In Fine Spirits Lounge: User Reviews

Great Casual Wine Bar
By brisf1 from Lincoln Square, December 12, 2008

Overall rating:

I've heard people describe this bar as sophisticated, but I think that can give the wrong impression. While this bar is not a dive bar, this place also lacks stuffiness which usually accompanies bars that are described as sophisticated. I think this is a great casual (yet slightly upscale) wine bar. It's very comfortable, the wine list is not intimidating and the prices are okay. Definitely give this place a try!

My favorite new bar!!!
By robert from lincoln park, November 21, 2008

Overall rating:

I've been searching Chicago for a bar that felt like home, that wasn't a dive bar or super over-the-top expensive or clubby, and I finally found it! I can't beleive it took me this long to find, but In Fine Spirits is a comfortable neighborhood spot that just happens to have fantastic real cask ale, a deep wine list of hard to find bottles, and incredible cocktails. Not many places to go with friends and hang out while drinking Rye Manhattens and Three Floyd's Alpha King from the cask. I tried to order Makers Mark, but their bar has all artisan spirits, which is a rare find even in Chicago. Not only the booze is good, but the service was top notch and the food was fantastic--I guess I was expecting gastropub style, but the small plates menu was closer to upscale contemporary (think wicker park chi-chi without the pricetag.). Since our first time in last week I've been back three times with different groups of friends, and it's been solid every time. So good, in fact, that I'm hosting my wife's birthday party in their cozy private event space upstairs. Check these guys out if you already haven't, and enjoy Andersonville's best kept secret.

Good addition to the neighborhood
By Michael C. from Andersonville, May 30, 2008

Overall rating:

A great place with some unique spirits that are definitely worth a try. A nice wine and beer list at every price point; the wine flights are definitely a good value. The cocktails are a little spendy to make this a regular hang out if that's your drink of choice; it would be great if there was more of a range there too.

Please change the decor!
By Ally from Andersonville, May 8, 2008

Overall rating:

I really, really wanted to love this place. I live in Andersonville and I love wine, so this was perfect! However, it was not to be. I am not an "ambiance" sort of person, but this place just doesn't feel like a wine bar. It feels like a place that should be serving breakfast and lunch. My wine was good, we tried one of the small plates that was also good, but I couldn't get past the decor. I will try it again to see if my opinon changes (and b/c it's so close) but I just think they could've done a much better job making the place more inviting.

Great new addition to the neighborhood
By Silvermyst from Andersonville, April 25, 2008

Overall rating:

A friend of mine, who moved out of the neighborhood a few years ago, told me about a new wine bar that just opened up on Clark Street. We met up on Sunday afternoon, April 13th. I didn't eat anything, as I was expecting at least some cheese and crackers or charcuterie. Imagine my dismay when I aksed and was told they had no food yet. Oh well, I sucked it up like a trooper and plowed ahead. I don't remember what used to be in this space, but the owners did a great job in decorating it. I'm a big fan of the dark wood and the exposed brick, so I loved the interior of this space. It's very warm and inviting. The wine list is extensive, so bring your reading glasses. I settled on a flight of the richer reds, including a Bordeaux. The 3 wines were good, but I discovered that heavier reds are not for me. I went a step lighter on my next flight. Unfortunately, I don't remember what the 3 included wines were, but they were delicious. So good in fact, that both my friend and I went next door and each purchased a bottle. This is great addition to the neighborhood. My one complaint is the lack of something to munch on. I was told this is coming soon. While I don't think they need to have a full service menu, something is definately needed to keep their patrons from stumbling out into the street in a blind stupor. Cheese and dessert flights would be wonderful. This is a great place to stop in after dinner or to meet someone for a drink. Our server was very friendly and knowledgeable. She gave us her own opinons on the different wines, which I found to be very helpful in making my flight choices. The portions were generous (enough for me, anyhow) to satify my curiosity and the rest of the staff was friendly. I will definately be adding In Fine Spirits to my list of places to bring friends and family.