Chef’s Special Cocktail Bar

This Chinese spot in Bucktown is from one of our favorite restaurants in Chicago - Giant. And Chef’s Special Cocktail Bar is just as much a very good Chinese restaurant as it is a bar. It’s loud and crowded, and the large space is full of people who are clearly having a good time. The food menu is long, and you’ll find tasty versions of everything from hand-pulled dan dan noodles to shrimp toast to sweet and sour chicken. Most dishes are between $10-$12, and the cocktail list has affordable drinks like the $8 Manager’s Special (whiskey and cherry soda). Just know this place is busy so plan on waiting a while for a seat at the bar (which is first come first served) and definitely make reservations if you want to eat at a table.