I can't recommend this place enough - it's one of the rare spots that check all the boxes on what I want to see. I'm going to gush a bit, but this isn't an ad or a sponsored write up. I just really enjoyed my time.

The Meadowlark is hidden in plain sight behind a perfectly inconspicuous door - a blank little bird sign swings overhead - just the perfect amount of hidden.

It's just off the main street, and once you push through the door you're greeted by the host and a nice dark, candle lit ambiance.

The host brings you into the back, knocking on the door to the bar as a little warning to those inside, for effect. (It didn't feel cheesy, I liked it)

Their space is small and intimate. There are a few tables with couches on the right for small groups and a sleek bar to the left.

The bartenders were friendly and helpful - when I asked if they get crowded, they said it's usually around an hour wait to get a spot on a Friday or Saturday.

I came on a Tuesday, in the early evening right as they opened at 5pm. I was the first one inside that day, but after 15 minutes a number of other patrons had already showed up.

According to the bartenders, The Meadowlark has been around for about a year, so they're still relatively new to the city. In my opinion, as I'm writing this (November, 2023) this spot is the perfect balance I like to see in a speakeasy. Well hidden, small, fabulously decorated, and just the right amount of popular where the cool kids know the spot, but it doesn't get packed every day. I expect they'll soon make a bigger name for themselves, but I suggest you check them out sooner rather than later before that happens.

I lucked out when I showed up, because evidently they have $10 dollar drinks from 5-7pm Sundays through Thursdays. I got the "Presbyterian", and it was delicious. It came in a tall glass with a custom frozen tall rectangular ice cube. It was delicious.

The decor is dark academia library mixed with a bit of fancy restaurant flare - tiny candles are sprinkled around the room.

Their drink menu is a Chicago World Fair history booklet, and they walk you through the 1893 event with 16 themed cocktails.

I'm biased, because it hit all my sweet spots, but The Meadowlark is now one of my favorites in town.

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You can check out their website here: https://www.meadowlarkchicago.com/