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The Aviary Chicago Tripadvisor Reviews
Latest Reviews On Tripadvisor
27 Reviews
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Spectacular
Spectacular place to dine. The food is delicious. The ambiance is really nice. The cocktails are excellent. Really enjoyed dining and drinking here.
Be the first to ReplyFancy drinks
The place to be for fancy drinks. The cocktails seem to taste better here. Canāt wait to return! Great spot to hangout with friends.
Be the first to ReplyGreat Atmosphere with sophisticated beverages
What an amazing experience! Not only is the atmosphere chic and elegant, the presentation of the drinks was over the top. Great place to have an intimate date or a business meeting.
Be the first to ReplyBeautifully Balanced Cocktails in a Gorgeous Setting
My husband and I were SO excited to be able to secure reservations to The Aviary on a recent visit to Chicago. Having dined at Alinea the night before, we were presented with a token to use at The Aviary (in a little vending machine) that resulted in getting a "starter" drink on the house! It was a smaller size than the main cocktails on the menu, and so delicious! For our first round, I selected the Ginger cocktail and my husband chose the Chapulin Colorado. The Ginger was incredible - the warming spices (clove and cinnamon) beautifully complimented the citrus and tequila flavors. The Chapulin Colorado was perplexing in the best way. It was very bell pepper forward until the popsicle melted more and gave way to stronger licorice (from the absinthe) and cherry flavors. For my second round, I ordered the Fill Collins and I loved it just as much as the Ginger. With pisco, rose, and hibiscus lending floral notes and the strawberry shrub providing fruitiness and a little funk, it was a beautifully balanced cocktail. Finally, as we were celebrating our anniversary, they gave us a digestif on the house, and while I don't remember what all was in it, it was absolutely perfect - a little fruity, warming, with just a hint of sourness, it was the best way to end our time at The Aviary. Our server, Andrew, was lovely and so friendly - we couldn't have asked for a better way to start our evening!
Be the first to ReplyBottoms up
Aviary is everything it is purported to be: amazing drinks, fabulous presentation, delicious food. Have the corn based cocktail.
Be the first to ReplyUnique, Upscale Bar
The Aviary is an upscale establishment that serves unique cocktails and bar food. We went with friends for drinks before having dinner at Next. This is the first bar I've visited where reservations are required and the place fills up as soon as the doors open at 5pm. We tried 4 different cocktails, each was a production. The service was superb. The price for the 4 cocktails, including tax and 20% automatically applied service charge, was $146. It was worth the experience.
Be the first to ReplyA unique experience in a beautiful setting with friendly staff
We had a wonderful experience at the Aviary. The ambience was fabulous and loved the fact that we could hear each other talk across the table while at a bar! The drink presentations reminded me of a magic show: Very fun and entertaining. The drinks were incredibly tasty and the small bites literally melted in our mouths. Thank you Alicia, Mateo, Andy, Hunter, Raphael, Chef Elliott for a beautiful experience!
Be the first to ReplyGlad To Have Experienced It
Drinks were very creative, tasty, strong, and fun. We enjoyed the drinks presentation ofā the explanation was similar to a tasting/five star menu. Drinks are priced to presentation and Chicago. We did not like the one with boba bottles and our neighbors didnāt seem to enjoy it either. We alerted our waiter and he did not acknowledge or made any effort to reconcile or mediate the situation. I enjoyed the Phil Collins and the Blueberry Barrel (pictured). The Sandia was ok for me, but not bad. My friend really liked the Smoked Papaya and presentation was fun like a science experiment. The smokiness brought out all of the notes of the liquor. I agree with some of the other reviews that the waiters were not as attentive as one would expect. Reservation process can be improved in my opinion. Glad we did ir and would go again, but for one cocktail and the experience.
Be the first to ReplyOverpriced mediocre drinks with a cool presentation
This is a tough review to write and the score is a 3.5. The Aviary is about the experience, not the drink quality, per se. Itās about the presentation, the smells, the visual appeal, the timing, and the uniqueness - in those regards it is excellent and a once in a lifetime experience. Whatās disappointing is the drink quality and cost. The five of us each had a 3 drink progression and we had one ala carte extra. Overall, we ordered 10 unique drinks. Three were superb (Wassuh bae, Smoked papaya, and Hermosa), but three were bad and had no flavor. The rest were mediocre at best, which was sad because a great presentation means little if the final product isnāt good. The truffle popcorn was meh but the focaccia were excellent. Given the $700 price tag and pretentiousness of everyone we encountered (except our designated server, who was very helpful and we really adored him), it overall was disappointing. The prices are outrageous for what you get. We also had to pay $500 over a month in advance to hold the table and because the 20% service charge does not go the server, we gave him a cash tip. Ultimately this is a very overpriced but cool, one time experience.
Be the first to ReplyTasty cocktails in artful glassware
It's so fun to watch each cocktail come out of the Mixologist's bar tending area. Some look like science experiments. I loved the Hermosa that came out smoky from a box and had hints of chocolate and orange. My favorite was the pineapple and rum cocktail that had gelatin rum balls floating inside that burst open in your mouth.
Be the first to ReplyNot all itās cracked up to be
We decided to celebrate a special occasion at the Aviary, having heard so much about it for so many years and having had a friend who went there several years ago who thoroughly enjoyed the experience and had a great burger there at the time (if you look online you will see they used to serve burgers). We had a total of five drinks between us and I must say that I just wasnāt very impressed. What they considered their āfar outā presentations, I had seen before more than once. In fact, I have some of their paraphernalia at home that I ordered on Amazon and it was not very expensive! I would say that the drinks are fair to very good. The food on the other hand is just good. You would expect so much more of a place like this! The āburst of truffleā experience is simply a ravioli with truffle broth inside and very little actual truffle in it. So yeah, it āburstsā in your mouth buuuutā¦ if you consider that worth $20, welllll I donāt knowā¦ I have eaten in Michelin starred restaurants around the world as well as at small bistroās that are just fantastic and this just didnāt impress and the price was really high for what it wasā¦ plus, they donāt give you the opportunity to decide on the value of the service. They pre-charge you for it and well, thatās OK because of course the servers deserve to be paid, but Iād still like the opportunity to decide that I want to give them more or a little less; but no, they decide for you. You sit on these sofas and you look at other patrons across from you, and I donāt know, itās just really kind of āmehā. There are SO many places in Chicago that are SO much more interesting in their presentation and offer so much better food. The food was not that good, truly. I know you would expect more, as did I. So basically hereās what I think: if you need to be seen at the ārightā restaurant and be able to say that you went there, then by all means go spend your money at this placeā¦ If youāre interested in a real experience with truly good food and really interesting presentations, then go somewhere else... I really hope this is helpful to you because I love food and I love cocktails and I really love to enjoy them on a night out with my dear hubby!
Be the first to Reply10 Stars Needed
This is one of those places you hesitate to review becasue you want the table to be available the next time you come, but I can't resist. The one table in the kitchen where they bring seven courses with seven amazing cocktails...this is where it's at. I called several friends after to say 'YOU MUST COME HERE'. We were treated so well and those bites and sips were out of this world. Go here. Take someone you love. Enjoy.
Be the first to ReplyFinally cheddar this one off my list
I was expecting this place to be a little bit more dark & romantic. But alas, the experience still did not disappoint! Drinks were well made with unique and fresh flavors. We felt prices were very fair. There is a deal offered to get 3 courses of drinks, but it really doesnāt save you much money. If youāre feeling like splurging, the black truffle explosion is worth the try! (Everyone needs their own, splitting wont work here) Would definitely go again.
Be the first to ReplyToo much hype for subpar experience
I was looking to make a reservation on a Tuesday night in November and for some reason the only option was to purchase a three drink package for four for $400 including tip. I did it since it was our sonās graduation and our 25th anniversary. We showed up early and they escorted us to a room that was 60% empty. I knew then and there it was a set up to hype the place. We were seated at an unadorned table and approached by a rude , cold, impersonal waitress who gave a routine speech and was bothered by any questions. We felt as though we were bothering her. The drinks were different. Some creative. But not presented as they should be. They were just placed on the plain wood tableā¦not impressedā¦ the waitress knew she had her 20% tip and she did not care. She ruined the whole experience. If you can get in for one $29 drink go see itā¦but not a dime moreā¦.Iāve been to the best bars all over the world and this does not rate.
Be the first to ReplySuch a unique experience!
We were so fortunate to be able to make a reservation. A party of 8 seniors, we were definitely the oldest people in the Aviary. Had to sit at separate tables, but it didnāt matter. We had a wonderful time! The food was good, the drinks were better, everything was so unique, but most of all the service was wonderful! Great staff of young, attentive, and informative peopleā¦ really made it a special occasion. We had no idea what we were eating or drinking, but it didnāt matter. The servers explained everything Iām so glad it was prix fixe, so we didnāt have to make any decisions. A memorable time for sure. Everything was great! Not cheap, but a wonderful experience. If you havenāt been here before, plan far ahead, but donāt miss this place.
Be the first to ReplyBetter than Alinea
We did the 5 course tasting menu with black truffle experience. Overall, there was a wide variety of spirits/cocktails provided. The food was meh but I think you really go here for the cocktail experience more so than the food. Next time I would choose my own drinks rather than the tasting menu.
Be the first to ReplyGreat after dinner experience at the aviary
This was a great way to spend a few hours. The drinks were beyond imaginative and delicious and the service was impeccable. We had the three drink each option and each drink (and i tried eight) was superb. Don't worry i walked back to the hotel. Highly recommend.
Be the first to ReplyAwesome presentation
The cocktails at the aviary have the craziest presentation of any place Iāve been on 6 continents. I especially enjoyed the two progressive cocktails. Service was good and efficient and we were lucky to be seated by the cage to be able to see the mixologists at work.
We did the 5 course food and cocktail pairing. We had plenty of booze but did stop elsewhere for additional food after.
However, a bit of room for improvement. I felt a bit rushed and at one point had three drinks on the table. They were consistently pushed out without a lot of time to enjoy and appreciate each drink. We were in and out in 90 minutes. Also, the drinks are all on the sweet and fruit side where I typically enjoy more spiritus cocktails. However, thatās the price you pay for inventiveness.
Overall, I really enjoyed it but wouldnāt frequent regularly.
"Civilization begins with distillation."
Having read a great deal about The Aviary before visiting, I can gladly report that it is one of the finest drinking establishments that I've ever enjoyed. The drinks are made with great care and attention. We were encouraged to enjoy them at a leisurely pace, and given exquisite food pairings to do so with. I can imagine that having such a storied reputation can make the job a somewhat formidable task, but you wouldn't think that watching each member of staff managing their duties with aplomb, efficiency and kindness. I can't think of a single thing that could be improved.
Be the first to ReplyMaking good cocktails is not enough
Making good cocktails is not enough. Iām a regular customer, and Iām writing this review today because I cannot understand why the staff in this particular place is so rude. I now understand why the 20% service fee is added to the tab. Itās because customers would rarely tip those people.
Itās bad. Really. So bad that you feel THEY are making a favor to serve you.
Besides this, be aware you wonāt be able to sit outside, unless you book a multi-course menu. This is america. We are in 2020. We are in the middle of a pandemic.
Welcome to Aviary!
PS: The cocktails are very good, and therefore I still give it 2 stars.
Felt forced to chug our cocktails and get out
As amateur mixologists who enjoy engaging with bartenders to learn more about cocktailsĀ and spirits, we were really excitedĀ about going to The Aviary. We've read the cocktail book and were looking forward to hearing more hints about how to make some of the drinks. Ideally, we were hoping to order some of the more interesting ones (like Science A.F.).Ā
We were disappointed. The bartenders/mixologists were behind a cage and there was no ability to interact with them. You couldn't even _see_ them unless you happened to be at one of the few two-tops near the door (or the lucky table inside the caged area). We'd prepaid for the 3 prix fixe so we had limited options but we found something of interestĀ for each course. However, the entire experience was incredibly rushed. The cocktails were very large and we'd only gotten through half of the first before the second came out.. and then seriouslyĀ behind by the time the thirdĀ one came out (clearly the intent is not to actually enjoy sipping the cocktails but to chug them back).Ā
The only highlight was that we got to try the truffle explosion: it was great to learn that how we make it at home is pretty on point!
It was expensive and it wasn't worth it-- but this was what we've come to expect after being at Next and Alinea. These places photograph well and make for interesting books but aren't worth actually visiting. Not a fan of any of them: there are far better places in Chicago where you can have a more intimate, leisurely experience for a fraction of the price.Ā
Exceptional Drinks
You want a Budweiser, don't go here. they have spent hours developing drinks and presentation. You pay for this. Very Enjoyable!
Be the first to ReplyTotal rip-off
Avoid this place if you hope to get some decent food to accompany the overpriced cocktails. Inattentive staff, mediocre food (at best).
Be the first to Reply$$$$, really? Try $$$$$$$$&&&&&&$$$$$$$$.
$$$$, really? Try $$$$$$$$&&&&&&$$$$$$$$. Iām not one of the Kennedyās, but Iām not one of the Clampettās either. Drinks overpriced does not even scratch the surface. They actually had people in there paying 3xās what they should for a drink. I was scared a stripper had to be coming out at any point for those inflated prices. There is classy, and there
is ridiculous. Stay classy, West Loop!
Great Bar
If you want a great experience at an upscale trendy bar with outstanding and very unique drinks then do yourself a favor a make a reservation here. We visited after enjoying dinner for a special occasion and had a great time here until late into the morning. The service was perfect and the drinks were out of this world. If you live in the Chicago area you owe it to yourself to give the Aviary a try!
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