Red Kiva: User Reviews

Skip it
By 2new2chi from River North, August 30, 2009

Overall rating:

Been to Red Kiva a few times. Sometimes it so crowded you can't walk and other times its practically empty. Either way, I only usually have a fair time. Its never been my favorite spot, but I never had a truly bad experience until I went the other day for a friend's birthday party. The bartender was a complete jerk. While I was watching him make make my drink, I told him the drink did not have orange juice in it. He argued with me, finished pouring the orange juice, and gave it to me anyway. Since I was there with a group and I was trying not to make a scene, I paid for it anyway thinking I would just drink it. In fact, I even tipped him trying to be nice. Once I tasted it, I realized it tasted terrible and that I could not drink it. I went back to the bar, told him again he made the drink incorrectly, and even showed him a wikipedia link on my iphone with the correct recipe. He stated that he always made them with orange juice and walked away before I could say anything else.

This was my first drink of the night, and I was not drunk, pushy, or rude when I spoke to him. I treated him with respect and would have appreciated the same courtesy. The spot is not hot enough to put up with being treated poorly. There are a million places to go in Chicago - skip this one. From looking at the other reviews, it seems this place peaked in 2007 - must have been all downhill since then.

red kiva rocks! and so does second story!
By snappysnap from humboldt park, March 17, 2009

Overall rating:

i've been to red kiva a number of times and love the dynamic music, staff, clientele and atmosphere. pretty cool reading/performance series that happens some wednesdays with music (storiesandwine.com), that can get packed, but also great to go on a night where you can sit outside and gab, or stay inside where it's nice and cozy in the round.

Not Impressed
By Man About Town from Old Town, February 22, 2008

Overall rating:

I went to Red Kiva last week and I was not very impressed. It's in the middle of no where and there is nothing to do there. I ordered a couple different drinks of their menu and they didn't have the stuff to make it. The staff was bland. It was completly dead, minus my friends and I. It just seemed like it wasn't a fun place to be. I will not be back there and unless you are willing to drive way out to the west loop for a mediocre expereince I would highly suggest going somewhere else.

Too Loud
By Amy from West Loop, January 14, 2008

Overall rating:

I walk by this lounge everyday and it is either completely dead or completely packed. This past Saturday night the tiny bar area was packed because all the seating was reserved for a Birthday party that did not seem to show. They had a cool jazz band but the music was so loud you could not hear anyone talking. The cocktail waitresses seemed nice.

This place is off the...
By christina from Chicago, IL, September 2, 2007

Overall rating:

This place is off the hook! The music is on, the ambience is out of this world and the staff is down to earth (and hot!) I went with several friends & thought we would be there for just a few minutes, we stayed until closing. We were even surprised to see celebrities in the house. We'll be back again just to see who's hanging tonight.

I had been wanting to...
By Eynnu from Chicago, IL, August 14, 2007

Overall rating:

I had been wanting to try this lounge for months. Went with my hubby, best friend and her fiance on Sat Aug 11th--we had a fabulous time! Drinks were strong, music was on point and GOOD LAWD THE MEN WERE FINE! Everyone was dressed evening chic and were very friendly and down-to-earth. Great place to go if you wanna chill on a couch and sip cocktails with friends and talk while listenin' to good grooves. Can't wait to go back!

VERY VERY cool new venue!...
By JL from Bloomfield Hills, MI, July 2, 2007

Overall rating:

VERY VERY cool new venue! This place has a great vibe with awesome seating and a gorgeous front entrance complete with a grand piano. The waitstaff couldn't have been more accommodating and the little touches like the funky menus go a long way to separate Red Kiva from the rest!

I came here on a...
By Pam from Oak Park, IL, April 10, 2007

Overall rating:

I came here on a Wednesday night with a friend. The DJ (Shaka23) was playing 80's house/dance music. She was wonderful! The staff was very attentive as well. I definitely will return to the Red Kiva!

Good music, friendly staff, nice...
By Tom from Chicago, IL, February 16, 2007

Overall rating:

Good music, friendly staff, nice vibe.

This place has great energy....
By Shannon from Chicago, IL, January 19, 2007

Overall rating:

This place has great energy. Great staff and a great room. I'll be back for sure!