Cocktail bar
Unclaimed profileLemon
Chicago, IL · $$$
Inebrious
Beverage Program Score
The editorial take
Lemon is a come-as-you-are cocktail bar and show space with a serious classic cocktail list and a deep spirits collection. Classics like the Mai Tai and Old Cuban sit alongside seasonally driven originals, while the spirits list reaches from affordable pours to rare Japanese whiskies. A 5% surcharge supports team health and artists, and happy hour offers $2 beer.
- What should I order?
- Start with the 50/50 Martini with house dry vermouth and orange bitters, or the Sazerac with rye, cognac, and absinthe. For a splurge, try Yamazaki 18 or Hakushu 18. Pair a Paloma with a mezcal pour like El Jolgorio Tobaziche.
- Who will enjoy this place?
- Cocktail purists who appreciate meticulously executed classics, and spirits enthusiasts seeking rare whiskies and agave. The venue's creative, artsy atmosphere also suits those looking for a unique night out.
- When should I go?
- Happy hour from 4 to 6 offers $2 beer and the Industry Standard combo, a good time for a casual drink. Weekend nights feature live jazz music, though a cover may apply.
- What should I expect to spend?
- Cocktails are $14.70 to $17.85, with a 5% surcharge. Spirits pours range from $6 to $150; rare Japanese whiskies are $75 per ounce. Happy hour beer is $2, and the Industry Standard is $4.
- What makes the beverage program distinctive?
- A classic cocktail menu executed with precision, an extensive spirits list including rare Japanese whiskies, and a notable 5% charge that directly funds team health benefits and artist support. The venue also functions as a music and art space.
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
An extensive list of classic cocktails, from Mai Tai to Sazerac, with seasonally driven originals. Prices are moderate for the quality.
Menu strengths
- — Classic cocktail list with creative variations; Seasonally driven originals highlighted on website
Standout selections
- — Mai Tai: White rum, lime, orgeat, dry curacao, black strap rum ($14.70)
- — Sazerac: Rye whiskey, cognac, demerara syrup, creole bitters, absinthe ($15.75)
- — Penicillin: Islay scotch blend, honey syrup, lemon, ginger ($17.85)
Pricing: Cocktails range from $14.70 to $17.85, with a 5% surcharge.
Wine
Wine program is limited but includes a house sparkling wine and a selection of sherries and ports, offering interesting fortified options at accessible prices.
Menu strengths
- — Selection of sherries and ports; Affordable sparkling wine
Standout selections
- — Manuel Aragón Palomino Fino sherry ($7-$14)
Pricing: Sparkling wine $8/glass; sherries and ports $7-$14 per 1-2 oz pour.
Beer
Beer program is minimal, focusing on cheap beer during happy hour and a beer-and-shot combo. No specific brands listed, but the value is strong.
Menu strengths
- — Affordable happy hour beer; Industry Standard combo offers value
Standout selections
- — Cheap beer ($2 during happy hour)
- — Industry Standard: cheap beer + house whiskey ($4)
Pricing: Cheap beer $2 during happy hour; Industry Standard (beer + whiskey) $4.
Spirits
An extensive and diverse spirits list spanning gin, agave, whiskey, rum, amari, absinthe, and more, with rare high-end offerings like Yamazaki 18 and Fortaleza Winter Blend.
Menu strengths
- — Very extensive and diverse selection; Includes rare and high-end offerings
Standout selections
- — Yamazaki 18 Japanese whisky ($75/oz); Hakushu 18 Japanese whisky ($75/oz)
- — Fortaleza Winter Blend tequila ($31/oz); El Jolgorio Mezcal Tobaziche ($25/oz)
Pricing: Spirits range from $6 to $150 per 1 oz pour; rare Japanese whiskies at $75 per oz.
How it sits with the food
Food options are not detailed, but the cocktail program's classic structure suggests pairing the Old Cuban with light bites, or a Sazerac with rich, savory fare. Sherries and ports could complement cheese or dessert.
Inebrious does not score kitchens, food or the restaurant overall. We review the beverage program only.
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