Cocktail bar
Unclaimed profileNine Bar
Chicago, IL · $$$
Inebrious
Beverage Program Score
The editorial take
Nine Bar's cocktail list leans into clarified technique and Asian flavors—lychee, yuzu, matcha, Chinese five spice—with prices from $13 to $17. The sake program is a genuine asset, and a dedicated non-alcoholic cocktail menu matches the ambition. Happy hour classics at $9 are a practical entry point. The wine list is a single white, so this is a cocktail-and-sake destination.
- What should I order?
- Start with the clarified Paradise Lost ($16), a rum blend with mango, ube, and Thai coconut milk. The Nine Bar Mai Tai ($17) is a house riff. Sake drinkers should try the Sho Chiku Bai Classic Junmai draft ($9). Non-alcoholic: the Hibiscus Gimlet ($12).
- Who will enjoy this place?
- Cocktail enthusiasts interested in clarified drinks and Asian-inspired ingredients. Sake fans will appreciate the by-the-glass range. Those seeking zero-proof options are well served. The speakeasy vibe and hidden entrance appeal to guests wanting a moody, immersive bar experience.
- When should I go?
- Evenings likely draw a crowd for the DJ sets and neon-lit atmosphere.
- What should I expect to spend?
- Cocktails $13-$17, sake $9-$15 per glass, soju bottle $20, beers $5-$8, non-alcoholic cocktails $12. Prices are tax-inclusive. Happy hour offers the best value.
- What makes the beverage program distinctive?
- The cocktail program is defined by clarified drinks and Asian ingredients—lychee, yuzu, matcha, Chinese five spice. A deep sake selection and a full non-alcoholic cocktail menu set it apart from typical cocktail bars. The speakeasy entrance and futuristic interior add to the identity.
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, Asian-inspired cocktails with clarified technique. Signature drinks like Paradise Lost and Nine Bar Mai Tai show ambition. Happy hour classics at $9 are a draw.
Menu strengths
- — Clarified cocktails (Paradise Lost, San Junipero) demonstrate advanced technique.
- — Asian ingredients (lychee, yuzu, matcha, five spice) create a distinctive profile.
- — Happy hour classics at $9 make the program accessible.
Standout selections
- — Paradise Lost – clarified rum blend, mango, ube, Thai coconut milk ($16)
- — Nine Bar Mai Tai – aged rum, Disaronno, persimmon, almond orgeat, citrus ($17)
- — Cheating Death – rye, Zucca Rabarbaro, Chinese five spice, umami bitters ($16)
Pricing: $13-$17; happy hour classics $9
Wine
Minimal wine program: one Italian white blend. Adequate for a cocktail bar but not a destination for wine drinkers.
Standout selections
- — Scarpetta Frico Bianco – light, crisp Italian white blend ($12)
Pricing: Single white blend at $12
Beer
Diverse selection from domestic light lagers to craft IPAs and cider. Non-alcoholic options available. Happy hour specials on Tsingtao and sake bombs.
Menu strengths
- — Non-alcoholic choices include Tsingtao 0.0 and Lagunitas Hoppy Refresher.
Standout selections
- — Asahi Draft – Japanese draft beer ($7)
- — War Pigs Foggy Geezer – IPA ($8)
- — Dovetail Hefeweizen – German-style hefeweizen ($8)
Pricing: $5-$8; happy hour Tsingtao $5
Nonalcoholic
Dedicated NA cocktail menu with creative options like Hibiscus Gimlet and Lychee Sour. Also offers NA beer, hop water, and CBD/THC seltzers.
Menu strengths
- — Four crafted NA cocktails, not just sodas.; Includes NA beer and seltzer alternatives.
Standout selections
- — Hibiscus Gimlet – Seedlip Spice 94, lime, sugar ($12)
- — Lychee Sour – Ritual gin alternative, lychee, lemon, Calpico ($12)
- — Tom Khalada – ginger aperitif, coconut milk, lemongrass, chili ($12)
Pricing: Non-alcoholic cocktails $12; NA beers/seltzers $6-$8
Spirits
Sake list is a highlight with diverse styles from draft junmai to nigori and yuzu. Soju available by bottle. Full spirits list via QR code adds depth.
Menu strengths
- — Sake selection spans multiple styles and price points.
- — Soju bottle option.; Cocktails showcase rum, gin, tequila, whisky, shochu.
Standout selections
- — Sho Chiku Bai Classic Junmai – draft sake ($9)
- — Momokawa Organic Nigori – cloudy, creamy ($13)
- — Joto Yuzu – bright, tart, juicy ($13)
Pricing: Sake $9-$15/glass; soju bottle $20
How it sits with the food
The menu includes Asian-inspired food, so cocktails like the Paradise Lost with mango and coconut can pair with spicy or rich dishes. The sake list offers clean, dry options that complement sushi or light fare. Non-alcoholic cocktails are designed to stand up to food as well.
Inebrious does not score kitchens, food or the restaurant overall. We review the beverage program only.
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