The Drifter

Really lovely little spot, I enjoy that you kind of have to hunt for it. Good service. The ambiance and decor are really nice down here. I also like that there’s live entertainment but just for 1/4 of every hour - a nice pacing. I only gave 4 stars just because I feel like the bar is really geared towards hardcore drinkers — all the cocktails are *strong* and can’t really be modified to be any less strong while maintaining their like, conceptual integrity, flavor, what have you. So idk. Probably a good fit if you have more of an alcohol tolerance than me! And worth stopping by either way

I love The Drifter! We had to wait for about an hour and a half but it was so worth it! The place was amazing inside and we loved the vibe. We will be back soon! thank you for a memorable time!

The Drifter has a fantastic vibe and even better drinks. A chicago speakeasy of note - to get in go into Green Door Tavern. Go through the room keeping the bar on your left, keep going left and you'll see stairs going down, go down these stairs and through the hidden door in the bookshelf. The Drifter does a cabaret style variety show on each hour- we got to experience a burlesque show and guitarist both were fantastic. The drinks - each note you get a random choice from the broader library of tarot cards for that night's cocktails. All of ours were very unique, some served with Andes mints, flowers or cocktail onions depending on what fit. They have other drink options as well as snacks available. Get there early as it is a small bar with very limited seating. Restrooms are just out the secret door across the hallway still downstairs.

We had an incredible time! We reserved a table for 5 and we are glad we did! This hidden speak easy was unique, definitely hidden and affordable. Only reason for a 4: As a reserved table of 5, there was a $75 min that I thought would be easily attainable. We had to buy drinks for others and we tried to get food to go just to make our min (we each had 4 drinks and food and that wasn't enough). I would go here again and wing it with a smaller intimate group. Larger groups- be prepared to drink and eat a lot!

Cool place for good ass drinks. It's a little hidden speakeasy. The Drifter is located under Green Door Tavern. Kind of expensive but worth it with the...

What a fun experience! NO sign on the outside to tell that you are at the right place. NO sign on the inside. Just wander to the back, down the stairs, and there's the door! NOTE there are no reservations but it only seats 36, so you will likely be on a wait list. For a Saturday night, however, we only waited 5 minutes for 3 of us. We got a front row seat to live jazz music. It is a VERY small space. The tarot cards at the table are different cocktail mixes, very fun! Overall a very unique experience.

I'm not sure, but I recall this place being much better pre-Covid. We had a 45 minute wait last night (after being told it was only 15 minutes and that was...

Funky little spot with in a great environment. Love the 10 minute hourly show that features a wide variety of talents. Love to Tarot Card cocktail idea and the offerings are unique. Cocktails are good, but cocktails served up need to be more chilled.

Every year we meet up in Chicago for a bar crawl and The Drifter is usually the highlight of the evening. Sadly things have changed and our recent experience was subpar. We got there early after open and were greeted by the guy working the front door who had no personality. He informed us there would be a cover charge and we could only stay for 2 acts. No problem paying the cover but if I'm going to do so I'd like to enjoy as many acts as I wish. This wasn't a rule in the past. He lead us to the table and the lights were turned up as bright as they go. Its usually dimly lit for that speakeasy feel. We tried to order from the Buddha but this was gone too so we quickly scanned the tarot cards to pick a drink and when I asked my buddy a question about the drink he was getting, this was too much for the little front door man who left in a huff without saying a word. He returned a bit later and we ordered drinks and food constantly through our stay but we weren't even done applauding for the second performer when the unpleasant front door guy slaps the bill on the table. I went to the bathroom at that point and noticed there were two empty tables. I inquired with him and he said they were on a wait. I asked if we could get on the list and come back. He said yes but it would be an hour and a half. I gave him my info and we left to go get a drink and food at another place close by until we could get back in. Needless to say he took us off the list after we left and we were never notified of a table opening. I gave an extra star because of the performers who are always outstanding.

Ok I wish I knew about this place a long time ago because I can truly without a doubt say this is my favorite bar in Chicago. It’s a classy speakeasy that had great drinks, atmosphere, and even live performances such as jazz music and burlesque! Me and my friends got there early to snag a big table, and the coolest part is that their menu is all on tarot cards! How novel! If you want a true speakeasy experience this is the place to be. I want to take all my friends here from now on.