The Berkshire Room

This is a super cute bar inside a hotel. I had researched a few places close to our hotel for nightcaps and we liked this place so much, we came back another night. The first night it was loud with lots of bigger groups. The second night was quiet. We had a good time both nights. Service is good, drinks yummy and the menu is neat. They have a thing where you just give them your choice of spirit, flavor profile and glass, and they will create something for you. Good place for a date or even a big outing. Would definitely go back when I am back in town.

Wanted to check this place out for some drinks and chats and can’t say that I’m keen to come back after my experience. The gentleman at the front wasn’t the most welcoming when we came to check in for our reservation - not sure why, but seemed to want to be intimidating for some reason. Service is quite spotty, and we’re often waiting for our server for long periods in between them checking in with us. Had the Royal Doncaster, which was interesting with the notes of caramel and brown butter. It lost its essence quick though and was left with a watered down cocktail afterwards, which wasn’t so pleasant. The interior wasn’t a space I’d want to spend too much time in. There were these lounge chairs/ armchairs in the middle of the main room in front of the bar. Between them were these glass walls and it didn’t really feel like you had a private space for yourself when people were seated adjacent your table on the other side of that glass wall.

Met a bartender who was very helpful and had a lot of information on the bourbons that we were interested in. Enjoyed some good pours and a charcuterie board that was really delicious.

One of our favorite spots for cocktails in the city. Nice, cozy, & good service!

Stopped in a for a couple drinks before dinner and sat at the bar. Had four different drinks altogether and they were all great but honestly you can get great cocktails anywhere in this town. The reason I'm leaving this review is because of Juan, our bartender. I asked him what gins he liked and he brought over several bottles and spoke with me about them and you could tell he was happy to do it. You've got a good one in Juan as well as his coworker who i believe was named Danny.

Sadly this place has gone downhill. Used to be my favorite to pop in for a nice cocktail after dinner or bring out of town friends but the past 5 or so times I’ve gone, the person at the door treats you like they’re annoyed you show up and have no room for you (when there is plenty of space and available reservations online) and the servers are just straight up rude. You can find an $18 cocktail at much better places in Chicago. RIP.

One of the top 3 cocktail bars in the entire city. If you have 4+ you should make a reservation regardless of what time you come because it's very small and fills up quickly. The bartenders will make you whatever you like, so the menu is extensive but don't be afraid to give them a liquor you like and some ingredients and let them go to town. This is a great date night spot if you want to impress someone before you go home 😜

This awesome hidden bar gem is perfect for those that want low-key, not crowded, and great service. Plus close to all the nightlife to stop by before/afterwards. The Berkshire offers a really nice ambience and intimate setting with dim lighting (or they can make it a bit brighter if needed). Bartender was really consistently checking on us and our needs. This bar lounge is great for groups and you can choose to stay for one hour or even more. Drinks are premium drinks, cocktails balance of herbs and either fruity or smokey. Also, offer premium old fashioned drinks. We didn't try the food, but they offer interesting light appetizers that you do not find in typical bars. Need reservation. Uber or walk to this spot on holiday or weekend. Close to restaurants.

This is a super cute bar inside a hotel. I had researched a few places close to our hotel for nightcaps and we liked this place so much, we came back another night. The first night it was loud with lots of bigger groups. The second night was quiet. We had a good time both nights. Service is good, drinks yummy and the menu is neat. They have a thing where you just give them your choice of spirit, flavor profile and glass, and they will create something for you. Good place for a date or even a big outing. Would definitely go back when I am back in town.

I've visited The Berkshire Room a couple times and have yet to try a bad cocktail. Everything ranges from good to excellent, and they have a wide variety to suit all tastes and moods. Cool location and ambiance, too. Perfect for a sexy date night. Service is friendly and relatively quick for a cocktail bar of this style. Definitely will be back.

I like this place the dealers choice was a cool touch I love when places do that. It allows you to try something you would never normally try outside of standard drinks and adds a little fun to the night. It's a little dark in here so keep that in mind if you're with a group and can be tough to interact with everyone just based on how the layout of the place is. Overall I think it's a great date spot and would easily come here again!

I have been to The Berkshire Room a few times with my lovely bride, and we enjoyed another wonderful visit to this cocktail lounge over the weekend. I actually made an online reservation a few days prior to our date, and amazingly our hostess noticed the online note that I had scribbled in regard to our milestone moment that we were celebrating. To our delight and amazement, we were rewarded with a cozy seating area where we enjoyed our libations even more than we had anticipated. Drinks we enjoyed included the not-that-spicy Sichuan Don and the strongly sippable Berkshire Manhattan. While I have been to The Berkshire Room over the years for some very fun work events, this venue offers a cool romanticism that feels just right for my love and me.

There isn't any food at the Berkshire room, but who needs it when you are going to enjoy drinks and conversation? The vibe of this place is set for the classy woman and old school fellas. The decor and room setup reminds me of a 1960s movie scene. Upon walking in, the hostess will escort you to your seating area and make sure you are settle in well. The bar service does not disappoint! The bar tender is skilled in his craft and can make anything upon request! I will be going back for a ladies night out!

Berkshire Room is another one of my favorite cocktail bars, and it's truly unique. What sets this bar apart is their Dealer's Choice menu, which allows you to select a base spirit, flavor profile, and glassware. The excitement of not knowing exactly what you'll get, based on your choices, is very intriguing to me. I've been to Berkshire Room a few times now and make it a point to try different combinations each visit. I also recommend this place to many out-of-town friends. The bar is medium-sized, offering a cozy ambiance that's both dark and well-lit. Despite its popularity, I always manage to find a place when I walk in. It's open until 2 am, and the servers are incredibly friendly, adding to the welcoming atmosphere. I absolutely recommend this place. Whether you're a local or just visiting, Berkshire Room is a must-visit for a unique and delightful cocktail experience.

I come here for the dealer's choice. Danny is phenomenal and is such a cool bartender. You can pick your alcohol and how you like your drink. It's something very unique and you get something new every time.

Love this place, love the vibe, love the concept. We made a reservation online and got seated pretty quickly. The place is small, but the seats are comfy. What drew us here was the "dealers choice" option where you get to pick a liquor, a flavor, and a cup. I opted for vodka and sweet. Boy was that vodka and boy was it sweet! It wasn't bad but it wasn't my favorite. Nonetheless I enjoyed it!

I was SO disappointed with my experience here. Service was terrible. It took me an hour to get my cocktail. A literal hour. It wasn't very busy but the server working was frequently no where to be found. My drink was good. I did their dealers choice concept - you select an alcohol, a flavor profile, and a glass type and the bartender will mix you something of their choice. However, they served my husband a drink that wasn't what he ordered - so that was disappointing. We ordered whipped feta as an appetizer. It wasn't good and was just thick and lacked flavor.

Cancelled my reservation with no notice due to the entire restaurant being rented out. We booked our reservation 2 days before so im not sure how they didn't know it was rented.

The vibe is really laid back and the atmosphere is almost like a speakeasy. Possibly because they look at you like you are crazy for trying to get in (even with plenty of open space)! Unfortunately, it was so laid back that the drinks took a really long time to get, and in the 1.5 hours we were there, they never asked us if we even wanted a second round. The cocktails were priced about standard ($15-20) per, although none of them really stood out as stellar. They do serve a Negroni, so hey, that was pretty cool :)

One of the best cocktail lounges in River North!! The bartenders are so friendly and the ambiance in here is impeccable. They have a Dealers Choice option on the menu where you can pick your flavor notes, type of glass, and type of liquor and the bartender will make you something based on those! It's so much fun to see when you'll get and it's usually something a little different every time. Amazing date night spot or night out with girl friends - Just try to get a res or seat at the bar!

The bartenders are exceptional. I always get Dealer's Choice because I like to see what new drink they'll create. The place's got a cool vibe, too, though sometimes the music selection clashes with it.

Very cool lounge. I definitely recommend a reservation or arriving early as it gets really busy. Service was a little slow but again they were really busy. Drinks were good and they have interesting ones to try.

I finally found the perfect spot for craft cocktails after an extensive search, and it's none other than this bar. I was thrilled to try their Dealer's Choice option, where the bartender creates a custom drink based on my preferences. The concept alone had me intrigued, and I couldn't wait to see what they had in store. Upon arrival, we were warmly greeted by Danny, who gave us ample time to peruse the menu. I shared my desired components for the drink, and without hesitation, Danny crafted a masterpiece that hit all the right notes and packed a delightful kick. The bar wasn't overly crowded, so we had the pleasure of engaging in conversation with Danny, who showcased his skills by preparing another drink with a different flavor profile. To our delight, it was just as exceptional as the first. It was clear that Danny is a master at his craft, as every drink he created for us hit the spot, including the mixed shot he put together. I absolutely adored my experience at this bar and can't wait to return when I'm back in town. If you're lucky enough to find Danny behind the bar, you're guaranteed to receive a delicious, expertly crafted drink. The attention to detail and the ability to create unique, personalized cocktails sets this place apart. Whether you're a cocktail enthusiast or simply looking for a memorable night out, this bar is a must-visit. Cheers to an exceptional experience!

I made a reservation for two and was so glad I did. We got the most perfect seats at the bar for two. We were able to see all the action at the bar while seated comfortably on single couch seats. I love that you are able to choose your spirit of choice, flavor profile and glassware, then the bartender surprises you with something unique based on your choices. It was fun to play around with the flavor profiles and glassware. I love when bars either have this "dealer's choice" or don't have a menu at all and simply ask what I like to drink. This is a fun bar to meet up with friends and catch up at. I'd highly recommend!

I mean, I literally just got one drink here with a friend after walking in asking for a table and I really enjoyed the vibes in here. The dim lighting makes it a great spot for ambiance, and it's small and intimate.. especially if you get to sit in one of the sides with the lounge-type seating. I think we got lucky that we were able to grab a spot on a Friday night given that it was a little bit earlier and that we had no sort of reservation or anything. We both actually ordered the same drink since we were feeling Mezcal, and it was very good! Expect to pay typical to slightly above average cocktail prices. Will be back!

I am loathe to write a review, because I don't want this place to get too popular and then I can't find a seat when I want. But this is a hit on all levels. Bartenders who know their stuff, a chill atmosphere, and juuuuust off the beaten path. Definitely a spot I'd go to whenever I could.

I have been wanting to try The Berkshire Room ever since a friend of mine posted about it. It DID NOT disappoint! While they have a chic and pretty nice cocktail menu, we opted for the "Dealer's Choice" menu where you pick your spirit, the style of cocktail, and the glass you want it served. How fun, right?! To begin with, we had "Snack-Quiris," miniature daquiris that we enjoyed prior to our main attraction cocktails. They were fruity and packed a little more than a miniature punch. My best friend started with a Dealer's Choice of Tequila, Fruity, and a Rocks glass. It was so fresh and fruity. She thoroughly enjoyed it. I started with a Dealers' Choice of Gin, Sweet and Sour, and a Flute. Since it came in a flute glass, our server told me it comes topped with champagne - a pleasant surprise. I could really taste the juniper in my drink. It was herbaceous, a little floral, but had an underlying sweetness that was super enjoyable. I ended with a Dealer's Choice of Old Tom Gin, Fruity, and a Coupe glass...whew! This was even more smooth and enjoyable than my first cocktail. The décor and the ambience were stunning! Our server Mariah was full of life and personality. She ensured our first experience at The Berkshire Room was great. I have already told people that this place will be my new go-to stop. I WILL be back ASAP! #ImNotAFoodie #ImJustAGirlWhoLovesFood

Let me just say, I'm not a huge cocktail drinker because oftentimes I feel that I get a drink that is two parts rubbing alcohol and one part pure high fructose corn sugar syrup. This place? I could have had three cocktails in quick succession because these cocktails are perfectly balanced and smooth and created with such expertise that each sip is heaven. The dealers choice was what my husband went with, and the surprise drink was exceptional. I had their take on the aviation and it was one of the best cocktails I've ever had, hands down, and introduced me to black gin. I love most gins but lt had never had black gin and now I'm pretty sure my gin drinks for the next few months will have to have it in there. The service was professional and superb; not too pushy but not too distant to ensure we were having a good time. I loved the small, dark, cozy ambience; it felt more like a classy house party than a bar, and while it was a little loud (Friday night 2000) that couldn't be helped and no one was wild, it was just a lot of voices in a small space. I'll be back here and I'll be telling all my friends with a nose for good well balanced drinks and a penchant for chill classy spots to head this way!

We made a reservation for drinks at the Berkshire Room between an architectural tour of Chicago and our dinner reservation. We were there at 6, and it wasn't too busy. We really enjoyed hanging out here, and our drinks were delicious - mine especially! Their seasonal cocktails sounded really good, but I decided to go for the Dealer's House, which allows you to "discover off menu items created by their bartenders. Choose a spirit, flavor profile, & glassware for $16." I went with tequila, sweet, and a Collins glass, and I was so impressed with my first drink that I went for round two! Both of my drinks were delicious. My husband ordered an old fashioned and a pour of whiskey neat. He enjoyed both of his, as well, but mentioned how good my drinks were for the rest of our trip! The staff working were also so nice. I will absolutely be back next time we are visiting Chicago!

A very reliable, classy, cool cocktail lounge right in the heart of the city. What more could you want? I've been here a few times over the year and I can always reliably find a seat, even on weekends. Even when it's busy, it still feels cozy and not too loud in here. Great choice for a date or any time you want to go out somewhere nice and still have a conversation with your companions. Can't go wrong with the dealer's choice here, where you choose a liquor, flavor profile, and serving style and the bartender makes something custom for you. Options include some less common choices like aquavit, rhum agricole, and cachaça! Love the vibe -- the lighting, leather seats, and music is all excellent and just about everyone I've gone here with loves it too.

I came here for drinks with a group of friends, and we had a good time. I wanted a non-alcoholic drink and they made me a delicious citrus-mint mocktail. There is also a small snacks menu. The lounge is very dim, making it difficult to read the menu...or I'm just getting old and my eyesight is failing.

This bar a hidden gem in Chicago. I've been twice now and love it. We always sit on the rustic side. Ask for the dealers choice it's a creative cocktail menu. I will say the young money was very Sherry forward so be prepared for that.

ambiance is everything here! loved how friendly the bartenders were and really loved the cocktails! fun to come with a group or go on a double date!

Great cocktails and vibes. I love the dark moody aesthetic and I love their dealers choice selection they have featured. You pick your base, flavor profile, and type of glassware you want your drink in, and the bartender will create a drink not on menu. Will definitely be back!

This is my favorite cocktail bar in Chicago, hands down! I love the Dealer's choice cocktails wherein you can choose your spirit, glass and flavor profile and the bartender makes something magical for you. I love the anticipation of not knowing how your drink will be like and how the bartender would achieve something great from the weird combination you selected from the menu. The bartenders have always delivered on the cocktails even when I had selected the most uncanny combination of spirit, flavor and glassware. The bites are perfect alongside the great cocktails! My favorite are the spiced nuts and the cheeses. The ambience is very chic and sophisticated. Truly a great hidden gem!

Service was out of this world in a positive way. Our server Danny made some outstanding drinks, explained them to us and made us feel welcome. The bar setting was beautiful, great layout and overall vibe.

It's a really fabulous classy bar. I felt like a princess dining there. Only $14 for my plate of foie grad roulette. It was yum and I really enjoy the atmosphere at, the Berkshire room. my minor complaint is when I asked for a doggie bag, it never came. So I felt forced to eat it all before I left the bar.

I love this place. I've been here three times now and I will definitely be coming back. It is located inside the Acme hotel, and it's got a great vibe and ambiance. It's always clean and welcoming, and has a lot of comfortable seating. The service is always excellent, with the servers ready and will g to answer any questions you have about drinks and snacks. The drinks are strong and well worth the price. I always start with a dealer's choice, where you can pick a spirit, flavor profile, and glassware, and the bartender will create something new for you. I've never been disappointed with what I've gotten. Last time I went we ended the night with espresso martinis and they were delicious. Looking forward to coming back!

My sister, good friend, and I were in town for a long girls weekend and thanks to some good 'ol Midwest connections, we made reservations to sit at the bar here after it was suggested by a friend. We were entirely sure what to expect but I can say right off the bat, it surpassed our expectations. We entered through the ACME hotel doors and made our way back to the host. He was excellent and even helped us ditch a group of random guys that were trying to follow us in. We were seated right away and once comfortable, I was immediately taken aback by the decor and overall atmosphere. Very chill vibes but with a hint of elegance. The lighting was very moody and the music fit the scene entirely. Our bartender for the evening was Nigal and he was fantastic from start to finish. I can't remember the names of the drinks we had but I can say that there wasn't anything that I didn't like. And we each had a few, tasting each other's cocktails round after round. I know Nigal made a few special creations for us too. I always love when you can tell a bartender what you like and they use their magical powers to create an elixir just for you. And let me just say, these drinks are good and we were all quite tipsy as we ended our time there. I would recommend this place to anyone visiting the area and looking for a cool experience... or locals looking for a romantic date night.

This bar is either running a scam or completely incompetent. I made reservations for 3 people and checked in with the hostess at the reservation time. We each ordered a drink and had a good time. To my surprise, the next day I get a email stating I'm getting charged $10x3 = $30 for being a no show at my reservation time. Clearly this was a mistake so I tried calling the bar several times and leaving voicemails as well as emailing them with nobody ever responding to me. Finally I gave up and just disputed it with my credit card company. If you see the picture, it's pretty obvious that there's a charge for $66.70 on the same day they charged me $30 for a no show fee. How stupid is that? How do I no show and yet there's still a separate charge for the bar? What really pissed me off is now my credit card company is accepting whatever BS documentation they provided and reversing my credit!! Hello people! Are you serious?!?! I cannot believe this bar is making me go through all this trouble just to resolve such an obvious mistake on their part.

Came back again recently, and fell in love with cocktails again. Their signature cocktails are good, but I'd really suggest the choose your own adventure option. Give them your flavor palette, glassware selection, etc (as laid out in the menu) and let them surprise you. I asked for an herbal/Amaro cocktail, and ended up with a stunning drink with aloe (!) liquor. The bartender answered my questions about it ("What the heck was in this??"), despite being busy with other guests.

The Berkshire Room is located in the Acme Hotel straight ahead right when you walk in. The bar is sectioned into three parts, with small tables and bar seating in the middle and longer lounge seating on the sides. The side couches are communal so there's a chance you'll have to share the area with other parties. My first drink was the eden hall ($15) which was on their seasonal menu. I ordered mine with gin but you could also choose mezcal and cachaça. The drink contained aloe liqueur which was very unique to me and I had never had a drink with that ingredient before. I could taste the botanicals from the gin, the tartness from the lime, and the minty refreshing flavor from the lemongrass. It was a very balanced and solid drink. My second drink was the dealer's choice ($16) which involved choosing from a list of spirits, flavor profiles, and glassware. I went with the single malt peaty scotch, strong and stirred, and rocks glass. The resulting cocktail was one with peaty scotch, amaro nonino, apple brandy, and another ingredient I forgot. Whatever it was, the cocktail was fantastic! It was so easy to drink and went down super easy. It didn't taste as spirit forward as I knew there to be in that drink which made it so dangerous to drink. Our server was great and the vibes were relaxing and intimate. If only I could go back and ask for that recipe...

Just dropped by last time and had a great time! I got the Dealer's Choice, where you can choose a spirit, flavor profile, and glass. I got the vodka, sweet & sour in a coupe. It was absolutely amazing, and exactly the type of drink I love. I also got a mojito which was good! The ambiance is nice and cozy, and there are tons of Christmas decorations. Our server was AWESOME, so friendly. Can't wait to go back!

Amazing place to hang with friends or going on a date here too. The drinks are amazing. Especially the dealer choice. Can't go wrong with that or the cocktail list. The waiter are amazing and you got question they are amazing to help out. Please do make a reservation. It does save you time when getting this.

Be ready for an incredibly rude door person. I had been once before a while back and was walking past on a Tuesday night after a checking out the new Ballys casino when I suggested my girlfriend and I stop in for a drink. Upon entry the front desk clerk of the hotel was very nice. But as I walked to the Berkshire room the man at the door said we aren't taking any more people. We're at capacity. I told him no worries and asked if we could just take a step past him behind the curtain so I could show my girlfriend what the room looked like for next time. He thought about it for a second and just said. "Nahh" and rudely sent us away. I was not more than 5 steps away and heard him telling his associate that was standing there.. "See that's how they get you.. they ask to look around then they don't leave" at the point I just kept going and didn't say anything. I literally just asked if I could stand there for a second to show her the room. Pathetic treatment of a potential customer. This business should be embarrassed by his behavior. Will not come back. Will always be sure to share my experience and will definitely not recommend. There are way too many bars and lounges in nearby that actually treat customers with respect even if they don't have room to accommodate them.

Not a cigar lounge. Rude. Disrespectful. management that will not listen. Said they had no room while 10 people left while we were in line. Avoid!!!

So honestly between Broken Shaker and here you can consume some amazing craft cocktails within a very short amount of square mileage. This is a really nice space with a lot of comfortable seating, as well as an aggressively creative cocktail menu. Every drink was well balanced and a lot of fun.

One of my favorite happy hour spots. Dark wood and leather, cool vibes, great drinks! Try the dealer's choice if you're feeling adventurous. You tell them what kind of drink you like, and they create a custom drink for you based on your preferences.

My boyfriend and I stayed at the attached ACME Hotel (which we thought was great also) while visiting Chicago for our first times in November. The Berkshire Bar and adjacent West Town Bakery were near our lobby, so we stopped in for a few late-night drinks one of the nights we were there. I had a friend actually meet up with me at our hotel one night, so her and I had some drinks together as well. The service was great (but we were seated at the bar so that makes it easy.) Not a lot of seating up at the bar, but there are some small tables nearby and standing room as well. It's dimly lit which gives it a nice, mellow ambiance. Drink prices were average for the area (which we were surprised to discover was quite a bit higher than what we pay here in the Bay Area, CA). Miller High Life ($6), Corazon Blanco shots ($7) and a grapefruit White Claw ($8). Enjoyed the visit to Chicago and when we go back, if we stay in the same neighborhood, we'll definitely pop in here again.

I got there at about 5:30pish. I had my pick of seats. Really great place. Will return again

Stumbled on this swanky, dark craft cocktail lounge on Ohio Street. The bar was fully stocked with high end liquor and the menu had amazing specialty drinks including "The Dealer's Choice" which is a signature cocktail where you select your own flavor profile, spirit, and glassware and the bartenders will come up with a one-of-a-kind cocktail just for you! How awesome! A lot of separate cozy seating areas surround the bar with comfy couches! Really excited about this find! Great drinks and great service!

The Berkshire Room is a great bougie bar to go and get a few drinks with when you're all feeling fancy! I enjoy that is is a smaller menu with seasonal rotation for most of their cocktails! Another cool concept they do is tell them a few things you like and then the bartender makes you a drink. If you go a few times, you'll always get a different drink!

Berkshire room is the perfect spot to kick off your night or to take a break while waiting for friends. I was able to try a couple of their drinks - 1 was a drink from their summer drink menu called "Author of shadows...." It was great - it featured Bourbon. For my 2nd drink I did Dealers choice where you pretty much get a custom drink based on your drink base of choice, flavor profile, and pick your glass! There is only one thing on the menu - a charcuterie board - but it can either come with 3 or 6 items. The space has a modern antique feel and it is very cozy! Lovely spot!

I checked out the Berkshire room for the first time and really enjoyed the cocktails, but also how chill the vibes were. It was a very laid back environment, and the servers were great in helping us select drinks based on what we liked. There were plenty of delicious cocktails on the menu, but by far my favorite is the Dealer's Choice where you pick your own flavor profile, spirit, and glassware, then the bartenders make a one of a kind cocktail. I selected vodka and for it to be fruity/sweet, with no preference on the glassware - my drink was made with their blueberry vanilla orange syrup (homemade there), and to say it was a great cocktail would be an understatement! We also tried out one of their Autumn/Winter cocktails, the Scorpio Rising (vodka, peach liqueur, lemon verbena, Benedictine, and peychauds) - it was tasty, but definitely a drink on the sweeter side!

Dimly lit, it is reminiscent of a laboratory of yester year. The space is small but nicely decorated, heralded by a big Berkshire marquee. There is a list of cool cocktail options, but the bartender can whip you up a drink of your fancy, even non-alchoholic. Worth a visit in the River North area.

Only stars are for the quality of drinks. WORST SERVICE EVER! Okay ambiance. Do not recommend.

I rarely leave a review. This was awful. I had to leave a review. Terrible service, treatment, drinks. Bar was dead, people at door were rude, bartender never even asked what we wanted to drink. Unbelievable.