Blue Stem Martini Lounge: User Reviews

Blue Stem MARTINI LOUNGE
By egermata from South Loop, August 5, 2008

Overall rating:

The name of the restaurant needs to be changed on here. It's now a martini lounge. I went here last night with a friend and was completely blown away. It was a very quiet Monday night, but I bet it will be packed on weekends. I was hungry and very thirsty, so we ordered some little feta pie appetizers and cheeseburgers. The food was outstanding (get the pretzel bun!). Did I mention that the owners Lefko and Dimitri were the ones actually working at the place? They are some awesome people, and they definitely know what they're doing.

On to the drinks. I started off with a pear martini and my friend got a raspberry cosmo or something like that. I was shocked how good my pear martini tasted. It's basically pure alcohol with a splash of juice in there, but I couldn't even taste the alcohol. I read some reviews on here about people complaining how long it took to get the drinks. If that's the problem, go somewhere else, because Lefko tastes all her creations a couple times before it goes out because she's not going to send out crappy drinks to her customers. The raspberry one was good too. Afterwards we tried the white cosmo which would probably be a close second after the pear martini. We also tried a blueberry one, which tasted incredible. As if that wasn't enough, we went on to try a Thai beer called Chang that was real good and also a gin and tonic made from a Thai gin. Everything was so good and Lefko was as good an entertainer was a bartender (actually, I'm going to call her a mixologist!). We left a couple hours later to go down the street and do some cheap bowling. What a fun night! I'm definitely coming back

An Amazing Home!
By quintong55 from old irving, December 10, 2007

Overall rating:

I call it a home b/c thats the way they make you feel. The best martinis you will ever taste and great service.

The Blue Stem is wonderful...
By KC from Chicago, IL, March 18, 2007

Overall rating:

The Blue Stem is wonderful in every aspect of the word. The service is unbeatable. The bartender makes a point of welcoming you and providing you extra attention during every visit. Her martinis are absolutely incredible and so is the food. If you like martinis you've got to try her white cosmo and her pear martini both are absolutely delicious. Her greek fries are delicious as well as the rest of her Greek menu. I would hurry over there before more people discover it! It's a one-of-a-kind establishment guaranteed to please.

I don't know why this...
By JZ from Chicago, IL, January 30, 2007

Overall rating:

I don't know why this place isn't packed, although I'm glad it isn't. The food and service are terrific. Good tv's and jukebox.

I HAVE BEEN GOING TO...
By Diane from Chicago, Il, January 12, 2007

Overall rating:

I HAVE BEEN GOING TO THE BLUE STEM MARTINI BAR SINCE MARCH 2006. THEY HAVE THE BEST MARTINIS IN CHICAGO AND THE NICEST PEOPLE. I HAVE ALWAYS FELT WELCOMED, IT DIDN'T MATTER HOW PACKED THE PLACE WAS, THE BARTENDAR ALWAYS MADE YOU FEEL LIKE YOU WERE #1. THE FOOD IS OUTRAGIOUS AND YOU'LL NEVER GO AWAY HUNGRY.IN MY OPINION..THERE IS NO PLACE I'D RATHER BE THEN THE BLUE STEM..LIKE ONE BAND MEMBER SAID "ITS LIKE BEING HOME"

What a waste of time....
By joanne from chicago, il, November 6, 2006

Overall rating:

What a waste of time. The night we were there the place only had about 10 customers total. We ordered martinis and they took 15 minutes to arrive. How long does it take to make a martini? We ordered a second round, and it was another 15 minutes.

I wanted to make sure...
By Sean from Wicker Park, IL, August 10, 2006

Overall rating:

I wanted to make sure that this fantastic bar was recognized for its fantastic service (the owner actually takes care of you!), quality food, and comfortable surroundings. Martinis and shots are always flowing, and the food it cooked to order. Make sure you try this great establishment!!!

What a great little bar....
By Ken from Chicago, il, July 22, 2006

Overall rating:

What a great little bar. The owner was the most hospital and nice (go figure she's greek) bartender I've met. Knowing it was my first time she bought me and my date martinis and later shots. They're food was amazing, fresh and clearly homemade. Not the greatest decor, but a gem of a place that I'll be back to soon.