Cocktail bar
Unclaimed profileBokeh
Chicago, IL · $$$
Inebrious
Beverage Program Score
The editorial take
Bokeh is a craft cocktail bar with a focus on community, boasting an extensive spirits list and a bourbon collection of over 40 labels. Customers praise the inventive, well-balanced cocktails and knowledgeable staff. The wine list spans regions from Spain to Washington, and non-alcoholic options are thoughtful. A cozy, speakeasy-like atmosphere rounds out the experience.
- What should I order?
- Start with a margarita, which one reviewer found so delicious they had three. Explore the bourbon list for rare pours like Blanton's or Eagle Rare. For something lighter, try the Los Dos Cava Brut or The Vice Orange Gewurztraminer.
- Who will enjoy this place?
- Whiskey enthusiasts will appreciate the deep bourbon and rye selections. Cocktail fans seeking creative, well-balanced drinks and a welcoming neighborhood bar will feel at home. Those wanting non-alcoholic options will find a few thoughtful choices.
- When should I go?
- Evenings are ideal for enjoying the speakeasy vibe. The bar's cozy atmosphere suits a relaxed night out, and the nomination as Neighborhood Bar of the Year suggests it's a local favorite.
- What should I expect to spend?
- Spirits range from $4 to $70 per pour, with most craft cocktails likely in the $10-$15 range. Wines by the glass run $8-$15, beer $4-$8, and non-alcoholic drinks $3-$7.
- What makes the beverage program distinctive?
- Bokeh's standout is its extraordinary spirits list, especially the bourbon selection with over 40 options. The full alcohol list includes rare finds like Redbreast 27yr and Shibui 18yr, plus a diverse agave section.
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
Specific mentions include Pride-themed cocktails and margaritas, with one reviewer enjoying three margaritas. Staff are noted for excellent recommendations.
Menu strengths
- — Positive community feedback on cocktail quality and creativity
Standout selections
- — Pride-themed cocktails – praised by reviewers
- — Margaritas – one reviewer found them so delicious they had three
Pricing: No dedicated cocktail menu retrieved; spirits range from $4-$70, suggesting cocktails likely in the $10-$15 range.
Wine
Diverse wine list featuring sparkling, rosé, white, and red options from Spain, Italy, California, Washington, and France. Available by glass or bottle, with notable picks like the Vice Orange Gewurztraminer and Zenato Alanera.
Menu strengths
- — Diverse selection across multiple regions and styles; Offers both glass and bottle options
Standout selections
- — Los Dos Cava Brut – Catalonia, Spain NV, $8 glass / $32 bottle
- — The Vice Orange Gewurztraminer – California '23, $15 glass / $60 bottle
- — Zenato Alanera Red Blend – Italy '20, $15 glass / $60 bottle
Pricing: Wine by the glass $8-$15; bottles $32-$60.
Beer
Compact but varied beer list including a rotating draft, cider, and bottled options like Old Style, Spiteful Lager, Black Butte Porter, and Buckledown IPA. Includes a non-alcoholic beer option.
Menu strengths
- — Variety of styles including lager, porter, IPA, and cider
Standout selections
- — Draft Beer – rotating selection, $8
- — Buckledown Belt & Suspenders IPA – $7
Pricing: Beer $4-$8; draft beer $8.
Nonalcoholic
Offers a few non-alcoholic beverages including salted lemonade, sangrita, Mexican Coke, ginger beer, club soda, and a non-alcoholic beer. No zero-proof cocktails listed.
Standout selections
- — Five Corners Beverage Co. Salted Lemonade – $5
- — Deschutes Kernza Lager (N/A) – $7
Pricing: Non-alcoholic drinks $3-$7.
Spirits
Extensive spirits list covering all major categories, with a bourbon selection exceeding 40 options and rye over 15. Includes rare and high-end offerings.
Menu strengths
- — Very extensive and diverse spirits list; Includes rare and high-end offerings
- — Bourbon selection particularly large with over 40 options
Standout selections
- — Blanton's Bourbon – $11 / $21
- — Eagle Rare 10yr Single Barrel – $7 / $13
- — Michter's Rye Barrel Strength – $12 / $23
- — Casa Komos Anejo Tequila – $19 / $37
Pricing: Spirits range from $4 to $70 per pour; premium pours like Redbreast 27yr and Shibui 18yr at $70.
How it sits with the food
No food menu is available, but the bar's extensive spirits and wine list suggests it may focus on drinks alone. The non-alcoholic sangrita could complement a spirit tasting, and the wine selection offers food-friendly options like the Zenato Alanera Red Blend.
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.