Cantina Rosa

Cocktail bar · Hyde Park

Cantina Rosa

Cocktail bar · Hyde Park

5230 S Harper Ave, Chicago, IL 60615

Highlights

Nestled in Hyde Park, Cantina Rosa is a vibrant cocktail haven that beams with tropical vibes and a menu bursting with flavorful agave-based drinks.

5230 S Harper Ave, Chicago, IL 60615 Get directions

cantinarosa.com

$$$$$$$

Reserve

@infatuation

"This loosely Mexican cocktail bar is from the team behind Virtue and Daisy’s Po’ Boy And Tavern (two of our favorite Hyde Park restaurants). Cantina Rosa focuses on tequila, mezcal, and rum, and is opening just a few doors down from Virtue—so dinner and drinks basically plans itself." - john ringor, veda kilaru, nick allen

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@eater

"The first bar from Virtue chef Erick Williams leans into Mexican heritage as Virtue’s long-time general manager Jesus Garcia is calling the shots. These are more than margaritas; they have an eclectic variety of drinks. There’s also a frozen guava colada and a spirit-free horchata fizz. Visitors should be aware that there’s a 90-minute limit for stays; the host will politely inform you upon arrival." - Ashok Selvam

The Best Places to Drink Cocktails Right Now in Chicago

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@bonappetit

"Cantina Rosa was born from the bar program at Virtue, a restaurant celebrating Southern cuisine by James Beard Award–winning chef-owner Erick Williams. Williams and Virtue general manager Jesus Garcia noticed a demand for cocktails in the city’s Hyde Park neighborhood and decided to open a bar just around the corner in a former laundromat space. The name is an homage to the duo’s grandmothers, Rose and Rosa. While Virtue focuses on Southern cooking, Cantina Rosa will spotlight Mexican culture and Garcia’s heritage. Beverage whiz Paul McGee is helping to curate a drinks menu with agave- and sugarcane-derived spirits, bourbon, and charanda. There are drinks like the Jushu, a frozen mezcal-based cocktail with acacia honey, lime, and mango vinegar, or the Royal Hawaiian made with Mexican gin, fresh pineapple, orgeat, and lemon. Bar bites like chicken tamales and refried bean sopes with crema and queso fresco will round out the experience." - ByKate Kassin

The 9 Must-Visit New Restaurants of Fall 2024 | Bon Appétit

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@infatuation

"With a focus on tequila, mezcal, and rum, this loosely Mexican cocktail bar is from the team behind Virtue (one of our favorite Hyde Park restaurants). Cantina Rosa is opening just a few doors down from Virtue, which means dinner and drinks basically plans itself." - veda kilaru

Chicago's Most Exciting Fall Openings

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@infatuation

Cantina Rosa - Review - Chicago - The Infatuation

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Gee Riley

Google

I didn’t rate the food. Our belly’s were already full before getting there. We stopped in after our dinner date to have a few drinks before heading home. I thought the space was so sexy and intimate it had a speakeasy vibe to it.. the drinks were pretty good.. I want to come back and sample the food. Thanks for having us, see you again soon.

Nicole O

Google

I’ve come here twice now since they opened in November, I tried the JuShu, Royal Hawaiian Cocktail, Daiquiri tropical. I also had some light bites with the guacamole, empanadas and the Mexican cookies. The drinks are fantastic! Each crafted and made to entice your profile. I liked all the light bites and my only critique would be to add onion and jalapeño to the guacamole. Great new bar to the area and I’ll definitely be back!

Roselle Tenorio

Google

We ordered the ceviche, lamb, chocolate wedding cookies, the guava margarita. Ceviche was okay maybe because it’s with sea bass not sure but the other items were 10/10. Portions are small but not tiny and are filling. The host and sever were very nice and welcoming. The tables are pretty tightly packed in but I know they have to maximize the space. Folks had cooler or more space at the bar or the booth tables. Designer created a beautiful space inside.

Preetha Saha

Google

Went for dinner without reservation! We were seated at a table without any wait. We tried 4 cocktails - royal Hawaiian, rosa Paloma (photos attached), jushu and daiquiri and among the botanas, we had the empanadas and tamales. We really liked the rich flavors of the food and drinks, except for Paloma. Our server Carlos( if I remember the name correctly) was very attentive and answered our queries and gave few recommendations.

Zuri Thompson

Google

Very sexy, relaxed vibe that transports you to another place—can’t even picture the laundromat that used to occupy the space where I’ve done loads before! The lighting felt like Issa on a date on Insecure. Drinks are phenomenal and the food is explosive with flavors yet presented simply. The sea bass used in the ceviche and tostada is sublime and the chicken empanadas are very flavorful. Highly recommend

MsBoBrax

Google

Went with my best friend, we did not have reservations, our server Maria was super nice and offered suggestions based on what we like. The guacamole was good had a great flavor. We both appreciate a good craft cocktail they did not disappoint. They offer small plates with some shareable items. Very roomy and love the decor, the only drawback is the lighting, it's a little dark couldn't see my food 😀. Definitely will return

Grant Richardson

Google

Yum! I think you’ll enjoy this. Food (9/10) the red mole hits different! I enjoyed the empanadas but the red mole took it over the top. Also enjoyed the tamales. Food service was quick quick. Drinks (10/10) daydreamer is a well crafted whiskey cocktail, didn’t miss. I tried another pictured below that was mezcal with pear and chili, also fii. Vibe (9/10) music, plating, decor were all fresh. The seating at the island was tight, but I was grateful they could squeeze me in. Hope you get to check it out.

mercides sandifer- hogsett

Google

The staff were all friendly I enjoyed the music selection food drinks and ambiance they were very quick I had the barbacoa dish the best I've ever had the rice was seasoned to perfection everything complemented each other very well I will definitely be back for the frozen guava colada it made me feel like I was on a beach in Aruba this place just like the chefs other restaurants is a hit!

Joseph G.

Yelp

Came here with my fiancé for some earlier drinks on New Year's Eve. Loved the decor and ambiance. We each ordered a couple rounds of drinks. Jushu was a nice easy drinking mezcal cocktail. Daydreamer was more spirit forward but still balanced. Rosa's Paloma was a nice take on a familiar classic. Also ordered some food to pair: chips/guac, the tamales and an order of empanadas. The latter two dishes were fantastic. Overall great drinks and small bites, excellent service and a great atmosphere. We'll be back soon to try more of the menu. Awesome addition to Hyde Park!

Nerissa L.

Yelp

Finally got to check this new spot in Hyde Park out! Cantina Rosa is super cute inside and the vibe is on point. It is truly a cocktail bar with a very limited food menu. Lots of mezcal!!They mostly offer small bites which are nice to share. Keep in mind, they do not offer any soft drinks but they do offer a couple of spirit free beverages if that's what you are looking for. I had the guava colada and it was awesome! It comes served in a clay cup. If you are driving here parking is going to be tough but there are a few lots in the area. Ride share is probably your best option. Now, for the food. I really wasn't hungry but we tried a few items. The guacamole is pretty tasty, the empanadas are decent, the shrimp cocktail is good too. When you make a reservation there isn't a guarantee you will get an actual table as they also seat people with reservations at the bar. They are pretty strict on your seating time limit as well so don't think you're about to sit there for hours on end! You will definitely be asked to wrap it on up and go on about your day! The host staff and bartenders are very friendly and knowledgeable about the menu if you have questions. This seems like a great spot to hang with friends or even a cute little date night. Nice vibe and ambiance. Enjoy!

Charles B.

Yelp

Came in on a Saturday Night. I made a reservation via OpenTable, and need to push back in hour, they were more than happy to accommodate. Party of four, we are before we came because as we noted the small plates. We still ordered: Coctel de Camaron, Tostada de Pedcado, Tamales, Barbacoa, Empanadas, and Camerones and were very satisfied with the taste and quantity. Eating before was a bit unnecessary. We sipped on: daydreamers, jushus, Paloma's, slow rushes and daiquiris. The drinks we well crafted and flavorful. The only knock is most of the cocktails tendered to be on the sweeter side. I recommend Cantina Rosa and will be back.

Tia C.

Yelp

Cute cocktail bar in Hyde park. Please note, it really is a cocktail bar. They have small plates but the menu isn't large. I've been twice so far and the service has been good both times. The bartenders are very knowledgeable about the drinks and menu. I'll be back.

Maria G.

Yelp

Great addition to the neighborhood! This place is such a vibe and the staff is amazing ..so nice and accommodating! Already planning my next visit to finish testing out the drinks which haven't disappointed yet!!!

Roxy H.

Yelp

Beautiful spot. Second Day of it being open, my friend and I decided to go check it out. Small bites only... no full entree experience. Reasonably priced. We had the chicken empanadas which came with this amazing jicama slaw and mole, the guacamole (surprisingly OUTSTANDING) and the Barbacoa de Borrego Lamb, w/AMAZING SMOKED flavored Mexican rice,, tortillas. I would have eaten everything on the menu just to try it all. For drinks we only did one round but the drinks were delicious and creative. I had the paddle cactus (stiff but sweet) and my friend had the daydreamer and she loved her drink. I will say you're not going to get the typical brands like Grey Goose or Casamigos here for drinks but they will creatively make whatever drink you want or need with subs... example expresso martini but with rum and tequila... Coming back it's new hang out in Hype Park for me for sure...

LaTanya G.

Yelp

Checked out this new spot with my girls on Sunday night. It was a fun experience! It's a cute spot to grab drinks, a date night, or even a night cap. The customer service was top notch. Our server, Carlos, was attentive, patient, and very knowledgeable of the menu. My group and I tried a few different dishes. The guacamole was fresh and tasty, the empanada was a bit spicy for my liking. The lamb was tender and flavorful. The venue was dim lit and and cozy. The attention to detail is shown throughout with the emblems on the wall, the menu, and the plates.

Keisha H.

Yelp

Service was meh... the vibe was corny and it was cold in there. The food was just ok. We only had apps but if the chips and quac are bad then where do you go from there. The chips were horrible worst than most store bought chips and the quac had NO flavor. I know they are marketing this place as a craft cocktail place but even those were mediocre. I sent my first drink back and had them add some alcohol to one of the sport free cocktails. That was about the best thing I had. I will not be back.

Blair A.

Yelp

Cantina Rosa is a super cute cocktail bar! It is very cozy on the inside. Since it's an Agave focused bar I expected most of the drinks to feature tequila, but they have a wide range of drinks. I really enjoyed the Paloma and the Paddle Cactus. There is a limited food menu including several small plates. All food was very fresh with a hint to spice. We tried the empeñadas, tamale and the ceviche. I will definitely be back! Glad to have another place to go in my neighborhood.

Chris O.

Yelp

There has not been a proper upscale cocktail lounge in Hyde Park since the closure of Bibliophile in 2019 due to marital strife. As such, Cantina Rosa, the next province of Chef Erick Williams' culinary empire, fills a much-needed niche in the neighborhood. The ambiance is very chic, sexy, and futuristic, transporting you off the mean streets of Harper Court into a pocket universe of Latin-inspired concoctions. I enjoyed a Daydreamer, a whisky-based cocktail, while my companion enjoyed a fruitier one (unfortunately, I forget the name!). Both drinks layered flavors excellently, my friend's leaving the surprising but strangely welcome aftertaste of smoked salmon! We also got the chips & guac, which were just OK. All in all, I would recommend checking out "CR" for your next date night or swanky debrief.

Kwasi M.

Yelp

Ambiance and decor is beautiful. Clean, sleek, sexy and romantic. Food, drinks, and services receives a 5/5 rating. Phenomenal flavor profiles. My wife and I had everything on the menu. My favorite was the lamb Barbacoa, Tamala's and Empanadas. Shout out to Chef Erick Williams and the Virtue Hospitality team for nailing it CONSISTENTLY, because that's the hard part.

Richard N.

Yelp

This is primarily a mezcal bar, large menu of drinks, small menu of food.... I started with the Royal Hawaiin Cocktail and Guac and chips. Drink is small but good! Chips are salty, and guac is decent... people are friendly, most definitely will return. I was give. A sample of the Guava Colada - !!!!!