Cocktail bar
Unclaimed profileBordel
Chicago, IL · $$$
Inebrious
Beverage Program Score
The editorial take
Bordel fuses cabaret with craft cocktails, championing the World Famous Spanish Coffee and the cocktail porrón. The menu plays with unusual ingredients—Greek yogurt, MSG, pandan—while a dedicated spirit-free section offers creative alternatives. A small wine list and two beers round out the program, but the cocktails are the main event.
- What should I order?
- Start with the World Famous Spanish Coffee—Grand Marnier, overproof rum, coffee, whipped cream, burnt cinnamon—then try the Award Winning Margarita with chipotle, raspberry, and jasmine. For groups, the cocktail porrón is a shareable spectacle.
- Who will enjoy this place?
- Cocktail enthusiasts seeking theatrical presentation and adventurous flavor combinations will find much to like. The dark, Parisian-inspired setting appeals to those looking for a moody, immersive night out. Spirit-free drinkers are also well served by the dedicated non-alcoholic menu.
- When should I go?
- Evenings when cabaret performances are scheduled offer the full experience, though the bar itself is worth a visit any night. The speakeasy vibe intensifies after dark.
- What should I expect to spend?
- Cocktails are around $16, with the signature Spanish Coffee at that price. Wine by the glass runs $14-$16, bottles $56-$64. Beers are $5-$8, and non-alcoholic cocktails are $11.
- What makes the beverage program distinctive?
- Bordel claims to be the originator of the cocktail porrón and the World Famous Spanish Coffee, blending performance art, live music, and cocktails. The hidden entrance and Parisian-inspired decor add to its speakeasy mystique.
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, often theatrical cocktails with unique ingredients. Signature drinks like the Spanish Coffee and porrón are distinctive.
Menu strengths
- — Inventive recipes featuring unexpected ingredients like Greek yogurt, MSG, and pandan.
- — Signature World Famous Spanish Coffee and Award Winning Margarita are standout offerings.
- — Cocktail porrón for groups is a distinctive, shareable option.
Standout selections
- — World Famous Spanish Coffee: Grand Marnier, overproof rum, hot coffee, whipped cream, burnt cinnamon.
- — Award Winning Margarita: tequila, Cointreau, chipotle, raspberry, jasmine, lime acids.
- — Sidecar: cognac, Cointreau, yuzu, ginger, sesame, MSG, citrus.
Pricing: World Famous Spanish Coffee $16; other cocktails not all priced.
Wine
Small but quality-focused wine list featuring California and Spanish producers. Offers both glass and bottle options, though limited to four wines on the house cocktails page.
Menu strengths
- — Ipso Facto wines from California and Caves Naveran from Spain add regional variety.
Standout selections
- — Ipso Facto 'Maybe It's Good News' 2023 Chardonnay (Edna Valley, CA) - $16 glass / $64 bottle.
- — Caves Naveran Brut 2017 Xarel-lo blend (Penedès) - $14 glass / $56 bottle.
Pricing: Glasses $14-$16; bottles $56-$64.
Beer
Two straightforward options: a Spanish import and a classic. Limited selection, but reasonably priced.
Menu strengths
- — Includes local favorite Old Style and Spanish import Estrella Galicia.
Standout selections
- — Estrella Galicia - crisp Spanish lager, $8.
- — Old Style - classic lager, $5.
Pricing: Estrella Galicia $8; Old Style $5.
Nonalcoholic
Dedicated spirit-free section with creative mocktails and a non-alcoholic sparkling wine. Shows commitment to inclusive drinking options.
Menu strengths
- — Creative non-alcoholic cocktails like Junglebird and Mango Margarita.
- — Includes Noughty sparkling wine for a celebratory option.
Standout selections
- — Junglebird: spirit-free Italian apertivo, pineapple, tropical spiced demerara, citrus, $11.
- — Mango Margarita: spirit-free agave, mango, habanero, chamoy, lime.
- — Noughty Sparkling Wine: non-alcoholic sparkling, $11 glass / $44 bottle.
Pricing: Junglebird $11; Noughty Sparkling $11 glass / $44 bottle.
Spirits
Spirits are integral to the cocktail program, with a wide range including vodka, rum, whiskey, cognac, and tequila used in creative recipes.
Menu strengths
- — Diverse spirit base across cocktails.; High-quality ingredients evident in cocktail descriptions.
Standout selections
- — Michael Banana Taxy Daiquiri: overproof Barbados rum, oloroso sherry, allspice, banana, citrus, nutmeg.
Pricing: No dedicated spirits list or pricing available.
How it sits with the food
Late-night dining from Mama Delia is available, providing a food component that can complement the cocktail program, though specific pairings are not detailed on the house cocktails page.
Inebrious does not score kitchens, food or the restaurant overall. We review the beverage program only.
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