The Office

Well, we finally made it to The Office and it really was all that it’s cracked up to be. We went by way of tickets. I’m still not sure how I feel about the ticket system. On the one hand, it’s awesome, you have your reservation locked in so you don’t have to jump through hoops to try to score an invite. On the other hand, you have to make sure you and your friends aren’t flaky because you’re on the hook for the ticket cost. The good news, though, is that they sometimes have room for last minute visits if you give them a ring (I asked).
We chose an early reservation, which turned out great for us. We had two seats at the bar and were pretty much the only people there for the first hour or so. That gave us time to chat with and discuss our drink selections with the bartender and enjoy the place to ourselves for awhile. Our bartender was friendly and engaging and she made a mean drink. Two of our drinks were off the menu but the other four were her creations. All of them were perfectly balanced and delicious. Definitely some of the best cocktails we’ve had in the city.
As you’ve probably read in the other 80,000 reviews for this place, it is completely different from The Aviary. The Office is the kind of place you go for fine spirits, interesting flavors, and drinks made to your personal taste. They have a huge selection of spirits so it was much easier to go with the bartender’s suggestion than to try to choose myself. I would probably still be there trying to decide. I was impressed to see that they also have a large selection of beers of all varieties.
By the time we left around 8:30 — 9:00pm, the place was packed and the bartenders were in full swing. It was really cool seeing them come up with cocktails suited to each person. It is amazing that they have the knowledge to think of such great and original drinks off the cuff. I wish I could do that!
I look forward to my next visit, although, it will be a tough choice between The Office and Aviary. The drinks are great at both places but there’s something to be said about breaking open your drink with a rubber band!

Great bartenders/​mixologists and fantastic cocktails! I was lucky enough to check this place out my first night in Chicago thanks to a local friend getting me a reservation. Read more about it at

Sitting at the table was one of the most fun experiences I’ve had in Chicago. I was a little nervous about being surprised by each course, but food was delicious. Our five courses were east coast oysters, pickled hen of the wood mushrooms, mussels, tomato tartare with the most delicious bread, and build your own sundae. The cocktails that matched the courses ranged from green peppery champagne to vanilla sherry.
At the end of the meal, we were given a beautifully hand written menu of everything we ate, which was such a nice touch.

Best. Cocktails. Ever.
Had a «dealer’s choice.» Told the bartender/​mixologist what I liked and let her do her magic. And it was magic. Phenomenal. Three types of housemade apricot liqueur, peppercorn, oregano, and other ingredients that I can’t remember but which worked perfectly together.
Also had the coffee cocktail. Absolutely incredible. Amaro, an entire egg, roasted poblano pepper, cigar smoke. Insane.
Food was excellent too. Foie gras with strawberry rhubarb jam was very tasty.
It will set you back a pretty penny, but for a special occasion or for an out-​of-​towner, worth the splurge.

HOT DANG! Lemonade status, 5 Stars for this place. The office was an awesome experience, such a pleasure for the senses. We were there on a Tuesday night, booked months aged for this «Sold Out» night. YASS QUEEN. The service was top notch, I don’t mean white linen service on The Queen Mary, but personalized, almost as though you’re going to see your friends type of service. Approachable and lovely, great staff.
And the DRINKS were SUBLIME. Enough said, period.
Food was great, again, enough said, period.
Check it out, take someone to impress them.
Peace out.

The Office is a chill, speak-​easy style, comfortable lounge in the basement of The Aviary. This place is in high demand so if you want to check it out, make a reservation at least a week in advance
The vibe is unbelievable! We weren’t able to get in Friday night but after talking to the management, he was able to squeeze us in Saturday. The staff was extremely kind and hospitable, total 5 star experience! Our server rocked and brought us some very unique, had crafted drinks. This has become a new Chicago favorite for sure. I’ll definitely be back!

Wonderful. So happy I was finally able to go. What a chill spot to relax for a couple of drinks. House staff is awesome, our waitress was friendly and clever. I was supremely tipsy after three cocktails. Nailed it.

Cute spot. A high school friend and I got in from having reservations at the Aviary.
Drinks. Were. Superb. Amazing. Prices are what you’d expect, which is fair.
I will definitely come back.

The office is an awesome speakeasy experience. The girlfriend did a great job getting us a last minute reservation here. We were seated around midnight and stayed until last call. They offer up an extensive selection of whiskeys along with some classic cocktails. They even have a menu that offers some small bites. I had the truffle infused Japanese whiskey which was absolutely amazing. The aromas were intoxicating and it tasted like nothing I’ve had before, I would definitely recommend it. I also tried a Kavalan Taiwanese whiskey single malt as I’ve never had Taiwanese whiskey before and was curious to try it; but can’t say it was anything mind blowing. The handwritten receipt is a work of art in itself, showcasing some awesome calligraphy skills and it even comes stamped with a wax seal!

This place is a super classy version of a dark, stuffy, exclusive office. With comfy chairs and intriguing decorations throughout, you really feel like you’re in a special place. We were rounding out the end of our night and had somehow gotten a hookup to get in to this place, so we just asked our bartender to make us whatever he felt like. The result was complete and utter deliciousness. Somehow he nailed my taste exactly, if it had been earlier in the night, I would have probably gone to town on anything and everything he could make. Love this place, love the atmosphere and the drinks, and will definitely be returning.

Though I mentioned The Office in my Aviary review I felt it due to break it out separately as though they are tied together, they are certainly not mutually exclusive.
On the otherside of The Aviary bar and down the stairs lies a lounge with it’s own menu and it’s own cocktails. Something that you’ll notice at both Aviary and Office is the lack of meals, most items are basically tapas, small bites, but very well plated and thought out. If you were to take a 7 course menu, but make it all a la cart is how I would best describe their menu. Things aren’t necessarily paired as they do more craft cocktails rather than gastronomy cocktail creations.
It’s dark, it’s warm, lots of wood, lots of leather and some nice rugs center each area. The staff is excellent. As most people come here to relax after dinner and not necessarily eat they pay attention to the customer and the drinks. Food is a bit secondardy, though still plenty of care is taken on it. Typical high standard issue tools (Koriko tins), beakers, japanese jiggers. I actually spent quite a bit of time chatting with the bartenders getting a feel for the city and how Chicago cocktails differ from NY, Portland, SF and Socal.
Again sharing the ice program from upstairs they do globes, cubes and any other form necessary to properly serve each type of drink.
I’m not sure if you simply pay for the privacy because it’s not that exclusive, though not public, but even with a hookup we racked up $ 80 as the p/​p split on 3 drinks each and $ 100 on snacks. I get the price for service knowing the level of attention they have here, but some of their rare and high end spirits are simply overpriced.
The 1 really cool thing I loved was how unpretentious it was down there. The entire establishment is about drinks so there is a more social nature to The Office than food first places.
Since I went with buddies the wax lettered bill didn’t have the same effect as I can see it happened on guys taking their significant others on dates.
If Aviary doesn’t impress you then The Office likely won’t change your mind. Aviary may be too high tech and cutting edge than The Office, but as a stand alone place against Room 13, Jimmy, Everleigh I see other places comparable. I can find most any of their exclusive bottles elsewhere for cheaper to upgrade my cocktails with.

Be prepared to name drop and empty your wallet though to get your foot in the door. I honestly don’t understand how we even got here. With that said, this is THE place to be if you want the best drinks in the city and a very exclusive atmosphere. I won’t go into too much detail, but the experience is everything you can imagine minus the unicorn tears and unobtanium.
To get in, you typically text their number for availability. Include your name, party size, and flexibility. I’ve always received a prompt reply whether it is a rejection or confirmation.

We absolutely love the Speakeasy scene and when we travel, we try to sniff out the local speakeasies.
Secret bar hidden below an exclusive bar? YES PLEASE!
This was probably one of the classiest joints we’ve been in.
RESERVATIONS are needed; try to get a seat at the bar so you can watch Micah work his magic! We got lucky and managed to sit at the bar. The drinks are phenomenal and the service is top notch.
What The Aviary does in cutting edge molecular gastronomy, The Office is a purist in classic cocktails. The tinctures, extracts, infusions are all made in house and the book of drinks and alcohols is absolutely fantastic!
Fantastic experience and absolutely memorable night out!

Stopped by The Office last night with some friends and I have to agree with Erick N. that this is perhaps the classiest bar in Chicago. Absolutely worth the price points for the experience of having an exquisite cocktail experience. The gentleman who took care of us was wonderful and highly knowledgeable not only on the spirits but on the history of each.
We opted for off the menu fun– just gave him our flavor profiles for each respective person and he nailed it. I enjoyed a couple bubbly gin cocktails, the second with a lavender essence.
5 stars– I would say the best thing for Chicago since the end of prohibition.

Exquisite entrées, experimental libations, and exemplary service.
It should go without saying that The Office is exclusive, almost to the point of being exorbitant. Enter $$$$/​$$$$ (extraordinarily expensive)…That being said, Eric S had an exceptional experience. Alright, time to cool it with the excessive alliteration.
A Wednesday evening table for 2 was my Mother’s Day gift (cue the ‘awwws’) for a wonderful woman who appreciates such fine dining. Coming inbound on the Eisenhower at 6pm on a weeknight, we were running a bit late and they were very accommodating in getting us seated, communicating graciously via text message. When we arrived upstairs at The Aviary, a blutooth-​wearing gentleman came to retrieve us and lead us downstairs to the speakeasy, accessible only by key.
Inside, there are maybe 16 seats max. I counted two small tables, some bartop seats, and a few plush armoires. The Office is serviced by a resident bartender/​mixologist and lone waiter (Josh and Ryan, respectively) who were simply outstanding. 20% gratuity is automatically added to the bill, and every penny of it was well-​earned. They truly are masters of their craft. The ordering experience was highly interactive; we weren’t asked what we wanted, but rather what kinds of things we were ‘in the mood for’.
Instead of receiving one of the predetermined items from their menu (see photo), we were presented with custom cocktails – my mom got a refreshing drink fashioned from a house-​made sweet pea soda, accented with serrano pepper and chartreuse. I had a tequila-​based drink that featured honey, lemon and paprika. For our 2^nd round, I was feeling daring and asked for a surprise. What I received was WAY stronger than I was prepared for – it was a smoky mezcal drink made with Peychaud’s bitters and 1 very large homemade ice cube. I wish I could recall more, but at that point I was three sheets to the wind and was gorging myself on baguettes. Speaking of which…
BY THE BEARD OF ZEUS the bread was delicious. It had a salt crust and light olive oil drizzle that might take the pole position for best bread in the history of the world, and that’s not hyperbole in the slightest.
For ‘light’ bites, we ordered the beef tartare ($ 40) and foie gras ($ 30). The tartare was delicately-​prepared, although I usually prefer its tuna counterpart, as the raw fish has a more poignant flavor. The foie gras came in an adorable terrine and was spectacular. It was so smooth (not to mention rich), we might as well have eaten a jar of deluxo butter.
As always, the check is written in immaculate calligraphy and sealed with red wax. Though for the amount of dough I dropped, I was honestly hoping to take home a piece of furniture.
It’s hard for me to recommend this place to most people due to the insane cost and sparse availability. I’m writing this off as a one-​time deal and the likelihood of me ever returning is small, simply because my middle name isn’t ‘Moneybags’.
But if cost is no object to you, perhaps The Office can become your new Fulton Market hideaway. For average schmucks like me, one visit here is enough to last a lifetime.

The Office. No not the TV show but the Speakeasy. I had the pleasure of being invited to the Office after being done with the kitchen drink tasting menu at the Aviary back on March 7, 2015.
Lastly, it’s definitely worth the hype if you’re looking for something intimate, relaxing and actually get invited. It’s classy, exclusive, a real speakeasy and down right cool as f*ck. You could actually hear yourself think and your friends talk.

We managed to get tasting reservations for a party of 4 at The Office with a few days notice (super lucky I know). We arrived 15 min early for our 6 o’clock table and were the first ones to get seated. The Office is decorated with wood and leather, making for a very comfortable ambiance. There are about 3 seating areas for groups and a few seats at the bar.
I wasn’t expecting to get much food, but surprisingly we were really full by the end of it. We enjoyed oysters, foie gras, chicken pâté, and some other delicious finger food snacks I’ll leave for you to find out.
The drinks as expected were impressive. My companions are well versed in the art of cocktails and the Office won their respect and admiration. The food and drinks aren’t presented with the flourish chef Grant Achatz is known for, but with the quality and flavors you receive, you don’t mind the simple delivery. I think my favorite was the Japanese whisky, but it’s hard to choose.
The service was great and very friendly. Even though we were slotted for two hours, I believe we stayed there for four! We never felt rushed and truly enjoyed everything. Definitely book a table if you can.

Wow. What an experience.
If you have an opportunity to come down to the office, take advantage.
The nice thing about this place being so exclusive is that it’s never crowded, so you get plenty of attention from the excellent waitstaff. If for some reason you can’t find something to suit your tastes on their extensive and jaw-​dropping cocktail, spirits and beer menu, they are more than happy to create something completely customized just for you. The atmosphere is just comfortable and welcoming.
It’s just cool. This is the gold standard.

COLLABORATION BEER rocks! Exclusively made for The Office. Woo hoo!
Last Word — Xciting! Historical. Made pre-​prohibition. The tartness grows on you.
There Goes the Neighborhood — refreshing. Bit sour. Interesting use of calamansi (very Filipino). Amazing aroma of peppers.
Port Hole — taste like beer! LOL. Berry flavors is the after taste.
We love IT so much that we are buying a TO GO. *wink

I am an exclusive person.
I wanted to come here just because its so exclusive.
Finally, on my bday we were able to get a friend to get us down here.
AMAZING! I think I just like it because its über small and no one knows about it… for realz.
I love the bathroom keys and the servers are EXTREMELY knowledgeable.
Like, I cant even appreciate all of the things they have to offer here.
Dark, boozey, smoochzy… you feel special… whether or not it is… ha!
BRING YOUR WALLET!