Cocktail bar
Unclaimed profileCara Cara Club
Chicago, IL · $$$
Inebrious
Beverage Program Score
The editorial take
Cara Cara Club is a tropical aperitivo and amaro bar with a cocktail menu of 25 signatures and 35 classics, from Negroni Classico to CCC Old Fashioned. Aperitivo Hour drops select drinks to $12. The wine list leans low-intervention, and the beer list includes a Middlebrow collaboration. Non-alcoholic options mirror the amaro theme with Phony Negroni and Amaro Falso.
- What should I order?
- Start with the Aperitivo Hour Spritz at $12, then move to the Negroni Classico or Vieux Carre, both $15. For a broader survey, the Flight of 3 at $20 lets you sample the amaro and aperitif-led spirits list.
- Who will enjoy this place?
- Amaro enthusiasts and cocktail drinkers who appreciate a deep classics list. The non-alcoholic selection also serves those seeking zero-proof versions of Negroni and amaro.
- What should I expect to spend?
- Signature and classic cocktails run $15, Aperitivo Hour drinks $12. Wine by the glass is $13–$16, bottles $65–$80. Beer is $3–$10, and non-alcoholic options $4–$12.
- What makes the beverage program distinctive?
- The bar brands itself as a tropical aperitivo and amaro bar, with a 60-drink cocktail list and a spirits program that highlights amari and aperitifs. A collaboration beer with Middlebrow Brewing adds a local touch.
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
A 60-drink cocktail list splits between 25 signatures and 35 classics, with amaro-forward drinks, spritzes, and aperitivos. Aperitivo Hour offers select cocktails at $12. A recent customer praised the cocktails as delicious and well-crafted.
Menu strengths
- — The list spans 25 signatures and 35 classics, offering serious range from Negroni Classico to CCC Old Fashioned.
- — Aperitivo Hour pricing at $12 encourages exploration of spritzes and aperitivo-style drinks.
Standout selections
- — Negroni Classico – $15; Vieux Carre – $15
Pricing: Signatures and classics $15; Aperitivo Hour $12
Wine
A compact but interesting wine list includes Txakolina, Rosé, Orange, Lambrusco, Fleurie, Nebbiolo, and Prosecco. Glass pours are reasonably priced, and bottle options offer value for the category.
Menu strengths
- — Selection includes low-intervention styles like Txakolina and Orange wine.
- — Bottle prices from $65 to $80 make sharing accessible.
Standout selections
- — Bixigu Txakolina – $15; Fleurie – $15; Nebbiolo – $16
Pricing: Glasses $13–$16; bottles $65–$80
Beer
Beer list runs from cheap classics like Hamm's and High Life to imports like Peroni and Guinness, plus a collaboration with Middlebrow Brewing. Prices are friendly, with most options under $10.
Menu strengths
- — Mix of affordable classics and craft options keeps the list approachable.
- — Collaboration beer with Middlebrow adds a local point of interest.
Standout selections
- — Middlebrow Bloc Party Cara Cara – $8; Guinness – $8
Pricing: $3–$10
Nonalcoholic
Non-alcoholic program includes zero-proof cocktails and spirits, with Phony Negroni and Amaro Falso echoing the bar's amaro theme. Prices are fair, topping out at $12.
Menu strengths
- — Offers creative zero-proof options that mirror the cocktail program's amaro focus.
- — Range from mixers at $5 to crafted alternatives at $12.
Standout selections
- — Phony Negroni – $12; Amaro Falso – $12
Pricing: $4–$12
Spirits
Spirits list spans amari, vermouth, sherry, scotch, tequila, and mezcal, with a Flight of 3 for sampling. Prices are reasonable, from $12 for Campari to $24 for Lagavulin 16.
Menu strengths
- — Focus on amari and aperitifs aligns with the bar's stated identity.
Standout selections
- — Flight of 3 – $20; Lagavulin 16 – $24
Pricing: Pours $12–$24; Flight of 3 $20
Community reviews
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