Chicagoans LOVE a great cozy restaurant or bar, bonus points if there is a fireplace. When a place has that cozy atmosphere, the night can turn magical. It is dark, warm, drinks are stiff and it just feels like a hug. The perfect distraction to whatever Mother Nature has brewing this winter. Head to one of the cozy cocktail bars this winter to warm up and melt away that numbness in your fingers and toes.
Cozy Chicago Suburb Cocktail Bars
Turf Room – North Aurora
Book a resy in their enclosed patio with fireplaces, and you will not be disappointed. The Turf Room just oozes a cozy atmosphere. Whether it is a romantic date night, GNO, or any occasion Turf Room is the place. With it’s dark ambiance, and intensive wine and martini list, this is the place if you are looking to escape the winter snow.
Bevs – Naperville
A fine dining liquor pop up bar in the heart of Downtown Naperville, definitely check this one out this winter while it is here. It’s midcentury modern vibes with upscale craft libations is a great spot for a nightcap. I recently had their Days Gone Chai cocktail – which is basically a chai espresso martini, and it made all my winter blues go away. I am dying to go back to eat too because their menu looks divine!
Geneva Winery – Geneva
Of all the place to drink wine in Geneva, Geneva Winery is my favorite. Whether you are cuddling up in their rustic tasting room, or braving the elements and sipping on wine in one of their igloos – I guarantee the wine will be tasty and the times will be good.
Barrel + Rye – Geneva
Another cozy gem in downtown Geneva is Barrel + Rye. Don’t get me wrong you can get a cocktail anywhere in Downtown Geneva and be happy and feel cozy, but this one you do not want to skip. With the cocktail of the month being “My Neck My Back” – belle Meade bourbon, aperol, elderflower, and lemon juice, they have some of the most creative cocktails on the block. Come for the cocktails, but stay for the food.
The Lilac League – Lombard
Craft cocktails, thoughtfully selected beer and wine plus seasonal snacks in a cozy historic setting smack dab in the heart of downtown Lombard. What more could you want in a cozy cocktail bar. People RAVE about this place and the reviews are super good. What was the Lilac League? The Lombard Lilac League was organized in April, 1929 to encourage the planting and culture of lilacs in the village of Lombard and to organize a traditional May Festival.
Club Arcada – St. Charles
What better way to warm up from the snow, than transform yourself back in time to a 1920’s speakeasy? Enter Club Arcada and instantly time travel back to the time of flappers and prohibition. However the cocktails will be flowing, music will be playing, and bring your dancing shoes because there will be dancing.
Maize & Mash – Glenn Ellyn
This American Bistro is known in town for their whiskey list. If you are a whiskey fan I definitely recommend checking this one out. Nothing warms up your insides more than a little whiskey. Even if you aren’t a whiskey fan (me!), their cocktails look extremely good too!
Common Good Cocktail House – Glenn Ellyn
Common Good is a cocktail house in the heart of Glen Ellyn, Illinois. They specialize in modern, classic, upscale, seasonal and sometimes whimsical cocktails using fun techniques in a beautiful but low-key, friendly environment. They even have a few hot cocktails on their menu to ensure you will be nice and toasty!
Santo Cielo – Naperville
Rooftops aren’t only for the city folk. At Santo Cielo you will find a globally inspired kitchen, unique libations, captivating sounds, and breathtaking vistas. Looking over downtown Naperville, on the rooftop of Hotel Indigo, this snazzy establishment will make you forget about the negative degree weather outside below. Not only are their cocktails great, but their menu is just as special.
French 75 – Aurora
If we have the bear this nasty weather, can’t we at least be in Paris? Take a trip to the City of Lights and check out French 75 in Aurora. French 75 is a fine art gallery and cocktail lounge combined. It is a place for creatives and art enthusiasts as well as for those who can appreciate the art of the bar. Showcasing painters from around the country and provide an elegant yet relaxed viewing atmosphere. Just like the art on the walls, the cocktails are original. French 75 is a place to inspire and to be inspired! This is a total hidden gem of downtown Aurora that you need to check out ASAP!
Mockingbird Bar & Garden – East Dundee
Back by popular demand are their igloo style nests. These cozy beauties are heated and designed for privacy, safety and fun. Grab your besties and lounge on soft seating and enjoy cocktails and small plates in the Boho Nest. They just look like the definition of cozy! Sign me up!
Crusade Burger Bar – Yorkville
Burgers, shakes and rock n roll. This isn’t your normal cozy cocktail bar. It is a burger joint that serves massive (adult) milkshakes. Who doesn’t love a little ice cream in the winter? Also with a great selection of craft beers, this is one joint you do not want to overlook.
The Foxtail – Downers Grove
The aesthetics of The Foxtail are worthy all year round, but it’s bright and airy vibes makes it the perfect winter escape for a yummy cocktail. All of the greenery will make the gray and dreary outside temporarily go away. Their sparkling cocktails are my favorites!
Evolet Eve – Warrenville
A recent neighborhood favorite of mine. I just adore the owner. She is the sweetest, funniest lady and will make sure every time you stop by you are in for a treat! The vibes are so cozy with a fireplace, plush chairs, and game boards to play during your visit. They also host a ton of fun events that you need to check out!
Hardware – North Aurora
Hardware is a sustainable gastropub and brewery. With over 450 whiskeys from around the world, Hardware’s specialty is definitely brown liquor. They also have their own 1.5 acre on-property hop farm for their beer. The dark rustic vibes definitely give off the cozy vibes. But be sure to check out their awesome patio during the warmer months!
Where is your favorite place to grab a cozy cocktail during the winter??
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