakeasy spots in Chicago, and the Alderman is up there with the best of them. Sitting at the bar was a fun drinking experience. Roger was cool to interact with and shared some different shots of liquors that are hard to find. I will definitely be back soon. 

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  5. John

    Chicago

    1 review

    1.0

    1 review

    Dined on 6 September 2024

    1. Overall 1
    2. Food 4
    3. Service 1
    4. Ambience 3
    We were offered a single drink in roughly an hour and twenty minutes. Eventually we gave up on hoping for a new drink order and grabbed a random server for the bill. My drink was subpar, but the rest of the table enjoyed theirs.

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  6. Nick

    Grand Rapids

    4 reviews

    5.0

    4 reviews

    Dined on 25 August 2024

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    A Sip of Magic at The Alderman: Pilsen Yards’ Best Kept Secret My wife and I recently made a reservation for The Alderman, tucked away inside Pilsen Yards, and let me tell you—this place is pure magic! We’d heard through the grapevine (and various websites) that this was a top-notch, speakeasy-style spot, and it did not disappoint. We were on the hunt for a cool, secret entrance kind of place that served not just the classics but something truly unique. The Alderman is exactly that. Forget about your run-of-the-mill liquor selection—these folks are shaking things up, literally! They craft their own fabulous concoctions that are as creative as they are delicious. Shoutout to bartenders Charlie and Roger, who are like the new kids on the block, but with the swagger of the Beastie Boys. These guys know their stuff! My wife and I each tried a few different drinks, and every single one was a hit. You’ll be doing yourself a favor by letting these mixology wizards surprise you. Honestly, I wish I lived closer so I could make this my regular spot. But here's a pro tip: don’t wait to make your reservation! Space is limited, and they only let a select few in each day. Trust me, you don’t want to miss out on this hidden gem. Cheers! 🍸

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  7. Kyle

    Chicago

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on 2 August 2024

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Charlie at the Alderman is one of the most talented mixologists in Chicago. Be sure to see him at the Alderman while they have him! I asked for a “dealers choice” and it was one of my favorites of the night.

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  8. OpenTable Diner

    Columbus

    3 reviews

    5.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on 28 July 2024

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    I couldn’t recommend this place more. I had a couple of the best cocktails I’ve had in my entire life. My friend who isn’t a big cocktail drinker loved all of the drinks she tried as well. Roger our bartender was fantastic, he was so great with his recommendations. Lots of fun chatting with him. The ambience was super cool. Roger was clearly passionate about his craft. I’ll be coming back every time I’m in Chicago.

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  9. OpenTable Diner

    Chicago

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on 21 July 2024

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Personable and knowledgeable bartender, simply scrumptious stuff to sip, and an overall feast for the senses. Between the Palo Santo and the very dark, moody room, an absolute winner for a romantic tete-a-tete with your boo and getting pleasantly boozed up

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  10. OpenTable Diner

    Alabama

    12 reviews

    5.0

    12 reviews

    Dined on 14 July 2024

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 4
    Roger, the mixologist, took us on an adventure. He explained each cocktail. One person didn't like her cocktail and found something else's that she loved. It's dark, so my eyes had to adjust. We had a great time and will be back.

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FAQs

The Alderman is rated 4.9 stars by 202 OpenTable diners.

Yes, you can generally book this restaurant by choosing the date, time and party size on OpenTable.

Make a booking

2 people
19:00
Booked 19 times today
Google Map for The Alderman

1163 W 18th St, Chicago, IL 60608-2355

Additional information

  • Cross Street
    Racine
  • Area
    Pilsen
  • Hours of Operation
    Wed–Sun 16:30–23:00
  • Price
    $30 and under
  • Cuisines
    Cocktail Bar
  • Dining style
    Casual Dining
  • Dress code
    Casual Dress
  • Parking details
    Valet or Street Parking Available
  • Public transit
    18th St Pink Line
  • Payment Options
    AMEX, Discover, Mastercard, Visa
  • Additional
    Bar/Lounge, Beer, Cocktails, Full Bar, Late Night, Private Room, Wine
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  • Terms of Use
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