The Barrelhouse Flat

Location: 2624 N. Lincoln Ave., Chicago, IL 60614

A Quick Word:
Cocktail bars and craft beer bars continue to expand in the Chicago area.  Somehow, I kept forgetting to post about Barrelhouse Flat, possibly my favorite bar in Chicago.  This bar located in Lincoln Park offers dozens of cocktails (in fact, they have a menu with over 6 pages full of cocktails).  From your typical whiskey stirred drinks to those creative egg white infused cocktails, there is something for everyone.  The feel of the bar is a speakeasy/lounge type.  Downstairs is a huge bar displaying the variety of whiskeys, liquors, and other mix-ins.  If you get lucky, the upstairs has more of that lounge feel to it.  I definitely love this bar and I think their drinks rival some of the better bars in New Orleans (home of drinks like the Sazerac).  And for that reason, I decided to give them a 5-mile rating because I would definitely work the 5-miles for these drinks.

What I Drank:

Sazerac

Having spent a month in New Orleans until just a few weeks ago, I was hoping for a place that served up a great sazerac.  I had been here before, but forgot about their cocktail list.  In their sazerac, they use a very common recipe consisting of rye whiskey, a simple syrup, bitters, and of course, some form of absinthe.  I was surprised not to find a swirl of lemon peel garnishing the glass.  Anyway, it was made perfectly.  Great aroma from the absinthe and of course the use of a good rye whiskey.  Still love this place.

Old Fashioned

(sorry, no picture--too dark to post)

After a couple sazeracs, I decided to switch it up.  An Old Fasioned is my next favorite drink.  Thankfully, here, they refrain from using cherries (which I just don't enjoy).  They use a bourbon whiskey, syrup, orange, and bitters.  Another strong, yet tasty drink.  The orange actually stood out, especially if you smash up the peel just a little.

Manhattan

(sorry, no picture--too dark to post)

For my last drink, I figured why not order a different whiskey drink.  I kept with the same stirred theme when I decided on the Manhattan.  This drink is made with a rye whiskey, sweet and dry vermouth, and of course... bitters.  No surprise there.  Honestly, I don't remember this drink too much, but if you enjoy whiskey drinks like a sazerac, this is another great option.


The DOs/DON'Ts:
DO:
- Immediately put your name down for the lounge seating.  It can be up to a 2 hour wait, but well worth it to go upstairs!
- Tables and bar seating on the first floor are all FIRST COME, FIRST SERVE.  So if you see someone leaving, stalk that table.

DON'T:
- No driving here... parking is difficult and why would you not want to take advantage of their huge cocktail list.

How far would I walk for these drinks?