The Drifter
Bar · River North ·
Craft cocktails & live entertainment in a Prohibition-era speakeasy
Craft cocktails & live entertainment in a Prohibition-era speakeasy
"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
"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." - john ringor, adrian kane, nick allen, veda kilaru, sam faye
"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
"Pass through the longstanding, kitsch-filled The Green Door Tavern, and descend stairs to reach The Drifter, a cozy cocktail enclave that debuted inside an original Prohibition speakeasy space. Decorated with vintage artifacts that surround a long bar and performance stage, here one can sip a lengthy list of craft cocktails while watching juggling acts or burlesque performances." - Ashok Selvam
"Located underneath the century-old Green Door Tavern, The Drifter is a tiny dive-like speakeasy with Prohibition-era style, complete with burlesque performances on a small stage and an old American flag hanging above the bar. But expect a wait and a $7 cover before you enter using a door knob on a shelf full of tchotchkes. The drink menu adds to the mystique by changing every day, and cocktail names are printed on individual tarot cards. Is it kitschy? Yes. Does it make for an entertaining night with built-in conversation starters? Also yes." - veda kilaru, john ringor, nick allen