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The Alderman, Chicago, IL

The Alderman

4.9 (231)
$30 and under
Cocktail Bar
1163 W 18th St, Chicago, IL 60608-2355

Make a reservation

2 people
7:00 PM
Booked 12 times today

About this restaurant

  • Great for creative cocktails
  • Charming
  • Neighborhood gem
Winner of the 2022 Jean Banchet Award for Best Bar, THE ALDERMAN is an intimate, 16-seat cocktail bar tucked away, behind closed doors, within Pilsen Yards. The cocktail list rotates some of its original cocktail features, while the twists on American classics are staples of the cocktail list.

With a plush velvet banquette and a 4-seat counter, it’s the perfect room for a night cap, a date, or a casual evening of one to several astonishingly good cocktails.

Additional information

  • Dining style
    Casual Dining
  • Price
    $30 and under
  • Cuisines
    Cocktail Bar
  • Hours of operation
    Wed, Thu 4:30 pm–11:00 pm Fri 4:00 pm–11:00 pm Sat 3:00 pm–11:00 pm Sun 3:00 pm–9:00 pm
  • Phone number
  • Payment options
    AMEX, Discover, Mastercard, Visa
  • Dress code
    Casual Dress
  • Neighborhood
    Pilsen
  • Cross street
    Racine
  • Parking details
    Valet or Street Parking Available
  • Public transit
    18th St Pink Line
  • Additional
    Bar/Lounge, Beer, Cocktails, Full Bar, Late Night, Private Room, Wine

What 231 people are saying

The Alderman reviews from people who’ve dined at this restaurant. Based on recent rating.

Overall ratings and reviews

Reviews can only be made by diners who have eaten at this restaurant

4.9
4.9 based on recent ratings
  • 4.4Food
  • 4.9Service
  • 4.8Ambience
  • 4.6Value

NoiseModerate

Loved For

  • Chicago / Illinois

    Best Overall

  • Chicago / Illinois

    Lively

  • Chicago / Illinois

    Cocktail Bar

  • Chicago

    Best Overall

  • Chicago

    Best Ambiance

  • Chicago

    Lively

  • Chicago

    Cocktail Bar

Review summary

AI-generated from verified diner reviews
The Alderman is a "hidden gem" in Chicago's Pilsen neighborhood, offering an intimate and cozy speakeasy vibe. Guests rave about "inventive and creative cocktails" and the "amazing service" provided by knowledgeable bartenders like Roger and Charlie. Perfect for date nights, it's praised for its "perfect ambiance" and "delicious" drinks.

231 Reviews
  1. Grace

    Atlanta1 review

    1.0

    Dined 5 days ago

    1. Overall 1
    2. Food 1
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 3
    The drinks were not worth the price. Super watery and not much flavor.

    Is this helpful?

  2. Emily

    Chicago2 reviews

    5.0

    Dined on April 20, 2025

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Some of the best drinks we’ve ever had, and we love a cocktail bar.

    Is this helpful?

  3. Timothy

    Los Angeles5 reviews

    5.0

    Dined on April 5, 2025

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    The best bar I’ve been to in Chicago—it’s a must! The drinks are inventive and expertly crafted—and delicious.

    Is this helpful?

  4. Jessica VIP

    San Diego2 reviews

    5.0

    Dined on March 31, 2025

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Amazing bartender and amazing drinks. Definitely a must!

    Is this helpful?

  5. Shannon VIP

    New York City44 reviews

    5.0

    Dined on March 29, 2025

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Plum daiquiri was perfection. The space is very intimate and the vibes are perfect. I absolutely loved the drinks and the service!!!

    1 person found this helpful

  6. OpenTable Diner VIP

    Chicago1 review

    5.0

    Dined on March 2, 2025

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Roger and Charlie went above and beyond to make our experience at the Alderman special. The emphasis on delicious craft cocktails and the overall vibe really makes The Alderman a stand-out program. Will absolutely be back.

    1 person found this helpful

  7. Jorge

    Chicago8 reviews

    4.0

    Dined on February 22, 2025

    1. Overall 4
    2. Food 4
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 4
    Great experience, a bit more secluded and with a sense a classic style.

    Is this helpful?

  8. Emmanuel

    Chicago1 review

    5.0

    Dined on February 15, 2025

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Very nice intimate place for drinks. Perfect for a date night. All of their drinks are top notch and very well crafted. Their classic cocktails are great but their seasonal cocktails are what make this place a must-try. Their service is also above and beyond. The staff is very friendly and accommodating. One of them went out of his way to make something off menu.

    1 person found this helpful

  9. Kristine

    Chicago6 reviews

    5.0

    Dined on February 14, 2025

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Took my girlfriend for some drinks at the Alderman and we loved the romantic ambiance and the intimacy of the bar! Drinks were fantastic and my only regret was not trying every drink on there.

    1 person found this helpful

  10. Robin

    Los Angeles2 reviews

    5.0

    Dined on February 14, 2025

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 1
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    This place is definitely a hidden gem. Charlie and Roger were on point. Strong drinks and absolutely great atmosphere!

    Is this helpful?

FAQs

The Alderman is rated 4.9 stars by 231 OpenTable diners.

Yes, you can generally book this restaurant by choosing the date, time and party size on OpenTable.

  1. Home
  2. United States
  3. Chicago / Illinois
  4. Chicago
  5. Pilsen

Make a reservation

2 people
7:00 PM
Booked 12 times today
Google Map for The Alderman

1163 W 18th St, Chicago, IL 60608-2355

Additional information

  • Cross street
    Racine
  • Neighborhood
    Pilsen
  • Hours of operation
    Wed, Thu 4:30 pm–11:00 pm Fri 4:00 pm–11:00 pm Sat 3:00 pm–11:00 pm Sun 3:00 pm–9:00 pm
  • Price
    $30 and under
  • Cuisines
    Cocktail Bar
  • Dining style
    Casual Dining
  • Dress code
    Casual Dress
  • Parking details
    Valet or Street Parking Available
  • Public transit
    18th St Pink Line
  • Payment options
    AMEX, Discover, Mastercard, Visa
  • Additional
    Bar/Lounge, Beer, Cocktails, Full Bar, Late Night, Private Room, Wine
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