Cocktail bar
Unclaimed profileAfter
Chicago, IL · $$$
Inebrious
Beverage Program Score
The editorial take
After is a cocktail bar that leans into creative mixology with a menu of classic and inventive drinks built on rare spirits and fine ingredients. Standouts like the Mushroom Penicillin and 24k Espresso Martini have drawn praise. The wine list spans regions, and local beers round out the program. Caviar service and a happy hour add context.
- What should I order?
- Start with the Tossing Peels, a mezcal-based pour with banana and tomatillo at $20. The Mushroom Penicillin and 24k Espresso Martini are also highlighted. For wine, try the G.D. Vajra Nebbiolo by the glass.
- Who will enjoy this place?
- Cocktail enthusiasts seeking creative, well-crafted drinks and rare spirits. Wine drinkers will find a diverse by-the-glass selection, and those who prefer local craft beer have options, including non-alcoholic choices.
- When should I go?
- Evenings are likely vibrant given the praised bartender service.
- What should I expect to spend?
- Cocktails range from $20 to $31, with the Tossing Peels at $20 and the A5 Vesper at $31. Wines by the glass cost $15 to $34, and bottles $60 to $136. Non-alcoholic drinks are modestly priced.
- What makes the beverage program distinctive?
- The bar pairs a playful cocktail menu with rare spirits and a strong wine list. Unusual ingredients like burrata, shio koji, and sal de gusano appear in drinks. Caviar service and a collaboration with chef Curtis Duffy add a high-end edge.
Beverage categories
We only score what a venue sets out to do. Categories a venue doesn't attempt are left unscored rather than penalized.
Cocktails
Creative, well-crafted cocktails with rare spirits and unusual ingredients. The 24k Espresso Martini is a notable standout.
Menu strengths
- — Creative and well-crafted cocktails with rare spirits and finest ingredients.
- — Specific drinks like Mushroom Penicillin and Smoked Melon receive high praise.
- — 24k Espresso Martini highlighted as rich and excellent.
Standout selections
- — Mushroom Penicillin - a creative twist on a classic, praised by customers.
- — 24k Espresso Martini - rich and excellent, a standout espresso cocktail.
- — Tossing Peels - mezcal, banana, tomatillo, and Jamaican rum, priced at $20.
- — A5 Vesper - priced at $31, a premium take on the classic.
Pricing: Cocktails range from $20 to $31, with Tossing Peels at $20 and A5 Vesper at $31.
Wine
Diverse wine list covering sparkling, white, red, and dessert wines from various regions. Offered by the glass and bottle, with reasonable pricing.
Menu strengths
- — Diverse selection including sparkling, white, red, and dessert wines.
Standout selections
- — Ayala 'Brut Majeur' Champagne - classic brut, $32 glass / $128 bottle.
- — G.D. Vajra 'Clare J.C' Nebbiolo - Piedmont red, $18 glass / $72 bottle.
Pricing: Wines range from $15 to $34 per glass; bottles $60 to $136.
Beer
Beer list features local and regional craft beers, including a collaboration with Marz Brewing. Non-alcoholic options are available.
Menu strengths
- — Features local breweries like Marz Brewing.; Includes non-alcoholic beer options.
Standout selections
- — Marz Kölsch - local craft lager.
- — 'Dark Fur' Winter IPA - collaboration with Marz Brewing.
Pricing: Chug Life Sparkling Lager priced at $8; other beer prices not listed.
Nonalcoholic
Standard non-alcoholic beverages including sparkling water, sodas, and juices, plus non-alcoholic beer. Limited to basic options, no mocktails.
Menu strengths
- — Variety of non-alcoholic beverages including water, soda, and juice.
Standout selections
- — Topo Chico - sparkling mineral water, $5.
- — Ginger Beer - 7 oz, $4.
Pricing: Topo Chico $5, Ginger Beer $4; other prices not listed.
Spirits
Rare spirits are featured across the cocktail menu, using a wide range of base spirits from gin to mezcal to bourbon. The focus is on quality and uniqueness.
Menu strengths
- — Cocktails utilize a wide range of spirits including gin, tequila, rum, vodka, mezcal, bourbon, and scotch.
Standout selections
- — Manhattan Project - Elijah Craig bourbon, peach vermouth, aged rum.
- — Burrata Colada - Diplomatico Planas rum, cantaloupe, burrata, tamarind, chamoy.
Pricing: No dedicated spirits pricing available; cocktails using spirits range from $20 to $31.
How it sits with the food
The food menu, featuring dishes by Chef Curtis Duffy, pairs well with the bar's eclectic cocktails and wine list. Caviar service suggests sparkling wine or a clean spirit-forward cocktail as a complement.
Inebrious does not score kitchens, food or the restaurant overall. We review the beverage program only.
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