The Drifter
Bar · River North
676-8 N Orleans St, Chicago, IL 60654
Highlights
Tucked beneath the Green Door Tavern, The Drifter is a cozy, dimly lit speakeasy serving tarot-themed craft cocktails and lively burlesque shows.
Tucked beneath the Green Door Tavern, The Drifter is a cozy, dimly lit speakeasy serving tarot-themed craft cocktails and lively burlesque shows.
"Grabbing drinks at The Drifter is a whole experience—assuming you’re able to find it. Spoiler alert: it’s in the basement of The Green Door Tavern, right next to the bathrooms and behind a shelf of tchotchkes. Beyond its secret entrance is an intimate space full of antiques, an old American flag that hangs above the bar, and short burlesque performances that’ll spice up your night more than the peppers at Mr. Beef next door. Throw in their rotating cocktail menu with fun drink names printed on individual tarot cards, and you have a whole night of mystique, intrigue, and maybe a table full of Kimmy Gibbler Gimlets. " - sam faye, adrian kane, john ringor, veda kilaru, nick allen
"In the basement of The Green Door Tavern in River North you’ll find the bathrooms and shelves full of tchotchkes. But look closer and you’ll notice that one of those knick-knacks is actually a door knob—revealing the entrance to The Drifter. Antiques, an old American flag hanging above the bar, and short burlesque performances on a small stage complete the Prohibition-era vibe. And when the curtains close, they double as a projection screen for what’s probably a YouTube playlist called “Fav Old Timey Burlesque Vids.” Adding to the mystique is the unique drink menu. Cocktail names are printed on individual tarot cards, each with fun names like Kimmy Gibbler Giblet (try saying that 10 times fast). " - john ringor, veda kilaru
"In the Roaring Twenties, a green door at the front of a restaurant signified to rule breakers that there was a speakeasy inside. The Green Door Tavern’s secret bar has been closed for years - until recently. Behind a bookcase in the basement, you will find The Drifter - a club located in the only remaining speakeasy room from the twenties. Patrons will find classic cocktails and live performances that hearken back to days in Chicago when Capone ran the streets and the Everley sisters ran the sheets." - One Design Company
"In the basement of The Green Door Tavern in River North you’ll find the bathrooms and shelves full of tchotchkes. But look closer and you’ll notice that one of those knick-knacks is actually a door knob—revealing the entrance to The Drifter. Antiques, an old American flag hanging above the bar, and short burlesque performances on a small stage complete the Prohibition era vibe. And when the curtains close, they double as a projection screen for what’s probably a Youtube playlist called “Fav Old Timey Burlesque Vids.” Adding to the mystique is the unique drink menu. Cocktail names are printed on individual tarot cards, each with fun names like Kimmy Gibbler Giblet (try saying that 10 times fast). " - John Ringor
"The Drifter, River North. In the Roaring Twenties, a green door at the front of a restaurant signified to rule breakers that there was a speakeasy inside. The Green Door Tavern’s secret bar has been closed for years - until recently. Behind a bookcase in the basement, you will find The Drifter - a club located in the only remaining speakeasy room from the twenties. Patrons will find classic cocktails and live performances that hearken back to days in Chicago when Capone ran the streets and the Everley sisters ran the sheets."
