Cocktail bar
Unclaimed profileBilly Sunday
Chicago, IL · $$$
Inebrious
Beverage Program Score
The editorial take
Billy Sunday's cocktail program is a study in creative range, from the Billy Sunday Old Fashioned to the clarified Orange Chicken milk punch. Vintage pours like the Vieux Carre and Pink Squirrel command premium prices, while daily happy hour offers accessible value. A deep spirits list with rare one-ounce pours anchors the back bar, and house sodas and NA beers round out the experience.
- What should I order?
- Start with the Billy Sunday Old Fashioned, a bourbon blend with Rabarbaro and orange oil. For something adventurous, the Orange Chicken milk punch or the Records & Tapes dessert cocktail. Vintage enthusiasts should consider the Vintage Vieux Carre at $55. Happy hour features Fernet at $5.
- Who will enjoy this place?
- Cocktail enthusiasts seeking creative and well-executed drinks will find much to appreciate. The vintage cocktail program and rare spirits will appeal to connoisseurs. The daily happy hour and approachable house sodas make it accessible for a broader crowd.
- When should I go?
- Evenings are likely lively given the cocktail focus.
- What should I expect to spend?
- Cocktails range from $14 for the CapriSunday to $55 for vintage pours. Rare spirits are priced per ounce, from $25 to $280. House sodas and NA beers are $7. Wines by the glass are $12-$14.
- What makes the beverage program distinctive?
- A vintage cocktail program with rare ingredients, including a 1970s Strega and 1980s Gambarotta, sets this bar apart. The deep spirits list features ultra-rare pours like Parker's Heritage 24 Year and Charbay Hop Whiskey. House-made sodas and clarified milk punches show technical ambition.
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 and extensive cocktail menu with signature drinks, vintage selections, and house specialties. Happy hour provides value.
Menu strengths
- — Wide range of creative cocktails, from the Billy Sunday Old Fashioned to the Orange Chicken milk punch.
- — Vintage cocktail program with rare ingredients like 1970s Strega and 1980s Gambarotta.
Standout selections
- — Billy Sunday Old Fashioned: bourbon blend, Rabarbaro, golden syrup, orange oil.
- — Vintage Vieux Carre: Willett 7 Year Rye, L'Encantada 25 Year Armagnac, 1970s Strega, sweet vermouth, blended bitters ($55).
- — Orange Chicken: Meletti anisette, walnut honey, dates, sesame oil, clarified milk.
- — Records & Tapes: rye, blackstrap, Czech amaro, house sarsaparilla, brown sugar, peach ice cream.
Pricing: Cocktails range from $14 (CapriSunday) to $55 (Vintage Vieux Carre). Happy hour includes Fernet at $5.
Wine
Small but curated wine list with diverse selections including Prosecco, Gewürztraminer/Marquette, Vinho Verde, and Grenache/Zinfandel. Priced reasonably by the glass.
Menu strengths
- — Curated selection with regional variety from Italy, Michigan/Portugal, and California.
Standout selections
- — Indigenous Prosecco: Prosecco, Italy, $12/glass.; Populis Reversée: Grenache/Zinfandel, California, $14/glass.
Pricing: Indigenous Prosecco $12/glass, Populis Reversée $14/glass.
Beer
Beer list features local breweries and international options, including a mix of styles from wheat ale to sour red ale. No prices provided.
Menu strengths
- — Diverse styles from American wheat ale to barrel-aged sour.
Standout selections
- — Gumballhead: American wheat ale from 3 Floyds, Munster, IN.
- — Duchesse: barrel-aged sour red ale from Verhaeghe, Belgium.
Pricing: No beer prices listed on the menu.
Nonalcoholic
Offers a variety of house-made non-alcoholic drinks, including fermented sodas, NA beers, and a Kyoto cold brew. Creative options like Lupine Lady and Italian Cream Soda.
Menu strengths
- — Creative non-alcoholic cocktails like Lupine Lady and Italian Cream Soda.
Standout selections
- — House Fermented Sodas: flavors include Lemon Lime, Grape, Dr. Billy, Cherry, Watermelon, Orange, Mystery or Sasparilla ($7).
- — Lupine Lady: lavender and thyme infused verjus, lime, mint, basil, sparkling water.
Pricing: House fermented sodas and NA beers $7 each.
Spirits
Deep and diverse spirits list with rare and vintage offerings, including bourbon, rye, mezcal, rum, and more. Many available as 1 oz pours.
Menu strengths
- — Offers 1 oz pours, allowing sampling of high-end bottles.
- — Includes notable producers like Willett, Parker's Heritage, and Hampden Estate.
Standout selections
- — Parker's Heritage 24 Year: 1 oz pour, $75.
- — Mic Drop 8 Year 2018: 1 oz pour, $200.
- — Charbay Release 3 Hop Whiskey: 1 oz pour, $280.
- — Fortaleza Winter Blend 2021: 1 oz pour, $25.
Pricing: Rare spirits priced per 1 oz pour, from $25 (Fortaleza Winter Blend) to $280 (Charbay Hop Whiskey).
How it sits with the food
The beer selection includes local options that would complement casual fare.
Inebrious does not score kitchens, food or the restaurant overall. We review the beverage program only.
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