Sparrow

"The main focus at this old-fashioned hotel bar is “sugar cane spirits,” rum from all over the world. Sip them neat or mixed into classics like a Hotel Nacional and El Presidente. But the bar also stocks just about any other liquor you can think of." - Eater Staff

"Sparrow has an impressive collection of rum from 22 different countries, so it’s no surprise that most of the drinks here use it as a base. Though the cocktail menu is short, it’s wide-ranging—from sweet and refreshing drinks like the fruity Floridita with grapefruit and lime to a very strong Á La Louisiane with rye, rum, and absinthe. The narrow space is charming, with Art Deco design and vintage touches like a phone booth and room numbers on the bathrooms to make them look like apartments (this was originally a lobby bar during the1920’s after all). And though the bartenders may be decked out in button-ups and ties, it’s refined without feeling stuffy." - adrian kane, john ringor

"One of the city’s best bars is tucked behind Rush and Division and Mariano Park. For drinkers fed up with those shenanigans, Sparrow is a moody spot patterned off of Havana’s rum bars. Find $5 drafts and $10 glasses of wine from 4-7 p.m. Monday through Friday." - Samantha Nelson, Eater Staff

"It’s always a good time at Persona and a Botanist & Tonic would only take it up a notch. Listening to a live DJ set Thursday to Saturday at this South Loop spot is the perfect way to enjoy a cocktail in our books." - team infatuation

"If you still want great cocktails but are looking for a more upbeat vibe, hit up Persona instead. This club in River North has a heated patio, Happy Hour specials, and a DJ Thursday through Sunday." - adrian kane