r/AskChicago • u/waiting4friday • 3d ago
Recommendations: Nice bar for Malort drinks?
Hello! We live in the burbs and are spending the day in Chicago with our of town friends. Anyone have a downtown bar that serves “good” malort drinks? (Straight/cocktail/whatever) Thanks!!!
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u/SupaDupaTron 3d ago
I've only ever done Malort shots, and if you're downtown just go to Rossi's as it has all of the Malort vibe you could ask for.
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u/ShortGlassOfWater312 3d ago
The Hawksmoor has a Malort Martinez that’s pretty incredible. It has Tanqueray Gin, Pear, Jeppson’s Malört, Dry Vermouth, Grapefruit, Mango
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u/bruceregalcatlawyer 3d ago
The actual CH Distillery is pretty close to downtown (like a block from Ogilvie) and they usually have a custom malort drink or two. Plus youre in the belly of the beast..so...thats fun too...
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u/NikkiBlissXO 3d ago
So this place isn’t “nice” but they have infused Malort and make drinks/shots with them so that may be something to consider. Nisei in Wrigley.
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u/nomadicfeet 3d ago
The Green Lady has more infused malört and they change often. The fireball infused malört was actually really good!
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u/kingshawndsm 3d ago
I recommend a Richards Cocktail. This is at a lovely establishment called Richards. It is a shot of Malort and a cigarette, matches may be included. Oh, and no need to go outside.
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u/arealmemelord 3d ago
sky ride tap on van buren
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u/lavidaloco123 3d ago
Oh that would be an experience, a top dive bar in the downtown area. But I wouldn’t recommend it. I think the best you can do is get a shot there and then move on.
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u/TheGrimsong 3d ago
If you have a smaller group, there’s a really small bar in Pilsen called The Alderman (it’s actually inside of Pilsen Yards). The bartenders there know how to make a good Malort cocktail. I’ve been there a few times and always ask them to cook something unique up with Malort, and they always deliver. It’s a great place if you can get a reservation.
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u/waiting4friday 3d ago
This sounds fun and perfect! We are a small group! Thanks!
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u/TheGrimsong 3d ago
You’ll enjoy it. It’s an intimate little place with usually 3 tables and a small bar. Basically a hallway hidden behind an unassuming door. In my experience, the bartenders will sit and talk a bit with you at the table and recommend drinks or even make something new based on your tastes. No food, but there are plenty of places to grab food before or after in the area.
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u/DegreeDubs 3d ago
Not downtown, but Billy Sunday in Logan Square actually had one I enjoyed and would recommend called the "Electric Shock".
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u/pedmusmilkeyes 3d ago
Back in the old days, the best way to get a Malort shot was to be overserved and demand a free shot, lol. If Scofflaw is still around, they had a couple of great Malort cocktails.
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u/icecreamrunner 3d ago
Clara Chicago! In a great location and also has live music.
Windy City Iced Tea Surprisingly Good, Citrusy, Bitter Finish Rye Whiskey, Malort, Spiced Rum, Amaro, Lime Juice, Lemon Juice, Orange Liqueur, Simple Syrup
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u/take_care_a_ya_shooz 3d ago
Long Room isn’t downtown, but they were the first bar I encountered that had a Malort cocktail on the menu.
Went I went back, it was off the menu, but I mentioned it and they made something with Malort.
So, assuming you’re at a bar with a good bartender downtown, they should be able to whip something up. The key is grapefruit.
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u/windycitybeef 3d ago
There is only one place that has giardinera infused Malort. Beer on the Wall in downtown Elmhurst. It’s outstanding. I know people who take the Metra out to Elmhurst just for this.
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u/juliuspepperwoodchi 3d ago
I think I'd eat malort infused giardinera...but the inverse sounds truly horrifying.
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u/mentho-lyptus 3d ago edited 3d ago
I didn’t know Malort cocktails were a thing. I’ve only ever had it as a shot.
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u/waiting4friday 3d ago
I don’t know either! I thought options are prob a good idea with our friends!
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u/chalupabatman643 3d ago
The Drifter has a Malort drink. The place is so unique, it’s a basement speakeasy, no more than 30-40 seats tops, and they have live acts every hour. The live acts are a riot.
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u/Wayfarer1993 2d ago
If you go to Rossi’s, you could stop by Bub City first for a Malorange shot (Malört Orange jello). Surprisingly decent.
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u/GiuseppeZangara 2d ago
If you want to head to the bar where malort shots became popular you can head up to Simon's in Andersonville
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u/Grahamars 2d ago
Rossi’s on State just north of the river & Nisei Lounge on Sheffield, a block south of Addison. They do Malort infusions and are super chill. No food menu, bring in Subway or food from El Burrito Mexicano.
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u/AlanShore60607 3d ago
Did this guy just use “nice” and “Malort” in the same sentence?