Lemon
Bar · West Town
1600 W Grand Ave, Chicago, IL 60622
Highlights
Creative cocktails, live music, and a laid-back atmosphere
Creative cocktails, live music, and a laid-back atmosphere
"If your date loves live music and has “huge cocktail nerd” in their Instagram bio, this West Town bar with a stage in the back has you covered. Their menu has a wide range of tasty cocktails—classics, exclusive concoctions, and a few that have been resurrected from obscurity. Lemon also features a rotation of jazz combos, DJ sets, and maybe the next big local rock band. The large room decked out in purple curtains has plenty of tables and some booths by the stage, but their good sound system guarantees that you can enjoy the jams wherever." - adrian kane, john ringor, veda kilaru, nick allen
"Dubbed a “creative sanctuary,” this West Town bar has quickly become a favorite among those who like their cocktails impeccably made, minus the pretense that sometimes goes with them. Regular live music adds to its charm. During happy hour, select cocktails are $10 from 4 to 6 p.m. Monday through Saturday, poured alongside $8 glasses of sparkling wine, $7 mixed drinks, and a $12 rotating cocktail special. There is also a “cheap beer” offering for $2 and an “industry standard” cheap beer and whiskey shot for $4. A recently opened patio tucked behind the bar offers cozy seating, often accompanied by live music from inside the venue." - Lisa Shames
"A West Town cocktail bar that was ranked No. 62 on 50 Best’s expanded North American list of 100, as determined by an Academy of over 300 bartenders, journalists, and other industry experts. The inclusion reflects the list’s effort to spotlight notable bars across the United States, Canada, and the Caribbean following the organization’s decision to launch a North American restaurants list and extend its bar coverage." - Serena Maria Daniels
"This West Town bar occupies the large space on the northwest corner of Grand and Ashland. The cocktail menu is vast, and there’s something for everyone — the drinks are meticulously prepared, even as the space still carries a dose of dive bar; don’t judge a book by its cover." - Ashok Selvam
"At this come-as-you-are cocktail bar where the laidback atmosphere is a charming contrast to the impeccably made drinks, New Year’s Eve kicks off at 8 p.m. with DJ Tommy O’Rourke followed by live music from Family Junket. Three packages are available: $30 gets you access to entertainment, snacks, and champagne toast; $55 adds in two drinks; and $125 adds in all-you-can-drink access to special cocktails and well drinks." - Lisa Shames
