Entry No. 44 — the Chicago file — filed under: speakeasy

The Office at The Aviary

A clubby, antique-and-art-filled speakeasy hidden behind an unmarked door beneath Grant Achatz and Nick Kokonas's cocktail lounge The Aviary. It takes its name from the blueprint label for the tiny room beside the bathrooms; when the owners asked about the space, the architect said a former tenant had used it as an office, and the name stuck. Long one of Chicago's most exclusive hidden bars, it now seats about 21 and takes reservations directly through its own booking page, with private buyouts available for groups.

The move: Book an Aviary cocktail tasting, then angle for a couple of seats downstairs in The Office for a rare spirits pour.

📍 Before you go Access is not guaranteed; book The Aviary first and ask, or reserve The Office privately by email. Tiny room, high price point.

• 📍 Fulton Market
• 💸 $$
• ⚡ Up for anything
• 🌗 Indoors

Where: 955 W Fulton Market, Chicago, IL 60607

Hours: Added 2026-06-23 — confirm current hours before you go.

⚠ Seasonal or scheduled — always check before you go.

Plan a visit & invite your people →

Proof: source 1 · source 2 · source 3 · source 4

last checked: 2026-06-23