The Gatsby Speakeasy
Chicago
At a glance
The Gatsby Speakeasy is a cocktail bar located at 736 W Fullerton Ave in Chicago. This establishment captures the essence of old-school glamor with a modern twist. Known primarily for its expertly crafted cocktails, it provides a relaxed and inviting atmosphere that's perfect for a night out with friends or a casual, yet stylish, evening. The moderate price level makes it an accessible option for those looking to enjoy high-quality drinks without breaking the bank.
Inside, patrons can choose from an impressive array of cocktails, each crafted with precision by skilled bartenders. Beer and wine are also available, giving guests a wide variety of options depending on their preference. The Gatsby Speakeasy features a dine-in setup, allowing visitors to enjoy the full experience of its vibrant yet intimate surroundings.
Frequented by both locals and visitors, the venue is highly rated, boasting an overall rating of 4.4 from over 170 reviews. This speaks to its consistency in delivering a memorable experience and great drinks. It caters to those who appreciate a refined drinking atmosphere, where conversation and good company are paired with exquisite beverages.
While the decoration and vibe align with its speakeasy theme, there are no additional details on thematic nights or music. This makes The Gatsby Speakeasy an ideal spot for those who enjoy a sophisticated, yet straightforward, drinking experience.
Reviews
Stepping into The Gatsby Speakeasy is like traveling back to the Roaring Twenties. It’s a masterpiece that captures the elegance and mystery of the 1920s speakeasy era, where every detail—from the vintage décor to the intimate ambiance—immerses you in the spirit of Prohibition. Their signature Old Fashioned is nothing short of extraordinary. It opens with delicate pineapple aromas, followed by rich bitters balanced with just a whisper of sugar. A secret touch of gin adds remarkable depth and complexity, creating a cocktail that’s both timeless and unforgettable. Every sip is smooth, refined, and expertly crafted. Whether you’re planning a romantic date night or looking to experience a true taste of Chicago’s legendary Al Capone era, The Gatsby Speakeasy delivers an unforgettable evening. Between the exceptional cocktails, outstanding service, and authentic atmosphere, it’s easily one of the most memorable speakeasy experiences in Chicago. I’ll definitely be back.
I've been here multiple times. It's a good spot and has great drinks but it's entirely optimized to make the maximum money possible which does come at the expense of service. On one occasion, we had made a reservation for four, had been seated at a table, and when we had already ordered and received one round of drinks and about to order a second round, the manager said they needed our table for a larger party that they did not plan for so were asking us to move to the bar for the rest of our reservation. Our reservation was for table seating. For four people, bar seating makes no sense when you're lined up in a row. I asked if they were asking us to move or telling us to move, and they said they're asking as a courtesy, so when I pushed back, they did let us continue sitting there but I found the whole experience off putting. On another occasion, the whole experience just felt rushed. I know they have a two hour limit, which when you're paying $25 per drink (with taxes, tips, and fees) just feels excessive. In fact they brought out the bill and awkwardly waited for us to pay on their machine when we still had 20 min left in our 2 hour slot. My wife hadn't even finished her drink yet. Most other places wouldn't do this so again just thought the service experience could use improvement.
Good drinks but kind of pricey and the space the night I went felt a little warm/stuffy. Also, they're very strict about the time limits which wasn't exactly explained when I made the reservation or checked in for it the night of. At the same time, when we were told we didn't have a ton of time left, it was kind of hard to flag down a waiter to order something (had my eye on the cheese plate) and by the time we could flag one down we had even less time and couldn't even put in an order. Would probably come back, but, I'll be honest, it will likely be a long while before I would be willing to do so.
Loved this bar, it has a fun way to enter. The decor and atmosphere is so cozy, perfect for a winter evening. The drinks were delicious and we got the charcuterie board which was bigger than expected. I texted a friend while we were still there to make plans to come again.
Nice concept and really nice atmosphere. Interesting cocktails and snack menu; Escargot puffs were really good as welll as A Dame to Kill For. Having to wait for the hostess and then being told that being late would eat into our 90 minute slot... Especially when it wasn't busy/full night by any means set a bad tone to start, but the rest of the staff were great and welcoming.
