Cocktail bar
Unclaimed profileArbella
Chicago, IL · $$$
Inebrious
Beverage Program Score
The editorial take
Arbella's cocktail menu leans into global flavors with drinks like 'cries in spanish' (mezcal, cacao, pasilla-cinnamon) and 'don’t be suspicious' (pesto-washed mezcal). Happy hour delivers a $6 cocktail of the day, half-off wine, and $10 martinis on Thursdays. A dedicated 'Spirit Free' section covers non-alcoholic drinkers, and THC-infused options add a novel twist. The bar's inventive approach and value-driven specials make it a noteworthy stop for cocktail enthusiasts.
- What should I order?
- Start with the 'cries in spanish' for a mezcal-forward kick, or the 'yes, honey' for a floral gin sour. For a sweet-tart option, the 'trankilo melon' balances tequila and pisco with watermelon and chile. Non-alcoholic drinkers should try 'secret window' with hibiscus and peach shrub.
- Who will enjoy this place?
- Cocktail enthusiasts seeking inventive, globally inspired drinks will find much to like. The happy hour deals attract value-conscious drinkers, while the 'Spirit Free' section and THC options broaden appeal. Whiskey fans can explore flights, and those who appreciate a lively bar scene will feel at home.
- When should I go?
- Late-night bites are available Tuesday-Saturday, making it a good spot for after-dinner drinks.
- What should I expect to spend?
- Cocktails run $13-$18, with happy hour specials as low as $6. Wines by the glass range $12-$20; bottles $55-$130. Beers are $7-$10, and non-alcoholic cocktails $13-$15. A 5% service charge is added to support operations.
- What makes the beverage program distinctive?
- The cocktail menu's global inventiveness stands out, with unusual ingredients like pesto-washed mezcal, pickled strawberry shrub, and chile de árbol. The 'Spirit Free' section is substantial, and the inclusion of THC-infused beverages adds a unique edge. Happy hour value is exceptional, especially the $6 cocktail of the day.
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
Inventive, globally inspired cocktails with a wide range of styles from old fashioneds to martinis. The menu's creativity and value-driven happy hour make it a standout.
Menu strengths
- — Inventive recipes with global influences, e.g., 'cries in spanish' with mezcal and pasilla-cinnamon.
- — Happy hour offers a $6 cocktail of the day, with specific mention of a watermelon lemon drop.
Standout selections
- — Cries in spanish – 400 Conejos reposado mezcal, crème de cacao, pasilla-cinnamon syrup, cherry and orange bitters ($18).
- — Don’t be suspicious – pesto-washed 400 Conejos mezcal, green Chartreuse, Gran Centenario tequila, fresh citrus ($18).
- — Yes, honey – Roku gin, rosewater cordial, lemon, pickled strawberry shrub, honey, egg white ($17).
Pricing: $13-$18; happy hour $6 cocktail of the day; select martinis $10 on Thursdays
Wine
Wine list includes sparkling and still options, with a focus on Champagne and international varieties. Happy hour offers half-off by-the-glass wines. The selection is concise but well-chosen, with notable bottles like Canard-Duchêne Brut and Perrier Jouet.
Menu strengths
- — Diverse selection including Champagne (Canard-Duchêne Brut, Perrier Jouet) and international varieties (Pinot Grigio, Nebbiolo).
- — Happy hour offers half-off wine by the glass, making it an accessible value.
Standout selections
- — Canard-Duchêne Brut – Champagne, France NV ($20 glass / $90 bottle).
- — Perrier Jouet Grand Brut – Champagne, France NV ($130 bottle).
- — Mirafiore Langhe Nebbiolo – Piedmont, Italy ($55 bottle).
Pricing: By-the-glass $12-$20; by-the-bottle $55-$130; half-off happy hour
Beer
Beer list covers domestic classics (Miller High Life, Miller Lite) and craft options (Neon Beer Hug IPA, Lost Coast Tangerine Wheat). Includes non-alcoholic and THC-infused beverages, broadening the appeal. No community feedback specific to beer.
Menu strengths
- — Variety of domestic and craft beers, from Miller High Life to Neon Beer Hug IPA.
- — Includes non-alcoholic options (Heineken Zero, Lagunitas Hoppy NA) and THC-infused beverages.
Standout selections
- — Neon Beer Hug IPA – 12 oz ($8).
- — Guinness Irish Dry Stout – 14.9 oz ($10).
Pricing: $7-$10
Nonalcoholic
Dedicated 'Spirit Free' section with four non-alcoholic cocktails, plus NA beer options. The cocktails are inventive, using ingredients like kombucha and non-alcoholic aperitifs. This is a strong offering for non-drinkers.
Menu strengths
- — Dedicated 'Spirit Free' section with creative non-alcoholic cocktails.
- — Includes non-alcoholic beer options (Heineken Zero, Lagunitas Hoppy NA).
Standout selections
- — Smoking kills – bubbly rose kombucha, ginger beer, lime, smoked ($15).
- — Secret window – Mionetto NA Aperitivo, hibiscus, lime, peachtree shrub ($13).
- — Stay breezy – Dhos Tequila Free, agave nectar, clarified watermelon and lime juice ($13).
Pricing: $13-$15 for cocktails; $7 for NA beer
Spirits
Spirits program is integrated into cocktails, with a focus on gin, whiskey, tequila, and mezcal. Premium brands like Roku Gin, 400 Conejos, and Dos Maderas are used.
Menu strengths
- — Extensive use of premium spirits in cocktails, including Roku Gin, 400 Conejos, and Dos Maderas.
Standout selections
- — 400 Conejos Reposado Mezcal – used in 'cries in spanish' and 'don’t be suspicious'.
Pricing: Not separately priced; integrated into cocktail menu
How it sits with the food
While the focus is on drinks, the cocktail menu's savory and spicy notes (e.g., 'cries in spanish' with pasilla-cinnamon, 'don’t be suspicious' with pesto) suggest they could pair with rich or spicy bar bites. The wine list's sparkling options (Canard-Duchêne Brut) are versatile for appetizers. Late-night bites are available, though details are limited.
Inebrious does not score kitchens, food or the restaurant overall. We review the beverage program only.
Community reviews
Anyone with a free Inebrious account can rate the drinks here. Community ratings are kept entirely separate from the Inebrious editorial score above.
No community reviews yet. Be the first to write one.