The Sparrow, Gold Coast
14 people recommend, 1 warns against itvia r/chicagofood, r/AskChicago, r/chicago16 comments cited below
What people say, in short
Sparrow in the Gold Coast draws cocktail recommendations. One patron describes a vintage-style rum bar, and another especially values it for trying interesting rums. Two visitors describe dark or low lighting. Views on the atmosphere differ: one feels it has become less cozy as the crowd changed, while another found the room small and poorly suited to dancing.
Address
Sparrow, 12 W Elm St, Chicago, IL 60610
At a glance
- Best for
- Cocktails, Dates
- Opinions divided
- Yes
- Known for
- Rum, Cocktails
The evidence
Every point below is paraphrased from a real public comment, ordered by how much the community engaged with it. Caveats and negatives are kept in — follow any link to read the original for yourself.
- Recommendsu/ShortGlassOfWater312 in r/chicagofood · Feb 2024
Listed among many good cocktail places in the city.
- Recommendsu/Chifoodie1 in r/AskChicago · Sep 2024
Lists this among a few recommended spots.
- Recommendsu/Flester_Guelbman in r/chicago · Jan 2024ambience
Says it fits this vibe, describing it as a rum bar with a 1940s feel.
- Recommendsu/Vagabondrich in r/chicago · Jan 2024ambience
Calls Sparrow a hidden gem and says the building's history shapes its character.
- Recommendsu/twoforme_noneforyou in r/chicagofood · Mar 2024
Suggests Sparrow as an answer to the request for ideas.
- Recommendsu/officialpaul in r/chicagofood · Sep 2026ambience
Describes it as sexy and dark, with a standout martini.
- Recommendsu/Fantasma_rubia in r/AskChicago · Sep 2024
Calls this place fantastic.
- Recommendsu/dasMetzger in r/AskChicago · Aug 2026taste
Suggests this spot for cocktails.
Show all 16 cited comments
- Recommendsu/tamboril in r/AskChicago · Jan 2025
Confidently recommends it as the top pick.
- Recommendsu/ElderTheElder in r/chicago · Jan 2024variety
Enjoys trying interesting rums there.
- Recommendsu/CourtOk4335 in r/chicagofood · Feb 2024
Named among favorites.
- Recommendsu/chronicmartinis in r/chicago · Jan 2024taste
Praises Sparrow's cocktails.
- Recommendsu/CaptainJackKevorkian in r/AskChicago · Mar 2024ambience
Describes a cocktail bar with low lighting.
- Mixedu/FieldAppropriate8734 in r/AskChicago · Mar 2024ambience
Finds the room too small for dancing.
- Caveatu/23mou-sapnu-puas in r/chicago · Nov 2023ambience
Feels it became less cozy as the crowd changed.
- Recommendsu/candy_luvr in r/chicagofood · Dec 2025taste
Lists Sparrow as a cocktail pick.
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Freshness
Details last checked 11 Nov 2026. Recommendations reflect what people said at the time; confirm current details before you go.