Classy Boystown joint!
Definitely a great spot in Boystown. Service is amazing, decor is beautiful, and the drinks are classy.
It's a small place so it's a struggle getting a table.
SO i have been back after a little fiasco... some friends of mine like to meet here about once a month as a small get together on monday nights and the service is good. No snottyness, its comfortable so who is working the weeknights kudos! I dont plan on coming on weekends though cause its too camped. but you have me back on weeknights.
Review Source:Elixir is a nice change of pace for a fancier cocktail if you are able to get in...the place is quite small. Â It's much quieter than the other bars on Halsted and is a good spot if you want to have a conversation. Â Drinks are also unique and not your normal mixed drink. Â
Service can be a little slow and inattentive at times. Â This place would be 5 star if the staff would make customers feel a little more welcome. Â There is only seating for maybe 30? so it shouldn't be that hard.
I was very reluctant when a friend suggested we stop in at Elixir after dinner, but I'm glad me did. Great atmosphere. The staff is personable and fun. The drinks are unique and different. I usually just let the bartender surprise me with a concoction. I recommend going during the week when it is a little more low-key. The space is quite small, so it can fill up quickly with the usual Boystown crowd.
Review Source:Cute teeny lounge is a welcome respite from the usual Halsted joints. Â Excellent tasty cocktails and friendly servers. Â Very informative and fun without being over the top.
Will definitely go back with my boys.
PS: One of the nicest largest washrooms I've seen. Â It might be bigger than the entire bar!
Wonderful bar! It's small but good things come in small packages. The bar tenders are always very polite, professional an knowledgable, not to mention good looking. They have a great drink menu with some seasonal things that get changed out.
I also love that they seat people so you never have people leaning over your shoulder or practically in your lap.
I've lived nearby for over a year and had seen it a ton and just not thought to stop by. Â My mom was in town and we decided to stop by for a couple drinks. The staff was all friendly and made us feel right at home. The drinks tasted amazing and the atmosphere was great. I would recommend this bar.
Review Source:This place was lovely. A good mixed crowd, a cute waiter named TYLER, and delicious drinks on a Friday night.
Went with a mixed crowd and didn't feel uncomfortable (or I should say, made to feel uncomfortable). Tyler, our server, was super sweet (and cute as can be) and recommended many drinks. Not a bad one in the bunch. I had a strawberry basil lemonade that was strong and refreshing on a hot night. Definitely had a kick. We talked for a good long while, and never felt rushed or pressured into ordering. Tyler checked on us regularly but didn't hover. I hate hovering.
Bathroom was clean (yup, Kristin M., you can tell a lot about a place by the bathroom); and the place was stylish without being creepy. I will definitely be back even though it's a bit pricey. But hey, what is 11 bucks when you see them actually making your cocktail with all the love a good cocktail deserves.
So what are you waiting for, go get you some Elixir! See you soon, Tyler!
Outstanding service, unbelievable drinks and great music... Elixir has a vibe unlike any other bar club lounge in boystown if you are looking to get away from all the chaos this is it. The employees are hot and make you feel like your the most important in the room... My personal FAV is Jack he will have me and my friends coming again and again
Review Source:If you want a good, hand-crafted cocktail, go to Violet Hour, Tiny Lounge, Barrelhouse Flat or Drawing Room (all very good places, by the way). If you want a good, hand-crafted cocktail made by attractive, muscley men in tight black v-neck shirts, go to Elixir!
I have been here a few times and the drinks and service have always been excellent. No attitude here. Last night I tried the strawberry basil lemonade and the green something. The lemonade was very refreshing and the basil added an interesting flavor. I don't remember exactly what was in the green drink but I loved it! I enjoy trying new and different drinks, especially ones with unique flavor combinations and Elixir doesn't disappoint. This is a great place to have drinks with friends or a date.
What a refreshing cocktail spot in Boystown. Â We came here after striking out with another bar. Â It was 8:30 on a Saturday and there were still several tables open. Â The place is teeny tiny, so snagging a table was a plus. Â The decor is sexy, and the bathrooms are nice (I think the bathroom says a lot about a place).
We sampled several cocktails. Â My group loved the strawberry-basil vodka concoction! Â It was very refreshing. Â Being a gin gal, I tried the Clover Club (my fave! Â the raspberry syrup was a nice touch), the Aviation (they did a great job on this classic cocktail) and something else I don't see on the menu. Â Green Angel I think? Â It was refreshing but had too much cucumber for my taste. Â Also sampled were the Red Dynasty (my friend enjoyed) and Moscow Mule, which came in the coolest bronze mug. Â Not a bad drink of the night.
The service was great. Â I've always found Boystown to be a little inconsistent and sometimes absentminded. Â Not Elixir! Â When one of our drinks came out not looking (or tasting) like the first, the waiter (Jon) explained that he had made the first, someone else made the second, and that he would gladly go back and make it again himself. Â Worked like a charm! Â Thanks, Jon, for taking great care of us!
Boystown's newest addition elevates Halsted with serious mixology.
A good friend and I first visited Elixir over the summer. Â I was really impressed with the fact they wanted to keep the crowd small. Â The host seats everyone, even spots at the bar, so expect a small wait during peak times. Â The decor is soothing with a nice ambient beat in the background...and you don't have to yell with the people you're sitting with. Â
Pros:
Not the average Boystown crowd
Open late (5 a.m.)
Specialty drink menu will knock your socks off
Great atmosphere
Cons:
Not enough staff. One more person either behind the bar or as a dedicated server.. (The guys behind the bar shouldn't be doing both & and it would increase the level of service.)
Tight space - when it's crowded, it's REALLY crowded.
Overall, a great addition to the neighborhood.
I love it here! Ever since Charles Joly (The Drawing Room) introduced me to egg whites in an alcoholic beverages, I've been in love with it. I tried the Clover Club at Elixir-- It tasted almost exactly like the drink that Mr. Joly made me at The Drawing Room. Mmm. My new favorite!
Yep, this is where you can probably expect to find me after a long day at work... if only I live just a wee bit closer to the bar. ;) Ha!
Well I'm in love. It's a relaxing, small space with lovely bartenders who are both helpful and friendly. The drinks are definitely made with care, and made well! I encourage everyone who visits to step outside of their "comfort zone" regarding drinks and try something new here. I'm sure you won't be disappointed! It's also nice that you don't have to shout over the music to be heard. Â
My friend and I went on a Sunday night, and the bar was initially empty but business picked up pretty quickly. Even when the bar was full, I didn't feel neglected in regards to service. It was also someone's birthday, and the bartender gave everyone free shots of this peach-infused bourbon to toast and celebrate. Too sweet.
I will definitely be back. :)
Went for happy hour cocktails. Â The bar opens at 6 pm on weekdays, so when my friend and I went right after work, we literally walked in when they opened. Â Monday is BOGO martinis, and so worth it. Â I had the Apple Crisp martini and Honey Cucumber, both were very sweet (which I like). Â My friend went with Honey Cucumber and a Dirty Gin martini. Â We really liked our drinks, music was pretty ok, the decor is great. Â The bartender was so nice and real, real cute. Â Only bummer was that it was just us and one other table, so it was very low key. However, I'd recommend checking this place out for sure.
Review Source:Love this bar. Â If you are looking for a hot spot, great decor, awesome staff.
This is also a great place to explore new drinks, the staff loves to go out of their way to introduce new drinks. Â Great spot to hold a conversation with friend(s) without the romance feel, but could still take a date there
A quaint little spot in Boystown with fine cocktails, a nice complimentary trail mix and jug of water on the table and a beautiful, quiet, dark and comfortable atmosphere filled with modern furniture.
Go there on a Monday evening like we did and score buy-one-get one-free Martinis from their loveley martini list.
Great service from our cocktail waitress!
Not much more to say about a nice place in a good location to stop in for a drink on a date or with a small group.
Well, it is pretty inside. In a hyper crack induced decorating sort of way.
But if you are going to paint your business as  a pretentious cocktail bar, know how to mix the "vintage" (really? vintage?) cocktails correctly.  A Manhattan does not have Rye in it. Ever.
If you want to experience a real cocktail place, go over to the Matchbox, which is no where near as beautiful as Elixir, but can shake a Cosmo that is so good you will want to chug it.
One of my favorite places for cocktails and the best place for drinks in boystown. The menus has a variety of cocktails some classics and some new concoctions. The staff is very friendly and knowledgeable about spirits and the drinks they mix. John the bartender and I know there more than one is by far the best mixologist at this fine establishment.
This is a great place to catch up with friends and sip on a delicious drink. So don't forget to stop here when you're bar hopping!
Elixir completely made our impromptu date night out. Â Having planned to go out to dinner in Boystown, we decided we weren't hungry yet and headed to the new and shiny Elixir for a pre-dinner drink. Â
When we walked in I already was not liking this place. Â There's a sign that greets you that says to wait to be seated. Â Now, there's a bar and maybe 6 tables in here. Â I think it's weird to have to 'be seated' in a lounge. Â But we were cheerily greeted and asked if we wanted to sit at the bar. Â
In any case, we perused the book (yes I said 'book') of drinks that they offer. Â They have house infused vodkas which is what I was hunting for (at this time it was cucumber, pomegranate, and an apple-cinnamon). Â Something nice about it being dead in there was that we got to see why it takes so long to craft a drink. Â Hand muddling, mixing etc. Â Really neat to watch. Â
No sooner did we get our drinks some guys came in and announced to the bartenders that 40 of their bar crawling buddies were on their way. Â And then they descended on the place! Â We moved to a table by the window and began to wish that we had paid already since we couldn't move to the bar. Â And out of no where one of the bartenders showed up and apologized (like it was their fault?) for the insanity and told us he was bringing 2 more drinks. Â Then the other bartender came by to check on us. Â I was amazed that these two guys took the time to search us out in a sea of half drunk 30 year olds. Â We ended up staying for yet another drink after that and had a great time. Â
All-in-all, I see why there's hate because people don't like pretentious places - but this place looks it on the outside, but they're actually nice and knowledgeable on the inside. Â Give them a shot.
Oh, and spend $11 on a cocktail - do NOT order Bud Lights and rum and Cokes in a craft cocktail lounge like the bar crawl people were doing. Â (and they stole my sesame stick snacks!) Â :P
I'll definitely be back for 1/2 price Martini Mondays!
On a whim, a friend and I stopped in on a random Wednesday night. Â The vibe was laid back and it wasn't too crowded or too empty. Â We sat at the bar and were offered menus right away. Their menu is overflowing with all sorts of cocktails. Â This is definitely a cocktail bar. Whatever your taste, I'm sure they have something on the menu for you.
The bartender was very helpful and very knowledgeable about my drink of interest, whiskey. Â He steered me into my first whiskey cocktail (Bourbon Shrub) which was very good. Â He also had quite a bit of knowledge about some of the other options I was considering. Â I like a bartender who knows their stuff even if it isn't their drink of choice. Â Along with the cocktails, they have a nice selection of bottled beers.
It's not a huge space by any means so I'm sure it can get packed on weekends. Â I found the place clean and pleasant. Â We actually stayed for quite a bit and really enjoyed the place. Â The bartenders were attentive, helpful and even conversational when their work permitted. Â I'll definitely be back on my next trip here.
Thanks John and Chelsea! We had a blast.
I liked Elixir. Â I like that a place like Elixir is in Chicago.
The bartenders do a good job as far as I can tell, and are friendly. Â I like the decor, nicely contemporary and looking good.
I have two small complaints:
1) Why are the bathrooms marked M and W, when being in Boystown there will probably be 80% men. Â Unisex them both, please (or don't - as long as it's okay that I used the women's room since they're both single-occupant anyway).
2) The sazerac I had was a lot sweeter than others I've had and perhaps because of that ended up tasting a bit less bitter than I expected.
Elixir just opened recently, so I've only been in a few times. I live in the neighborhood and it's great to have a lounge serving creative tasty drinks within walking distance.
That said, the last time I was there really left a bad taste in my mouth. Apparently, there's a dress code (though it's not posted anywhere)...
I walked in with a friend to a mostly empty lounge. It took too long for us to be seated. Once the bartender walked over to us, instead of taking our order, he told my friend that there was a dress code and he needed to turn his cap from back to front. Â He made NO mention of our gyms shoes, shorts, or workout shirts. When I tried to ask for clarification he turned and walked away...cue confusion.
Mind you the table at the front of the bar were obnoxiously loud the entire time we were there, without even a raised eyebrow from the staff. Does apparel outweight behavioral expactations??
Given the recent spate of racial turmoil in Boystown, it's hard not to think that this practice targets those with a "thug" look.
I'm just confused at the backwards treatment of paying customers. Â Until they get their "rules" straight, I don't feel comfortable going back.
Boystown does mixology, and it delivers much of what you would expect.
My friend and I had to wait for a table, which was no problem. Â We were sat and received water and bar snacks almost immediately. Â Then, we waited. Â In fact, we waited long enough to finish our entire caraffe of water and snackies. Â We didn't receive so much as hello, let alone eye contact from the servers/bartenders (everyone doing both? odd) who didn't appear busy making drinks but were seemingly just hanging out. Â
When finally our server approached us several minutes later, we didn't receive an apology or even a hello! Â Just, "What can I get for you guys?" Â Right. Â I wouldn't have minded waiting for drinks, had I not waited so long simply to order.
I had the apricot mint julep, and it delicious.
One of the reasons I was excited to try Elixir was in hopes that would be a sensible place to have a great cocktail and conversation in boystown. Â As I mentioned, the cocktail was great, but as is to be expected on North Halsted, the music was blaring. Â Whyyyyy!?!? Â Call me a curmudgeon, but I'll never understand the fun of going out and having to shout all night.
If you're in the neighborhood, give it a whirl. Â If not, don't bother.
Pricy drinks, but a nice place for one or two drinks to start the night or to share at the end of a date. I have tasted 6-7 of the drinks and have been pleasantly surprised each time. Try the Strawberry Basil Lemonade or the Honey Blossom.
Open late on weekends and a small space, sometimes a wait.
Came here for the first time last week with my buddy. We went on a week night because we did not want to try it out on weekend of crazy. It was still pretty busy, but we got a bar seat right away. Our bartender was awesome. We originally came in for one drink, but ended up having three. Got to have three different kinds of drinks and I liked them all.
I have read some of the other reviews and I can see where waiting and slower service can happen. But, it is small in there and the drinks have multiple ingredients. It is going to take a little bit longer. It seems like a nice place to sit, sip a martini, and enjoy the company of your friends. Two friends popped in while I was there as an unexpected surprise, and we got to chat with several people around us. That's a nice atmosphere.
YES FINALLY thank you for opening such a classy martini bar in this neighborhood! Much better alternative to Wang's or Kit Kat Lounge and I will be returning.
I came here with some girlfriends on a Saturday night,not knowing what to expect, and was very impressed. For us straight girls, it was the perfect beginning to a night out. Obviously for this bar which is right in the middle of Boystown, we were practically the only girls there, but we felt right at home. Both the 'bouncer' and our bartenders were so sweet and funny, they tried to make sure we all had places to sit by the bar, and they really went out of their way to make our night great. This is in stark contrast to Wang's, where it's impossible to get a seat - and where women are NOT always welcome. All of the drinks we had, were sooo yummy - especially the Strawberry Basil cocktail...odd combination but it works. In addition, at the end of the night, the bartender gave us free shots of some new drink they were trying (Creme de Violette drink).
Decor-wise, Elixir is clearly going for a swankier look (basically, chandeliers with fringes, black and white colors, etc.) than a lot of the bars in the area. It's also loud as a lot of people are packed in, but that didn't bother us really.
Elixir had good intentions, but failed in execution...
Some interesting incidents the night I was there. Â A group came in, and was told by the host that wait time was about 15-20 minutes. Â One guy said, "wait for what?" Â I get that it's new, and people are not aware of Elixir's format. Â I just hope that in time, this doesn't turn people off more than draw people in. Â Second story. Â I overheard the group seated next to me at the bar, one guy asked the bartender if they have Stoli Raspberry. Â People, if all you want is a Stoli Raspberry, every other bar in Boystown can get you one. Â Don't waste precious seating space at Elixir.
Anyway... A high-end craft cocktail spot opens in Lakeview. Â Hurray! Â But sadly, Elixir did not deliver. Â The cocktail list has a section of 'classics', and another of their own specialties. Â The good people from Pastoral put together the wine list. Â Soon, there will be cheese and charcuterie from Pastoral too.
Any place serving The Aviation is worth a visit.  That's what drew me here in the first place.  It was ok, a bit too sweet.  An Aviation should have a slight floral taste from the crème de violette, and maybe sweetness from the maraschino-soaked cherry at the bottom, if that is used as the garnish.  With Elixir's, there was no cherry garnish, but the overall sweetness just overpowered the rest of the cocktail.
The Dirty Gin Martini. Â I should have known beforehand that this wouldn't be good. Â The briny olive liquid clashed spectacularly with the delicate botanicals of the North Shore gin. Â The menu says 'fresh olive juice'. Â What is fresh olive juice anyway? Â This is one where I have to borrow from Tom Colicchio's line on Top Chef: Â "Did you taste this?"
The Cucumber Smash was summery, sweet, with a floral touch. Â This is the most successful of everything I've tasted. Â But yet overall it was just ok. Â It had none of the transcendental experience I had sipping the smashes at Maude's.
Why 2 stars? Â Kudos to Elixir for bringing this concept to Lakeview. Â It remains to be seen if people will embrace it, or turn against it. Â Remember XO down the street a few years ago? Â Sadly for me, Elixir did not live up to expectation. Â It is a little Johnny-come-lately, delivering a middling experience compared to Violet Hour, Gilt Bar, Maude's and the cocktail programs at Henri, Sepia, and Province. Â What is the value proposition here then?
I'm sure this place has the potential to be cool little spot, but for now, it's just a gay rip off of the Aviary...the "Gayviary" if you will.
I didn't take long for my group to sit, nor for our drink order to be taken, however, it took 44 minutes exactly to get our drinks. Â That is a crazy long time to wait to get a drank. Â We were actually laughing because we thought they had to be messing with us. Â And when they did come, they were only alright. Â I'm not going to say they weren't pleasant, but for the money, and the hype, they were standard drinks you'd get at any upscale trendy restaurant. Â Perhaps this place will succeed, but I doubt it will be one I help.
Handmade cocktails with fresh herbs and infused liquors!!! Having lived and worked in the industry here in Lakeview for 20-plus years, it seems a nice change of pace!
I will be recommending this place to visitors when they ask where to go for an after dinner drink!!
Thanks for bringing a new idea to North Halsted!
Five stars Elixir!! Â Where have you been? Â Contemporary and clean. Â Elixir is fantastic. Â I have been twice in less than a week of their grand opening. Â Elixir has so much that the area has been in need of. Â
Awesome wine list, well thought out refreshing specialty cocktails, you have to check in with the host at the door, friendly bartenders that are fully clothed, and just the right price point. Â
Best part and something they are toying with, it might be a new four a.m. !!!
I am begging you Elixir  please stay open until three although four would be better.  At least the rest of the summer and fall. Â
Order the Nigroni Spritz. Â It is a tall Negroni made with Aperol. Â Elixir is the new place for a mature minded crowd. Â Just do not start taking your guests for granted like many other places that are a hit. Â Best of luck Elixir.
Elixir might be my new favorite place to get a cocktail on Halsted. Â I loved everything about it. Â Clean lines, dark colors, slightly modern decor but comfortable. Â Loved the grey walls and and the white leather of the chairs and stools. The only drawback is that it's a small space but what they've done with what they have is fantastic. Â High ceilings help open up the space and the glass window front that opens to the street is perfect. Â Definitely a place you don't want to go under dressed so class it up a bit.
The drinks were excellent. Â Inventive, refreshing, and tons of options. Â Plenty of fun cocktails to choose from or they have a great wine list. Â I only had one drink while I was there but I was really torn over the menu; there was so much that sounded great I wanted to try everything.
Our server was very friendly, helpful, no attitude, and did I mention gorgeous (Jeffrey, call me!). Â Speaking of no attitude, the gays will understand it when I say this place has the feel of Minibar without all the pretense and attitude. Â That alone is high marks in my book. Â 5 stars for Elixir. Â Maybe I'll actually go out on Halsted more now with a place like this available.
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