Elixir Lounge Andersonville

We always have a great time at Elixir. The funny thing is, we never say, «Hey, let’s go to Elixir!» Usually we go to Marty’s or Replay and they’re super crowded so we end up spilling over into Elixir. I don’t know why we don’t just start the day there. Yes, I said day. I do my weekend day-​drinking here now! Don’t judge. It’s really beautiful and modern inside but it has a historical feel. I know that sounds contradictory but it feels like one of those bars downtown that’s nice and modern but in a historic building. It’s a great Loop cocktail experience right in Andersonville. Also, it’s connected to Replay so you can still pop over and play some video games while you’re here if you’re so inclined.
The drinks are amazing. The menu is extensive and I always hope everyone orders something different so I can try a bunch of new stuff. My current favorite is the «Flower Power.» Not gonna lie, it’s a very girly drink but it’s very well made and has that classic cocktail feel. The best part is that the bartenders are very knowledgeable and really expert craftsmen in their own right. Even when it’s busy they always find a second to explain the cocktails and help you find what it is you’re looking for. Anthony is the best. A couple weeks ago my husband just wanted «something spicy» and Anthony made him something of his own creation. It was phenomenal. I don’t remember what was in it – heck, I don’t remember a lot about that day haha – but it should be on the regular menu.

I really enjoyed the cocktails both times I have visited Elixir. I love the variety of ingredients and the care that clearly goes into making each cocktail. I have to agree with another reviewer here that you seem to get much more attentive service if you are male. I think Elixir is spot on for the product they serve, but has a long way to go to be on par with others in the area for service. On the last visit my friend and I were not greeted when we arrived and were not thanked or acknowledged as we left. I felt as if the bartender wanted us to drink faster and give up the bar seats for the handsome male crowd starting to file in. Too bad really since we probably would have stayed for another cocktail if we felt more welcome. We wandered over to Appellation and I have to say it felt like they were happy to have our business despite the crowd.

Really enjoy Elixir! Vlad and Nick have always taken care of us and our guests. Great craft cocktails that are always consistent and always good! All the way from the famous «Martinez» martini, old fashioned, or a fancy cosmopolitan, they know how to do it right!
Did I mention drinks? Wait! Their Steak Frites are one of the better ones I have had, cooked perfectly. The Pappardelle Bolognese is better than the one at my favorite Italian joint. The Fettuccini with shrimp, octopus, and spinach in a light white wine garlic sauce was amazing! Over 6 huge shrimp and just an overall generous portion!
Now that they have a greeter meet guests at the front door when they are busy to make sure the next in line gets a seat or a table and not a free for all makes it a much better experience and a casual atmosphere to chill with friends. The place has its own vibe, very Andersonville and friendly, definitely not pretentious and off setting like Boystown.

Where to cocktail in Andersonville on a Sunday afternoon? My initial instinct was to try the sister establishment next door, Replay Bourbon and Beer. The place was packed, standing room only, and so loud with people, children, and television sound, I was worried I wouldn’t be able to hold a conversation. I’d been to Elixir on Halsted in Boystown, and while that place can get to be pretty crowded, today this place in Andersonville had but two other parties in the lounge.
The atmosphere is upscale. The music is eclectic. The cocktail menu is interesting and ambitious.
I cozied up to the bar with my great friend Steve, and there was a bit of hit and miss with cocktail availability. My first order, the Vodka Lift, on the highball menu ($ 8) with Aylesbury Duck Vodka, RTC Stimulus, and Ginseng Syrup was not to be had. I asked my bartender, «What’s RTC Stimulus?» He didn’t know. Then he couldn’t find the ingredient, later telling me that they hadn’t made it the previous shift. In any case, I was surprised he couldn’t tell me what was in the drink. No matter, I guess, he’s only been there since December. I opted instead for The Pink Wolf ($ 11) off of the Chicago Mixologist Elixir Creations menu as created by Wesley Kenney of Trencherman. An «Aperol Spritz for the modern gentleman,» this was a hit! A mix of Plymouth Gin, Aperol, grapefruit, lemon, saline, and sparkling water, it was refreshing and not too sweet. I was surprised again that my bartender said he couldn’t find the saline dropper for the drink as he was trying to mix up a batch just for my drink. He looked again and found the tincture bottle. Hmm.
My friend Steve ordered a Kir Royale which they finished with a candied hibiscus floating in the drink. Steve said it was too sweet, but this is the same Steve who would go to a chicken and waffle shack and order a hamburger, or a Chinese restaurant and order chop suey. The bartender let us sample a candied hibiscus flower separately, and I really liked it.
Steve wanted to try a Seasonal Old Fashioned off of the Classic Cocktails menu, but they were out of the ingredients again. They’re working on a new seasonal old fashioned, I was told.
We finished the afternoon by trying one last drink, the Afternoon Delight off of the Chicago Mixology menu, after Adam Segner of the Art Institute of Chicago. «A Rhum punch to sip and repeat,» this was another hit. Mixed with El Dorado 5 Year Rum, Balsam Bespoke Sweet Vermouth, lingonberry sour, ginger beer, strawberry, and mint, I enjoyed this one.
Our bartender was nice, but not really on top of his game. It didn’t detract from the quality of the drinks, the atmosphere, or the value, however. I’d definitely go back if they could seat me. Evidently there are hosts on the weekends to manage the crowds. It’s a great spot.

We popped in here on Valentine’s Day when Marty’s was way, way, way too crowded. So glad we did, what a gem and a great addition to the neighborhood. Typical crowd of handsome men and pretty people, that’s how we roll in A’ville.
Vlad, the adorabs bartender took great care of us. We started with one of the custom Valentine’s Day drinks, and they were great. «Roses are Red» and «Honey is Sweet» or something like that. Both were wonderful.
After that, we went to our more typical Martinis. Me, Vodka martini and he a real martini with Gin. Both expertly prepared and delicious. Had a great time chatting with Vlad, the font of knowledge for all things booze-​related. This is a bartender that loves his job, and I learned a few things (my beloved Kraken is not the best rum, not by a long shot!).
We had a snack, the Brussels Sprouts, made in the adjacent Replay. While they were a bit underdone, I loved the taste and the mushroom sauce, so I’m a fan.
Incredible fun custom cocktail menu, I’ll definitely be back. Welcome to Andersonville!

Robyn, the owners of Elixir saw your review and responded! Elixir now has two of the most beautiful womyn in Andersonville, and they are the PERFECT addition to this place! They’re professional, efficient, and clearly knowledgable about the menu and cocktail selection. Now the service is as terrific as the drinks here! BRAVO!

I came here for a «Chef’s Table» event thanks to The Local Tourist.
I really had a great time. The food and drinks were perfectly paired. They have a wonderful, knowledgeable mixologist (try «Milk»; it was my favorite drink). We had amazing dishes (the short ribs, the mushroom pasta, the bread pudding) and we laughed and drank and talked. The staff is super friendly. They are very welcoming and attentive. They were constantly making sure to clear our table and checked to make sure we had anything that we wanted or needed. We kept letting them take our silverware with each course and they were mindful to bring us new silverware with each new course. I honestly would not have ever noticed this place if not for The Local Tourist. I’m so glad that I was invited and that I was able to go. I am looking forward to going back again soon!

Wow. Random Thursday after work needing a drink. I got more then a way to forget my day.
First off, Thad was knowledgable on every question I asked and is a natural teacher of liquor.
Second, the seasonal old fashion was yummy and you need to get the Japanese Cold Drip Mai Tai is so interesting. It was dripped through fermented limes.
Giggity!!!

Great environment. Vlad is a great host. One problem: not having a sauvignon blanc from New Zealand Is a joke. No one drinks that crap from California.

I’ll leave this bar to the lovely men in the neighborhood. If you’re a female, your service will be disappointing and half-​assed.
I went in their with my wife and 3 of our female friends to celebrate a promotion and a building a purchase. We were thrilled to be together and celebrating our accomplishments in our neighborhood. We grabbed a table and ordered a bottle of wine and a couple craft cocktails. We waited over 15 minutes for our drinks and were ignored long after we had finished all our drinks. We wanted another round, but we decided to just go up to the bar and get our check and venture elsewhere so we could actually drink and have a good time.
Needless to say, I won’t be back. There are too many other bars in Andersonville that are welcoming and friendly.

Very nice atmosphere. Cozy bar but didn’t feel crowded by other tables and the seats were comfy (had backs on them too) and the drinks were yummy. Only criticism is the choice of mint for mojito, tasted a little «weedy» instead of sweet mint and the mint wasn’t muddled which is like mojito 101 but other than that were were impressed. A great alternative if Marty’s is too full

I went to the Angel Envy Bourbon dinner and was very satisfied with everything. The food and service was exceptional and the price was great! Would definitely go back :)

I’ve been waiting for a place like this in Andersonville. I started with brunch and enjoyed it so much that I came back two days later for dinner.

The standard for a craft cocktail lounge. High quality mixology great service. So happy it’s in my neighborhood.

We went in with no expectations (as one should do when visiting a new establishment), and we left having had a wonderful experience! The food was so amazing! We had a lovely gazpacho followed by crispy pork belly. For dinner we had a perfectly cooked salmon, and we had cheesecake (a freaking enormous serving) with a caramel glaze for dessert. The service was great, and Elixir’s bar manager must be quite experienced, because the drinks were great. I am somewhat of a beverage expert ;) Overall, Elixir was great, and it will be on our list of regular haunts from now on!

I had the opportunity to attend this Past Wednesday, September 30^th a private event at elixir called «Angel’s envy Bourbon dinner»
Such a great experience considering the fact that it was also my first time at this elixir location.
The evening was quiet lovely, the menu for the night very much exciting and tasty.
The drinks absolutely to die for, and the experience overall defiantly made that Wednesday night fabulous.
The Chef’s work absolutely amazing, taking his time to greed everyone, explaining in simple detail what we were just about to taste. I remember everyone in my table expressing in between bits how delish everything was!
The drinks… Well, we couldn’t get enough. Too good!
Very intimate atmosphere, not just for an event like this but definitely for a a casual night with friends or a date! Highly recommended.