Cocktail bar
Unclaimed profileBest Intentions
Chicago, IL · $$$
Inebrious
Beverage Program Score
The editorial take
Best Intentions keeps its cocktail program refreshingly unpretentious, with drinks around $10 that earn consistent praise for quality. The bar's signature move is Angostura bitters on tap, served as a $5 shot. Bartender Ricky has drawn notice for specialty creations. It's a quirky, laid-back spot where generous pours are the norm, even if they occasionally threaten to spill.
- What should I order?
- Order the Angostura bitters on tap for a bitter, saffron-forward shot that's a genuine conversation piece. For cocktails, trust the bartender—Ricky's specialty creations have impressed reviewers. Expect prices around $10, making it easy to sample a few.
- Who will enjoy this place?
- Drinkers who appreciate a no-frills atmosphere with serious cocktail quality will feel at home. Fans of unique spirits and those who enjoy a quirky, laid-back vibe will find plenty to like. Budget-conscious cocktail enthusiasts will appreciate the dive bar prices.
- When should I go?
- Evenings are likely the best time to experience the full bar program, when the quirky ambiance and laid-back vibe are in full swing. The bar's character suggests a casual after-work stop or a late-night hangout.
- What should I expect to spend?
- Cocktails run about $10, keeping the experience affordable. The Angostura bitters on tap is a bargain at $5.
- What makes the beverage program distinctive?
- The Angostura bitters on tap is a rare find, delivering a bitter saffron spirit that's as unusual as it is affordable. Combined with a bartender known for creative specialty cocktails and a price point that undercuts most cocktail bars, Best Intentions offers a distinctive, value-driven experience.
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
The cocktail program earns high marks for quality and value. Reviews describe the drinks as 'fantastic' and 'ridiculously good.' A standout bartender, Ricky, creates specialty cocktails that have impressed patrons. Generous pours are common, though some find them overly full.
Menu strengths
- — Cocktails are praised as fantastic and affordable, maintaining a dive bar price point.
- — Bartender Ricky is highlighted for creating specialty cocktails that impressed a reviewer.
Standout selections
- — Specialty cocktails crafted by bartender Ricky, praised for impressing reviewers.
- — Generously poured cocktails that some patrons describe as filled to the brim.
Pricing: Around $10 per cocktail
Spirits
The spirits program is defined by its unique offering of Angostura bitters on tap, a bitter saffron spirit served as a $5 shot. This distinctive pour adds character and value, though the broader spirits selection remains undocumented.
Menu strengths
- — Unique offering of Angostura bitters on tap, a bitter saffron spirit.
Standout selections
- — Angostura bitters on tap, a bitter saffron spirit served as a $5 shot.
Pricing: Angostura bitters on tap is $5 per shot
How it sits with the food
No food menu is documented, but the cocktail program's bold, bitter flavors could pair well with rich, savory snacks if available. The Angostura bitters on tap might complement sharp cheeses or charcuterie.
Inebrious does not score kitchens, food or the restaurant overall. We review the beverage program only.
Community reviews
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