Matchbox Bar image

Matchbox Bar

Bar Pub Cocktail bar Lounge

Hip corner bar in a vintage building serving premium cocktails in a narrow, intimate space. People often mention great, cocktails, drinks, Matchbox, Chicago, friendly, time, bartenders, staff, cool,


Address

770 N Milwaukee Ave, Chicago, IL 60642, United States

Website

www.matchboxbar.com

Contact

+1 312-666-9292

Price rating

$$ $$

Rating on Google Maps

4.70 (478 reviews)

Open on Google Maps

Working Hours

  • Saturday: 3 pm to 2 am
  • Sunday: 3 pm to 2 am
  • Monday: 3 pm to 2 am
  • Tuesday: 3 pm to 2 am
  • Wednesday: 3 pm to 2 am
  • Thursday: 3 pm to 2 am
  • Friday: 3 pm to 2 am

Featured Reviews


Frequently mentioned in reviews: great (23) cocktails (13) drinks (12) Matchbox (11) Chicago (10) friendly (10) time (9) bartenders (9) staff (8) cool (7)
Reviews are sorted by relevance, prioritizing the most helpful and insightful feedback at the top for easier reference.
  • 5/5 Daryl N. 7 months ago on Google • 854 reviews
    This is a Chicago must-do. The building is so cool. Staff is great. Drinks are traditional and also creative.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 3/5 kristen s. 1 year ago on Google
    We love this place. Every time is always a good time. We want to come here more. After yesterday I am not sure that will happen. I understand that there are price increases $$$ The cocktails we had were off in taste and watered down. Not that this matters we are city people. and been coming here for well over 20 yrs this was our first time not being happy when we left. Maybe not go on a Sunday. I don't know. OR go when a seasoned Mixologist is working.
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Erica T. 9 months ago on Google • 79 reviews
    Favorite hole in the wall! They've made a ton of patio upgrades since COVID, almost tripling their capacity. They always decorate seasonally, too. The original bar is fun and eclectic but obviously fills up very quickly. It's nice to still have an affordable bar in the area where you can spend some time and not break the bank.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Amanda R. 1 year ago on Google • 60 reviews
    The Gin and Jam was my favorite. The pineapple gimlet and cosmopolitan both used powdered sugar around the rim. A bit pricey but worth it for the intimacy and service. The bouncer (or the person who checked our IDs at the door) was very professional. Colby our server was super sweet and informative. The bathroom was tiny but very clean and functional. This would be a great place for after dinner or after work drinks for a group of 5 or under. The outdoor space has cozy seating with heaters!
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Stephanie J. 2 years ago on Google
    Amazing location. 1 bar has four atmospheres, inside the bar, outside with high tops, the Adirondack chairs and garden feel then the fairy tale feeling under the lights. Great place for a first date or to bring your dog for a drink. Brooke is an amazing bartender, highly recommend the espresso martini. Great place to escape life and relax. I will be back!
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Elvis V. 2 years ago on Google
    Prior to Covid, locals referred to this place as the most intimate bar in Chicago! The Matchbox is a small Chicago staple, but it has an extremely extensive list of vodka, gin, brandy, whiskey and scotch. The bartenders here definitely know how to make great cocktails! I always make a point to order a Gimlet, which is a house speciality. Due to Covid, they have actually expanded their seating space...and kept up their Christmas decorations. It's an all around great bar with a fun atmosphere and tasty cocktails.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Blake B. 1 year ago on Google
    Decent prices and a cool vibe and staff. Highly recommended.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 John-Paul B. 1 year ago on Google
    Efrain and Colby (Kobe?) Are mensches. Stop in and see them for some of the best cocktails in town. This bar is a chill spot with great drinks. Very cozy and great service!
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 1/5 Megan B. 2 years ago on Google
    Bartenders were unbelievably rude! Went here with friends for a late night cocktail and were seated at the bar. The bartenders so loudly taking to each other & a server about how they wanted to cash everyone the F out but before that encourage them to ring up their tabs buying shots for the server because it was his birthday. This is not a conversation you should have in front of customers so loudly! The bartenders were definitely in a mood because they were obnoxiously slamming cocktail shakers right in front of us. We really wanted to love this place, because the cocktails we got were good, but the attitude of the bartenders was unacceptable, even one of the other servers seemed really uncomfortable around them.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 4/5 Kasaundra S. 10 months ago on Google • 343 reviews
    Super cool, cozy bar. Other than the margarita, which was terrible, the drinks were strong and delicious. The bartenders were friendly and attentive.

  • 5/5 Benjamin F. 4 months ago on Google • 94 reviews
    Iconic Chicago Cocktail Bar - great vibe. Bartenders are very friendly and they mix you some great drinks. Try the Ginger Gimlet.

  • 5/5 Triniti J. 5 months ago on Google • 51 reviews
    Wonderful environment. Bartenders were so friendly ( S.O. to Zac) and gave wonderful suggestions for new drinks to try.

  • 5/5 Adam K. 7 months ago on Google • 43 reviews
    Love this little bar! Such a cool place. Bartenders are always great. Good selection of beers and whiskey.

  • 5/5 Carolina F. 6 months ago on Google • 43 reviews
    It literally is the size of a Matchbox but the atmosphere is great. Bartenders were friendly.

  • 5/5 Joaquin F. 4 months ago on Google • 7 reviews
    Had a great time here with the great, welcoming staff on NYE afternoon, we opened the bar up, watched the end of the Bears game, enjoyed the music and atmosphere, and chatted with the friendly and engaging bartenders. Great time was had by all, and we were home by 5pm, leaving the real revelry and hard-partying to the younger set for the evening. Cool little spot and an iconic Chicago destination - can't believe it took me 15 years to finally get there, but totally worth the wait!

  • 5/5 Elizabeth H. 1 year ago on Google
    Been here a few times. Cozy, great drinks, and great staff. Will absolutely be returning.

  • 5/5 digital d. 7 months ago on Google • 6 reviews
    The Matchbox, Where Every Corner is a Universe of Flavor 🍻 Imagine a place so intimate that every seat feels like the captain's chair on a voyage through a galaxy of flavors. Welcome to The Matchbox, a Chicago bar that defies the laws of space and time to offer an experience that's as unique as it is unforgettable. ✨ As you step into this snug watering hole, you're immediately enveloped in a warm embrace of amber lighting and rustic wood. The space may be compact, but it's bursting with character. It's like stepping into a cigar box that's been transformed into a treasure trove of libations and laughter. The bartenders at The Matchbox are the alchemists of this tiny universe, mixing elixirs that tantalize your taste buds and ignite your imagination. From classic cocktails to inventive concoctions, each drink is a microcosm of flavor, a little world unto itself. And let's not forget their famous Lemon Drops where each sip is like a burst of sunshine, even on the cloudiest Chicago day. 🍸 The Matchbox is special as a space where every inch counts, there's no room for pretense. Strangers become friends, conversations flow as smoothly as the drinks, and before you know it, you're part of the Matchbox family. 🍻 If you're wandering the streets of Chicago and find yourself craving an adventure that fits in the palm of your hand, enter into the pocket-sized universe of The Matchbox where every corner is a new world waiting to be explored. 🍹🌌💖🎁

  • 5/5 DJ E. 1 year ago on Google
    This place is on the top of my list of cool dive bars in Chicago. Super Small Super Cozy and the staff is amazingly friendly. The margaritas in this place are next level. Super great for tinder dates or date night out. Favorite night is Thursday with one of my favorite bartenders.

  • 5/5 myRadiotron 1 year ago on Google
    Cool spot with good music selection (not yours, the bartender). We were there in the afternoon when it was easy to sit and move around, but in the evening or on the weekends it's probably a little bit more congested and uncomfortable. Just a guess?!

  • 5/5 Emily D. 10 months ago on Google
    Simone is the best server. She’s super nice and helpful and is just a good person. I appreciate someone just being a good human and that is Simone. You go girl.

  • 5/5 Kyle W. 10 months ago on Google
    I’ve been coming here for years, Scott is by far my favorite bartender. He always makes me feel like I’m at home. If your looking for a chill bar to go to after work this is the place.

  • 5/5 Camille G. 1 year ago on Google
    If I had a Cheers bar in chicago, Matchbox would be it. The drinks are so delicious and the staff is so friendly. Get the pineapple gimlet & the gin and jam. You will not be disappointed!

  • 5/5 Jazz 1 year ago on Google
    Had my first Martini at my favorite dive bar, and it did not disappoint

  • 5/5 Kristi E. 1 year ago on Google
    I've been wanting to come here for years, and finally made it. Lots more seating now that Silver Palm isn't there anymore and post COVID. I've only been here once so far, but there was a server and he was really cool. Drinks here are on a higher level.

  • 5/5 Travis W. 2 years ago on Google
    I might be biased because I met my long term partner here on our first date, so it holds a special place. The cocktails are top notch. The bartenders know what they’re doing. The vibe is laid back and it’s a popular date spot. The bill can add up though, so if you want a cheap option go with the beer bourbon combo. Matchbox is also pet friendly and our dog loves coming here. I spent 6 hours here last time I was in and it felt like 6 minutes. Enjoy.

  • 4/5 Katherine “KT” B. 2 years ago on Google
    A dog friendly location. Inside and out. **!!BRING YOUR OWN FOOD!!** —waitress was understanding that we left after that. Because. Food.— SD teams beware; we were greeted instantly by a dog on the other side of the door. Kind staff. Attentive waitress. Warm inside; heaters work wonders inside. Red Christmas lights are ‘atmospheric’ but headache inducing. Would be awesome to defuse.

  • 5/5 Anna R. 1 year ago on Google
    Had a delightful experience at this cozy little corner bar and look forward to returning! Efrain our bartender was the best - get a margarita or a pisco sour, though I'm sure all their cocktails are amazing. They also have lovely patio seating.

  • 5/5 Chelsea M. 2 years ago on Google
    Such a great little bar! Perfect for an after work drink. They have some extra seating in back!

  • 5/5 Eran D. 2 years ago on Google
    Had a couple of drinks with a friend here after work. This place has a "neighborhood's bar" kind of vibe from the service to the price of drinks. Generally I had a nice time. The seats are close together and there isn't much room to move (at least from what I saw at the entrance and the balcony to the street), but lucky for us this place didn't have many customers when we were there. If you prefer an uncrowded higher quality bar, with great service - this place is not for you.

  • 5/5 Brandon P. 2 years ago on Google
    We love Matchbox. The cocktails and the staff are just the best. My advice is to avoid the sweet cocktails. Unless you like sweet (but they’re a little too much for me). But go for the classics like a Manhattan or ask the bartender for something strong and straight up and you’ll be satisfied. Say hi to Anthony. He’s cool.

  • 5/5 Trisha K. 2 years ago on Google
    Such a relaxing spot for a drink. No food her but you can order elsewhere and bring it in. Some of the best cocktails I've had in the city and reasonably priced

  • 5/5 Yosef M. 3 years ago on Google
    The vibes here were great. I loved the outside seating even under their remodeling & COVID-19. The host we had was great. He kept a great conversation & was friendly and helpful with suggestions on which drinks they are known for. I will definitely be back.

  • 5/5 Stan. L. 2 years ago on Google
    Amazing cocktails. Can't wait to come more often.

  • 5/5 Eric M. 2 years ago on Google
    Originally the smallest bar in Chicago, they have expanded their outdoor area and it looks great. Daiquiris are not overly sweet (which is what I like) and all other cocktails that I have had have been very tasty. Highly recommended.

  • 5/5 Nicholas van A. 3 years ago on Google
    I ended up here after my OneWheel (electric skateboard) ran out of battery. Got an incredible espresso martini and they generously let me charge up. Much appreciated Great staff and atmosphere too. Stop by everyone.

  • 5/5 Emmanuel L. 2 years ago on Google
    Our last stop of the night and what the right decision it was. The bar features outdoor seating which you procure yourself. The drinks were great with great atmosphere! Our waitress made it worth the visit as she made suggestions and was just what was needed. Keep in mind the bar does not serve food but local restaurants do deliver to the bar!


Call +1 312-666-9292 Open on Google Maps

Amenities


  • Payments
    • ✓️ Debit cards
    • ✓️ Credit cards
    • ✓️ NFC mobile payments
  • Offerings
    • ✓️ Beer
    • ✓️ Wine
    • ✓️ Alcohol
    • ✓️ Spirits
    • ✓️ Cocktails
  • Accessibility
    • ✗ Wheelchair-accessible car park
  • Dining options
    • ✓️ Seating
  • Service options
    • ✓️ Dine-in
    • ✗ Delivery
    • ✗ Takeaway
    • ✓️ Outdoor seating

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