Cocktail bar
Unclaimed profileNobody's Darling
Chicago, IL · $$$
Inebrious
Beverage Program Score
The editorial take
Nobody's Darling is a cocktail bar that earned a James Beard Award Finalist nod in 2022 for Outstanding Bar Program. The cocktail menu is split into Darling Classics at $14 and Featured Darlings at $15, offering elevated takes on familiar drinks plus low-ABV and non-alcoholic options. Wine, beer, and spirits round out the program, with a notable high-end spirits list. Customers praise the cocktails as great and impeccable, and the bar's POC- and woman-owned status adds context to its distinctive identity.
- What should I order?
- Start with the Black Wall Street, a rye-based classic with amaro and chocolate liqueur, or the La Isla Libre for a mezcal-driven tropical. For a lighter option, the Kiki Spritz or Southside Lychee Martini 2.0 fit the bill. Non-alcoholic drinkers can try the Mai No Tai or Say Less.
- Who will enjoy this place?
- Cocktail enthusiasts seeking creative, well-executed classics will feel at home. The James Beard recognition signals serious craft, while the low-ABV and non-alcoholic options make it accessible for those moderating. Spirits collectors will appreciate the premium pour list, including Yamazaki 12 and Johnnie Walker Blue.
- When should I go?
- Evenings are likely the prime time to experience the full cocktail program. Happy hour specials are offered on multiple days, with times varying by day, so checking the schedule can yield a deal. The bar's focus on cocktails suggests a lively after-work or late-night crowd.
- What should I expect to spend?
- Cocktails run $14-$15, with low-ABV and non-alcoholic versions at $12. Wine by the glass is $12-$16, beer $7-$11, and premium spirits pours range from $7 to $87. A night out with a few rounds will likely land in the moderate-to-upper range, especially if you explore the spirits list.
- What makes the beverage program distinctive?
- A 2022 James Beard Award Finalist for Outstanding Bar Program, Nobody's Darling pairs elevated classics with a thoughtful low-ABV and non-alcoholic program. The menu's flavor descriptors—'rich + bold + decadent' and 'light + refreshing + spice'—signal intention. The bar is also POC- and woman-owned, adding a layer of identity that resonates beyond the drinks.
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 James Beard Award Finalist program with a two-tier menu of elevated classics and creative signatures. Flavor profiles are clearly articulated, and low-ABV options are integrated rather than an afterthought.
Menu strengths
- — James Beard Award Finalist for Outstanding Bar Program (2022)
Standout selections
- — Black Wall Street – Milam & Greene Rye, Amaro Abano, Brovo Chocolate Liqueur, Angostura & Mole Bitters ($15)
- — La Isla Libre – Del Maguey Mezcal, Amaro Nonino, papaya, pineapple, lime ($15)
- — Kiki Spritz – Aperol, strawberry, lemon, sparkling rosé ($15)
Pricing: Darling Classics $14; Featured Darlings $15; low/no ABV $12
Wine
A compact but serviceable list covering white, red, sparkling, and rosé. Prices are reasonable, with most glasses under $15. Notable for including a Prosecco Superiore and a few interesting producers like Maison Noir and Black Girl Magic.
Menu strengths
- — Diverse selection including sparkling and rosé; Reasonable pricing for wine by the glass
Standout selections
- — LoveLuvv Prosecco Superiore DOCG, Italy ($14)
- — Pinot Noir, Maison Noir Other People, OR 2023 ($13)
- — Riesling, Black Girl Magic, CA 2022 ($12)
Pricing: Wines by the glass $12-$16
Beer
A short list with local rotating options from Funkytown Brewery, Moody Tongue, and Marz Community Brewing Co. Includes a few standards like Miller Light and Modelo, plus two non-alcoholic choices. Prices are fair, but the selection is not extensive.
Menu strengths
- — Includes local brewery selections and rotating options; Offers non-alcoholic beer choices
Standout selections
- — Funkytown Brewery, Hip Hop and R&Brew APA ($8)
- — Athletic Brewing Upside Dawn NA Golden Ale ($8)
Pricing: Beers $7-$11; NA beers $8
Nonalcoholic
A dedicated non-alcoholic cocktail section with two creative options, plus NA beers, CBD seltzers, and THC seltzers. The NA cocktails are priced on par with low-ABV drinks, showing commitment to the category. No community feedback specifically, but the breadth is commendable.
Menu strengths
- — Variety of NA options including beers and seltzers
Standout selections
- — Mai No Tai – Ritual NA Rum, DHOS Orange Liqueur, Orgeat, Lime ($12)
- — Say Less – DHOS Tequila, DHOS Orange Liqueur, Agave, Hibiscus Grenadine Syrup, Lime ($12)
- — Find Wunder Sessions Blackberry Lemon THC Seltzer ($12)
Pricing: NA cocktails $12; NA beers $8; CBD/THC seltzers $10-$12
Spirits
A high-end spirits list featuring bourbon, rye, scotch, Japanese whisky, and tequila. Prices range from accessible to premium, with pours like Yamazaki 12 at $42 and Johnnie Walker Blue at $43. The list is partially documented but clearly aims for depth.
Menu strengths
- — Extensive high-end spirits selection; Includes rare and premium offerings
Standout selections
- — Yamazaki 12 Year Japanese Whisky ($42)
- — Booker's The Reserves Batch 2024 Bourbon ($26)
Pricing: Spirits by the pour $7-$87
How it sits with the food
While the bar does not appear to feature a kitchen, the cocktail menu's bold flavors—such as the chocolate and amaro in Black Wall Street—would pair well with rich, savory snacks. The lighter, refreshing options like the Kiki Spritz could complement seafood or salads, though no food menu is documented.
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.