TL | DR: I highly recommend coming here just for the smells, once you're over the smells you can taste the soul and passions that goes into the wonderfully thought out and creative food menu and drinks. Chef Josh is such a talented and kind person. He prepared all of our food and brought it to us. We came here to have a great date night. We were met with wonderfully dim lighting that was complemented by the sunlight from the windows. The music was fitting the holiday theme (St. Patrick's day) the smell of pork permeated the entire restaurant and smelled delicious. We ordered the smoked marlin and the venison tartare. The dishes were excellently complimented by the accoutrements that they came with. delicious balance of flavors. Environment was quiet and calm with wonderful customer service. I highly recommend this place.

The bar I’ve been searching for. A colleague recommended Ward 8 and then I (re)found Anders’ YouTube channel during the pandemic. The current barkeeps are so friendly, knowledgeable, and make a darn fine classic cocktail. The pickled eggs and small food menu are great too! Will return again and again.

Since the pandemic, the new owner Jeremy and primary mixologist Adam are carrying on the traditions of Ward 8 that have made it one of the better neighborhood eclectic craft cocktail establishments . Jeremy and Adam are friendly and professional and offer exceptional craft cocktail offerings. We were there on a Friday night and it was the busiest we have ever seen it which was great. The only observation I made as a customer was that if all possible, Jeremy could add one more mixologist to help the team during busiest times keep the drinks coming to the customer base more quickly. I noticed they are two of the hardest-working, most caring, and attention to detail persons in the business! …and you will especially notice by how exceptional the cocktails and food offerings are! Still highly recommend is an essential craft cocktail bar in all of Chicagoland.

I think this is the best bar in Evanston. Wonderful bartenders who have great conversation in them. The Black Manhattan and the Vesper are my cocktail suggestions. Food is pretty good too.

Guys behind the bar who really know and love their cocktails. Deviled eggs for four bucks that were a work of art. Pulled pork wafting from the kitchen that smelled absolutely crazy good. I'll definitely be back for another cocktail and a full meal. 5/5.

Our favorite bar. Amazing cocktails and delicious snacks and small meals. They take time to make their cocktails as refined as possible in both ingredients and presentation. You won't be disappointed!

The new Ward Eight is our new go to spot. Always a good time to be had. Only the best cocktail and spirit selection. Cozy atmosphere and the food... oh the food. Getting hungry just writing about it. Trust me, you will not be disappointed. The owners Jeremy and Juggie are there for you!

An absolute gem. Between the smell of the open kitchen, the personable bar staff, and the genuine care the bar tenders put into crafting each cocktail, Ward Eight has cultivated the most honest and welcoming cocktail bar environments at which I have ever had the pleasure to drink. The bartenders’ enthusiasm for their craft made the whole experience feel like I was drinking at a friend’s house. Ward Eight is an absolute must when visiting Chicago.

Really good food, really good drinks. Lots of fun flavors, good place to order plates and share!

The Cocktails here are works of art as complex and beautiful as the original works on the walls. When tasting anything off of the menu, you can fully grasp the effort and the skill that comes from the chef. The ambiance is subtle and comfortable, perfect for quiet conversation, This would be an excellent place for a date. I will be returning soon

My first time here yesterday and I must say... the best cocktails were 🔥. Great atmosphere and the wait staff are cool AF. My friend and I ordered the whiskey sour, with and without egg whites and they were superb. If you're looking for a great place to hang out, Ward is the place to be 😊

Absolutely loved it here. Super chill and ambient environment, with amazing drinks and a great selection as well. The bathrooms even have speakers too so you can listen to music. The drinks and bar make for some great photos to share with friends. I recommend the North Shore Ale btw.

Ward 8 is a true cocktail lounge with inviting staff, chill vibes, and fantastic drinks. The menu is adventurous, the staff knows all the classic variations, and the food selection is great for a quick bite before heading out on the town. Also a great spot for a night cap before heading in for the evening. We were in from out of town but felt right at home here. Highly recommend.

Different than the norm of places but quite pleasing. They don't have servers so you do have to go tonthe bar and order your drinks. The menu is decent but the also will create something unique based off your palette. It's a hidden gem.

Loved this bar! Great vibes (super cute little spot) and the bartenders are great! They make phenom classic cocktails (apparently they enjoy that!) and I can personally recommend that a round of gin classics (an aviation, last word, corpse reviver #2 and gimlet) were delicious and worth every dollar.

One of the best cocktail bars in the city. Great vibes and awesome food.