Wine bar
Unclaimed profilePops for Champagne
Chicago, IL · $$$
Inebrious
Beverage Program Score
The editorial take
Pops for Champagne lives up to its name with a deep list of grower champagnes, rare vintages, and large formats. The cocktail program extends beyond bubbles, offering inventive champagne cocktails like the Sichuan 75 and a robust sparkling selection. Happy hour brings approachable pricing, while the spirits and non-alcoholic lists fill gaps. A champagne-centric destination with serious beverage depth.
- What should I order?
- Start with the Champagne Poetry or Sichuan 75 for a cocktail twist. For wine, explore grower champagnes by the glass or splurge on a rare vintage. Happy hour offers a Pamplemousse Spritz at $12.
- Who will enjoy this place?
- Champagne enthusiasts, sommeliers, and cocktail lovers seeking a refined drink. The knowledgeable staff and extensive list appeal to both novices and connoisseurs.
- What should I expect to spend?
- Cocktails range $17-$22, champagne by the glass $22, and sparkling wines $14. Bottles can reach thousands for rare vintages. Happy hour spritz is $12.
- What makes the beverage program distinctive?
- A wine bar dedicated to champagne, featuring grower producers, vintage and large format options, plus a cocktail menu that integrates champagne. The list impresses even sommeliers, and the staff's knowledge enhances the experience.
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 cocktail list with champagne-based options, sparkling twists, and spirit-free choices. Happy hour offers a discounted spritz.
Menu strengths
- — Champagne cocktails like the Sichuan 75 and La Vie en Rose showcase innovative use of bubbles.
- — Spirit-free options like the Faux-go Spritz provide non-alcoholic sophistication.
- — Happy hour Pamplemousse Spritz at $12 is a value.
Standout selections
- — Sichuan 75 - Sichuan Peppercorn Gin, Lemon, Buzz Button Rim, Champagne ($22)
- — La Vie en Rose - Elderflower Liqueur, Sugar Cube, Peychaud's Bitters, Champagne ($22)
- — Pamplemousse Spritz - Vodka, Grapefruit, Elderflower, Prosecco ($12)
Pricing: Champagne cocktails $22, sparkling cocktails $17, craft cocktails $17, spirit-free $14, happy hour spritz $12.
Wine
Extensive champagne list with grower producers, vintage, rosé, and large formats. Sparkling wines from other regions and still wines round out the program.
Menu strengths
- — Deep champagne selection includes rare vintages like Salon Le Mesnil Blanc de Blancs Magnum 2008.
- — Grower producers and large format options appeal to serious enthusiasts.
Standout selections
- — Krug Grande Cuvée 172ème Édition ($475)
- — Delamotte Brut, Le Mesnil sur Oger ($22 happy hour)
Pricing: Champagne by the glass $22, sparkling wine $14, still wines $15-$30 by the glass; bottles range widely.
Beer
Small but thoughtful beer list with local drafts and Belgian classics. Includes a non-alcoholic option.
Menu strengths
- — Local draft options from Goose Island, Maplewood, and Haymarket.
- — Belgian selections like La Chouffe Blonde and Duvel provide authenticity.
Standout selections
- — Goose Island Matilda - Belgian Style Pale Ale, ($10)
- — La Chouffe Blonde - Artisanal Belgian Golden Ale ($11)
- — Duvel Belgian Strong Blond - Bottled ($12)
Pricing: Draft beers $9-$11, bottled Duvel $12, non-alcoholic canned beer $8.
Nonalcoholic
Well-rounded non-alcoholic program with crafted mocktails, NA beer, and a sparkling wine alternative.
Menu strengths
- — Almondine Delight and Faux-go Spritz offer complex, alcohol-free cocktails.
- — Lyre's Classico Sparkling NA provides a champagne-like option.
- — Best Day Brewing Kolsch is a crisp NA beer.
Standout selections
- — Almondine Delight - Almond, Passion Fruit, Lime, Cherry, Soda ($14)
- — Faux-go Spritz - Elderflower, Lemon, Soda ($14)
Pricing: Spirit-free cocktails $14, non-alcoholic beer $8, non-alcoholic sparkling wine alternative $15.
Spirits
Diverse spirits selection with premium bourbons, tequilas, cognacs, and rare Chartreuse, though not the main focus.
Menu strengths
- — Premium bourbons like Van Winkle Special Reserve 12 Year.
- — Rare Chartreuse 1605 and V.E.P. Yellow appeal to collectors.
Standout selections
- — Van Winkle Special Reserve 12 Year ($70)
- — Fortaleza Tequila Blanco ($20); Chartreuse 1605 ($32)
Pricing: Whiskey $15-$70, tequila $17-$35, cognac $23-$50, scotch $18-$60, rare liqueurs $32-$40.
How it sits with the food
The menu includes caviar service and oysters, which pair naturally with champagne. The Sichuan 75's peppercorn gin could complement richer bites, while the La Vie en Rose's sweetness suits desserts.
Inebrious does not score kitchens, food or the restaurant overall. We review the beverage program only.
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