Chicago skyline aerial view at dusk
The 2024 Chicago Rum Festival is coming up shortly, and having a list of local rum bars to visit is ideal for anyone coming out of town or even the locals. So after – some research that has included analyzing online cocktail menus, reading detailed reviews, and virtual interviews with bartenders, I’ve managed to gain a better understanding of which tiki and rum bars one should visit. .At first glance, a city known for its cool climate and stunning architecture may seem like an unlikely host for such a dynamic tiki and rum scene. And yet here we are, with a collection of spaces that offer a refuge from the daily hustle and bustle, each with its own unique interpretation of this enriching tradition.
Prohibition in the United States (1920-1933) marked a dark age for many spirits, but it was also an era of secret innovation. Although Chicago is known for its whiskey and beer, rum came to the city via smuggling routes, mostly from the Caribbean. This period paved the way for the rise of speakeasies and an underground cocktail culture, where rum, due to its relative accessibility and affordability, began to gain popularity.
However, the burgeoning tiki culture in Chicago didn’t really take off until the middle of the 20th century, largely as a result of postwar interest in the South Pacific and Polynesia, spurred on by the return of American soldiers and travel literature. Savvy entrepreneurs quickly caught the public’s interest in the exotic and unfamiliar, opening bars and restaurants that offered an escape from the crowds through elaborate decor, soundtracks and, of course, tiki cocktails made mostly with rum.
Other trends supplanted interest in tiki from the 1970s to the 1990s. However, the 21st century has marked a resurgence of tiki culture, along with a renewed interest in rum as a category of alcoholic beverage worthy of study and appreciation. This renaissance is seen not only in the reopening of classic tiki bars and the emergence of new ones, but also in a more educational and respectful approach to bartending and rum history.
The impact of this evolution on the culture of local bars has been palpable. Chicago’s Tiki and Rum bars now offer not only a visual and sensory escape, but also a drinking experience that educates consumers about the diversity and richness of rum. From rum tastings to creating cocktails that highlight specific rums from around the world, Chicago has become a dynamic hub for rum appreciation, showing how a city known for its toughness and resilience can also embrace and celebrate the joy and color of tiki culture.
14 Parish Restaurant & Rhum Bar stands out for its commitment to capturing the essence of the Caribbean, not only through its beverage selection but also through an atmosphere that exudes warmth and hospitality. The decor combines traditional tiki elements with modern and Caribbean touches, creating a space in which the exoticism of the islands is palpable.
14 Parish’s cocktail menu pays homage to rum in all its forms. With a careful selection that ranges from soft and aromatic rums to more daring and complex varieties, the bar offers rum lovers the opportunity to explore the wide spectrum of this liqueur.
What really makes 14 Parish a must-see destination in Chicago’s rum scene is its focus on creating a complete visitor experience. In addition to the exceptional drinks menu, the bar regularly hosts themed events focusing on Caribbean culture and music, from salsa and bachata evenings to rum tastings and cocktail workshops.
A tiki oasis in the heart of Chicago, Three Dots and a Dash has become one of the undisputed leaders of the modern tiki scene, both locally and internationally. Since its opening, the bar has been recognized for its innovative approach to tiki cocktails and has earned a spot on the lists of the world’s best bars from several prestigious publications. Inside, The Bamboo Room acts as a bar within a bar, offering a more intimate and personalized atmosphere focused on rum tastings and handcrafted cocktails.
The Three Dots and a Dash menu pays homage to the rich history of rum, with a selection of cocktails ranging from new classics to original creations that push the boundaries of tiki cocktails. Innovation is evident in every beverage, where exotic ingredients, rare rums, and cutting-edge technology combine to create a unique flavor experience. At The Bamboo Room, the experience is even deeper, with rum tastings allowing visitors to explore the complexity of the liquor through a carefully selected selection. Here, cocktails like daiquiri are transformed with pineapple juice ice and specially selected rum blends, offering new versions of classic flavors.
Located in the lively neighborhood of Humboldt Park, this lounge combines classic tiki aesthetics with modern and urban influences, creating a space that is a tribute to tradition. The concept behind Esmeralda’s is to offer an escape to the city center, a place where visitors can escape the outside world and immerse themselves in a relaxed yet elegant atmosphere. The décor combines traditional Polynesian elements with modern touches, using soft lighting, lush greenery and tiki-inspired art to create an immersive and welcoming atmosphere.
Esmeralda’s cocktail menu places a special emphasis on creativity and quality, highlighting a selection of rums from around the world and a variety of fresh and exotic ingredients. Cocktails, from reinvented classics to original creations, are a testament to the skill and passion of Esmeralda’s team of bartenders. This drink offers a complex and nuanced flavor experience, designed to satisfy rum fans.
Located at the Freehand Hotel, Broken Shaker is an oasis of creativity and relaxation in Chicago’s bustling urban environment. Known for its laid-back atmosphere and innovative approach to cocktails, this bar has earned a special place in the hearts of locals and visitors alike. The atmosphere of Broken Shaker reflects a harmonious blend of comfort and art, where every decorative element, from vintage furniture to lush greenery, contributes to creating a cozy and unique space.
The Broken Shaker cocktail menu is a testament to innovation and a passion for bold flavors and sophisticated techniques. The selection of rums stands out for its diversity, offering rum lovers the opportunity to explore spirits from different parts of the world, from the Caribbean to more unexpected places. Tiki cocktails, on the other hand, are reinvented with a modern twist, with unusual ingredients and creative presentations that defy expectations.
Located in the quiet suburb of River Grove, Hala Kahiki is more than just a bar – it’s a living monument to the golden age of tiki culture. This establishment prides itself on being one of the oldest and most authentic tiki bars in the region, offering its customers a total immersion in the exoticism and extravagance of the fifties.
Hala Kahiki’s decor is a feast for the senses, replete with bamboo, mysterious tiki statues, rattan seats, and hanging lamps that evoke Polynesia’s starry nights. Every detail, from wallpaper to tablecloths, has been carefully chosen to create an authentic and charmingly kitschy atmosphere.
The cocktail menu is a nod to the tiki tradition, with selections ranging from classics to original bar creations. Cocktails such as Mai Tai, Zombie and Scorpio are served in unique tiki cups, each with its own history and character. Fresh ingredients and traditional recipes make each drink a true expression of tiki cocktails, while the wide selection of rums invites guests to discover the richness of this liqueur.
Easy Does It stands out in the lively neighborhood of Logan Square as a mix of bar and liquor store, offering a relaxed and eclectic experience that will satisfy both lovers of good drinking and those looking for a pleasant atmosphere to end the day. This unique space combines the comfort of a neighborhood bar with the curiosity of a bottle shop, creating an ideal meeting place to explore and enjoy a wide range of beverages.
Easy Does It’s backyard is one of its biggest draws, especially in the warmer months. Spacious and welcoming, it offers the perfect space to relax outdoors, whether enjoying a craft cocktail, sipping a classic beer or discovering a natural wine. This outdoor space, combined with the friendly indoor atmosphere, makes Easy Does It an ideal place for informal gatherings, relaxed afternoons, or even community events.
The beverage selection at Easy Does It is remarkably diverse, ranging from carefully crafted cocktails to an impressive selection of beers and wines. Cocktails, from classics to original creations, are prepared with attention to detail, using fresh ingredients and innovative techniques. The beer selection includes both timeless classics and the latest craft beers, while the wine selection focuses on natural and biodynamic options, reflecting the growing trend towards more sustainable and characterful beverages.
Located in Fulton Market district is The Aviary, a cocktail bar that redefines the concept of mixology with a focus on innovation, presentation, and a complete sensory experience. This elegant space has established itself as one of Chicago’s most iconic cocktail destinations, known not only for the exceptional quality of its drinks, but also for the boundless creativity that characterizes every aspect of the experience.
Aviary’s cocktail menu is an authentic work of art, where each drink is conceived as a unique creation, designed to surprise and delight the senses. The mixologists here are true masters and use advanced and often experimental techniques, from vacuum infusion to crystallization and forced carbonation, to create truly innovative cocktails. The presentation of the drinks is also impressive, as each cocktail is served in a variety of unique and specially designed containers that complement and enhance the taste and aroma.
Located in Wicker Park, Queen Mary is a cocktail bar that oozes history and tradition from every pore. With its roots dating back to the late 1940s, this place is not just a bar, but a living part of Chicago’s history, offering a cozy and sophisticated retreat for cocktail lovers of all ages. The rich past is reflected in every detail, from decoration to beverage selection, creating an atmosphere that honors its heritage while inviting innovation and modernity.
Queen Mary’s cocktail offering is a tribute to the golden age of cocktail making, combining timeless classics with original creations that explore new territories of flavour and presentation. The house’s specialty revolves around traditional spirits, with a special focus on rum and other classic spirits, each chosen for its unique qualities and character. The bartenders, true guardians of the bar’s history, are masters in their craft, able to tell the story behind each drink while evoking cocktails that are true works of liquid art.
In addition to its impressive cocktail menu, the Queen Mary is distinguished by its unique atmosphere, which combines old-world elegance with modern sensibilities. Evoking a sense of nostalgia with dark wood, leather upholstery and subtle nautical details, the interior offers a soothing contrast to the hustle and bustle of the outer city.
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