Review Arbella - Chicago

Came here last night to end the night for my 27th and I had the best time! From the bartenders and other staff to even the patrons, it was super fun and the drinks were good. They play good music, heard some Brazilian funk in there which made me so happy. Definitely feel I found a new spot

Visited Arbella and was blown away by their cocktail selection, especially their unique take on old fashioneds from around the world. The vibe was perfect with a DJ playing during our visit, and thankfully, it wasn't overly crowded. The only regret? Not discovering this place sooner to sample more of their food menu. They have a late-night food menu that definitely hit the spot. Can't wait to go back!

Tucked away behind a not so obvious door is this gem. Some of the best cocktails in Chicago are served up here in a true speakeasy. Friendly and knowledgeable staff keep this small space running smoothly. Unique drinks are always on hand as well as a selection of higher end liquors plus food options. One of my favorite places in Chicago

Fantastic vibe and great cocktails. Got here right as they opened on a Friday night and was able to sit at the bar right away. Both the Simple Man and the Chicago Fire Extinguisher were excellent!

Amazing vibes, great food, music and drinks. Lots of options to select from, service is top notch. We ordered the Chicago fire extinguisher, really strong and perfect. I really loved the way the drinks are presented. The Croquettes tasted good. Great deals during happy hour, not many restaurants in Chicago downtown offer happy hour on Friday’s but Arabella does. I would highly recommend it.

Had a great recent experience here enjoying a few cocktails at the bar with my bride. I'm a bit older and way less hip than the stylish youngins surrounding us, but still felt most welcome. The bartenders were super friendly helping us decide on drink choices and we loved the decor, music and overall high energy level of the place. Worth a return for sure.

Cool vibe in there! I liked the fact there was a small crowd dancing. Busy but not too busy when we went on a Friday night. The bartender was quick and the drinks were really good!

Their atmosphere is something else! Dark with light accents, muted tones, romance and suspense can both be felt. We first had a booth but were moved to a table to be more comfortable. They have some of the most interesting drink names. I mainly stuck to the Peru one because it had vodka, lemon, mint and was along the lines of a mule. One of my friends got the fire extinguisher which came in a smoked form. There was a Mexico based cocktail that came in a unique cup of its own. It was a little loud so you couldn't really hear the people away from you. The servers were nice in that they left us alone for the most part and knew when to come and ask if we wanted more. We didn't eat. All in all, a good experience. I would recommend reservations.

Sat at the bar. Drinks were awesome. Vibe was great. The people that work here are very friendly. Ordered the octopus and it was mixed with what tasted like a balsamic sauce and pieces of pineapple. Though I love all those separately I didn’t love them together. It’s definitely a vibe here.

This place has great vibes, friendly staff, and an excellent happy hour menu. My friends and I enjoyed the few hours that we were there and I’m sure we’ll be back again soon!

Super fun spot and amazing vibes. I've always had a great time and my last visit really warranted a five star review. I love the "smokey bear" drink and tried the fire extinguisher this time (strong and amazing)! Inside seating is very cozy and offers an intimate experience. Service is always prompt even during busy weekend hours. Great selection of food also.

This cocktail bar has a great vibe and good music. It was fairly busy for a Thursday evening so would recommend reservations. They have happy hour 5-7 Monday to Saturday, even though options are limited on the happy hour menu, they were good. Overall the drinks menu is extensive and cocktails were great. We tried 4 of them and all were really good. The food menu is small. We ordered KFC and Feta Dip. Our server messed up our order and served us the Buffalo hot and spicy tenders which were good too (we didn’t request the dish to be swapped). They service was a little slow as 1 server had to manage a lot of tables. All in all, great place to grab cocktails and small bites with your date.

A great date night spot. A great hangout spot. The atmosphere was next level. That atmosphere was extremely relaxing and exciting. The entire night from start to finish was amazing. The staff was extremely accommodating and helpful. I showed up without any reservations and they made accommodations to get my group get a table and was communicating very well. I knew the drinks would be great. However, I was extremely shocked by the how good the food was. Everyone ordered something different. We tried each other’s plates, and we all were very impressed. The old fashions are amazing! Overall between the staff, atmosphere, and food you cannot go wrong with this place. The ambience is spot on. I will be going back I will be highly recommended to any and everyone I talk to. So if you’re visiting Chicago and wanna have a great night out, you better go to Arbella! If my pictures are blurry, I apologize but trust me you can’t go wrong!

the truffle fries here is simply delicious and drinks were on point. really great selection of drinks. the smoky side piece is a must. each section of the venue has a completely different ambiance

Came in very last minute for Happy Hour and managed to enjoy it! I loved how the menu on the website has pictures/drawings of what the cocktails look like. I tried the Shot of the Day, Peru-N-Back, and Mexican Danceoff and they were all great! The snack bites I had were the Truffle Fries, Crab Rangoon, and the Whipped Feta, also all superb. The ambiance is very chill with colorful lights. Can't wait to come back when the DJ is playing!

Only had a drink and appetizer around 6 pm on a weekday night - not very busy. A very cool atmosphere. I would like to experience being there on a Thursday - Saturday night around 10 pm when I'm told "it's happening".

Great happy hour deals! Drinks were unique and delicious. Loved the croquettes and truffle fries. Booths were cozy and service was speedy. I’d go back!

Reservation recommended, but we were able to snag 2 stools at the bar. Bartender was great! We were on a time crunch so only got to enjoy one drink. It was delicious and on the happy hour menu! Can't wait to visit again and try other drinks and food.

Drinks 4 stars, Food and price point, 3. I make reservations online, and make it a date night with my girl Lisa. Lots of catching up to do, and I'm starving as well as ready to blow off some steam and heard the drinks were the shizzzzz. Enter: the ceilings are high, with brick, graffiti murals hanging, 70's-esque lighting, good vibin'. High round booths that of course.... are full. Even with my res. Capital WHAT-ever. lol We are escorted to the overflow room. Like kids not cool enough for the party. haha Super excited to try some tapas and drinks! Our server, from Trinidad, has a fun accent and is very friendly and knowledgable about the selections. Let's start with the cocktails. I order the Chilcano. Cucumber Pisco, ginger syrup, cucumber, kiwi. I receive a corked bottle and a glass with a large cucumber ice sphere. $13 She orders the PB&J, they're out. Ohhhhh bummer. So the FOOL'S GOLD it is. Mezcal, Pineapple, Honey, Amaro Now, for the food. We're pretty much starving, and from looking at the kitchen with the one guy back there, the pickings are pretty slim. Start with a snack. The squash chips. $6 Slight BBQ spice. We housed them all. I would have eaten the iron skillet given the opp. Taro tacos $12 Taro chip tortilla, tuna tartare, avocado. No jalapeño for me. Literally two small tacos, crunchy taco shell, tasty, but I need MORE. Short rib Bao's, again just two little bao's. BOO. $13. Slow cooked short rib, thai sate sauce, squash puree, and pickled veggies. Tasty, the buns were a little flat, but the flavor packed a good punch. Finally the K.F.C. Korean Fried Chicken pieces. These babies were hot and spicy, but freaking delicious. Should have just ordered like 4 of these altogether. Amish chicken drummetes, Korean spicy, and sweet glaze. My next drink: Fool's Gold. $14 Smoky sweet pineapple, with a banana or tea leaf? The total bill was around $110, but seriously, come here for the drinks, and eat before. The food, other than the chicken was certainly not worth the price. The environment is cool though, and definitely a great drink spot.

This place was pretty damn awesome. Food was spectacular, drinks were just as good and pricing wasn't too bad. All the bartenders were cool as hell. Not to mention they had an event and were giving out drinks and snacks. Definitely recommend this spot to anyone! The music wasn't too loud and had an amazing mix as well!

Great small “speak easy like” restaurant. Food is really great (try the peppers they’re amazing). I love the peanut butter vodka with a jelly ice cube. Everything is great minus the very loud music which could be dialed back to enhance the experience.

First time going tonight for happy hour. I'll definitely be back. Andrew was our server and provided excellent customer service. Great food, drinks and atmosphere.

Arbella offers amazing drinks, great music, delicious small bites, in a warm, welcoming atmosphere. Try the Chilcano, a creative drink with a cucumber and kiwi sphere. Another must try, the Fire Extinguisher, a Scotch based cocktail that is beautifully balanced and served with Cedar Smoke!

A really great and beautifully designed lounge with excellent music, food, and globally inspired cocktails. The workers here are very assertive and friendly, it is definitely a perfect spot for a date or simply to hang out. Highly recommended, should definately check it out.

Amazing place and Server Andrew made us feel like we were his own family he was serving, loved this place and will return soon 10/10 😍, also the appetizers were superrrr delicious 👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻

This place was great! Atmosphere, drinks, and food. Highly recommend.

Awesome cocktails! Great service! I highly recommend this place.

I love this place! So many great times in such short time. My favorite new place in Chicago!

Incredible ambiance.....played cupid in the first booth on the left by the door and this was the perfect setting for the three of us

Hip lounge with fabulous cocktails and great chill music 🎶

One of the best cocktail bars in the city!! Highly recommended

The hottest bar in Chicago! Amazing globally inspired cocktails, great DJs, beautiful ambience, and the best service!! I can always count on Arbella for a great time!!