I’ll admit, I’m an absolute sucker for aesthetically beautiful buildings and spaces. That’s the main reason I love Sparrow Chicago.
Sparrow Chicago is on the bottom floor of a classic, 1920s apartment building in the Gold Coast neighborhood. It’s actually next to one of Chicago’s most infamous late-night bars, called the Hangeuppe, and to be honest, I never noticed the tucked away cocktail bar until a friend suggested it recently.
Originally named due to the number of affluent residents who moved in after the “Great Chicago Fire”, the Gold Coast neighborhood was (and to a point – still is) known for its sophistication which Sparrow channels.
The bar is designed to encapsulate the spirit of a 1930s hotel. The details are incredibly precise – decals on the wall which point to a “hotel reception”, cozy art deco lounge chairs, and antique pieces like wall-mounted telephones scattered throughout. I even leaned over to a friend to ask if we were actually in a hotel lobby.
Last time I was there, I opted for a wine instead of a cocktail. The wine list is small, but as someone who has trouble making decisions, I appreciated the well-curated menu. With such a small list, I felt I couldn’t go wrong. Most of the cocktails are rum-based, so it’s a great place for rum-lovers.
I recommend checking this place out for a pre- or after-dinner drink before hitting up many of the fantastic restaurants in the neighborhood.
