As far as classic cocktails go, the Bloody Mary is iconic.
The double-edged sword element of a drink this popular is that it’s tough to come across a bar or restaurant without its own version on the menu. Not all bloody marys are created equal though. Screwing up vodka and tomato juice is tough, but some Chicago spots have absolutely mastered the recipe. Let’s not forget about garnishes, too. These can actually make or break your first drink of the day. If your drink doubles as an appetizer, you’ve found a great spot.
We rounded up some of the best bloody’s in the city. Dive in, but remember to pace yourself.
Photo via Instagram/Dove's Luncheonette
1545 N. Damen Ave. - Wicker Park
We're excited to finally have this one back on the list. Recently reopened Dove’s Luncheonette’s Bloody Marys are as much a staple as its sister restaurant Big Star’s margaritas. Much like many of the southern-inspired and Mexican menu items at Dove’s the Bloody is savory, smoky and a little spicy. Try a Bloody Maria—a tequila-infused alternative—if you’re feeling especially adventurous.
Image via IMR Chicago courtesy of Big Jones
5347 N. Clark St. - Andersonville
Everything has a touch of the South at Big Jones in Andersonville, so it’s no surprise the restaurant’s Bloody Mary Jones is filled with hot sauce, horseradish, cracked pepper, and pickles. It’s a flavor explosion that also gets you buzzed!
Photo via Reno
2607 N. Milwaukee Ave. - Logan Square
We promise sipping a bloody mary—made with a house mix and served with a beer back—on Reno's patio will bring you back to life after a rough work week. Bloody marys are available during brunch hours (9 a.m. - 3:30 p.m.) on Saturdays and Sundays.
Image via Flo/Marisa KM
1434 W. Chicago Ave. - Noble Square
Flo puts its New Mexican flair on everything, even its bloody marys. Try one of three each made with spicy flavors like Cholula hot sauce, New Mexican red chile, and green chile.
Photo via Facebook/Homeslice Wheel House
938 W. Webster Ave. - Lincoln Park
Relive your dorm room day memories at Homeslice in Lincoln Park. Remember how great a slice of cold pizza tasted in the morning? What about a bloody mary topped with a cold, miniature slice of Hawaiian-style 'za? Yeah, we’re speaking your language.
Image via Handlebar
2311 W. North Ave. - Wicker Park
Ask anyone who has brunched at Handlebar before and they’ll tell you to skip the house bloody mary and go straight for the Bloody Hammer upgrade. You won’t find slices of smoked bacon in your drink at this meat-free space, but the Hammer does come topped with peppers and a tomato juice-soaked fried pickle. That, plus a splash of Guinness in with the house-made mix, should counteract last night’s bad decisions.
Photo via Facebook/Twisted Spoke
501 N. Ogden Ave. - West Town
Take a boozy trip through Flavortown (sans Guy Fieri) with Twisted Spoke’s three different styles of bloody marys. Keep it classic with the Road Rash Mary (Genoa salami, parmesan cheese), spice up your morning with the Smoking Salma (smoked chipotle and chorizo) or go all in with the Bloody Maria (jalepeno tequila, cherry pepper, pickled garlic).
Photo via Instagram/Tweet
5020 N. Sheridan Rd. - Uptown
Sip jumbo bloody mary’s served in vintage-style tiki glasses surrounded by fine art and friendly faces at Tweet, the sister restaurant to gay bar Big Chicks. The restaurant and bar are cash-only, so make sure to bring enough to try every bloody on the menu (including versions spiked with wasabi and sriracha).
Photo via Facebook/The Smoke Daddy
1804 W. Division St. - Wicker Park
3636 N. Clark St. - Lakeview
Lucky for us, Smoke Daddy never misses an opportunity to incorporate its signature barbecue into as many menu items as possible. The Smokin’ Mary comes garnished with a baby back rib and smoked bacon. Wash it down with a pony bottle beer back.
photo via instagram.com/sienatavern
51 W Kinzie St. - River North
Looking to spice it up during brunch? Siena Tavern suggests its house favorite, the Bloody Mary. There's no question that this drink is top-notch. It's filled and decorated with Italian faves like pizzetta, a meatball sandwich, cornichon, mozzarella, basil, cherry tomato and dill salt. Oh, and don't be selfish. Bring four other friends to enjoy the Bloody Mary Carafes and build your own!
820 W. Randolph St. - West Town
We know, we know. Kimchi isn't everyone's first thought when someone mentions a Bloody Mary. Leave it to one of Chicago's favorite chefs Stephanie Izard to incorporate such an unexpected ingredient into the house mix at Little Goat Diner.
PHOTO VIA FACEBOOK/LONGMAN & EAGLES
2657 N. Kedzie Ave. - Logan Square
Much like everything at Michelin-starred Longman & Eagle, the bloody mary is simple, elegant and delicious. The cocktail’s house recipe mix has made it many Chicagoans’ favorite over the years. Remember what we said about garnishes? You’ll get a lemon, lime, sharp cheddar cube and mini pickle with this one. Classic.
