Ward Eight is a gem on Howard. Chef Chris pairs delicious dishes with the cocktails that the bar team magically concoctes. Simply, it's a laid-back vibe to chill and enjoy conversation with those you are with or the staff. No Tvs. No egos. Just good drinks, good tunes, delicious food and friendly faces. Don't hesitate to come and enjoy the experience.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Keir
We had after dinner drinks that were quite good. Definitely wish they had a better craft beer selection, but the old fashioned was excellent. Great serve at the bar from our bartender.
Atmosphere: 5
Service: 5
Teddrick Bundy
Love the vibe..low key out the way.. great
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Paul M.
Well stocked bar with tasty house specialty cocktails and friendly servers. Space is sophisticated but not pretentious.
David F.
Outstanding cocktails in a very intimate space with cozy atmosphere. The food is quite good, especially the steak. I'm begging you to stock ketchup for the fries!
Vaughan S.
Great place for a drink and food. Great service. Very chill atmosphere, not a loud place. Perfect for having conversations. Can get crowded after 9 but still worth the visit
andy
Amazing place for terrific cocktails and small plates. Chilli is ready delicious!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Jack D.
These guys are true craftsmen. From cocktails to smoked meat. Love this joint. Low key atmosphere, great service and awesome food.
Alexander Healy
worst deviled egg i've ever had. the egg was soaking wet, there was a pool of eggy water on the plate, and the only thing i could taste was chive. really disappointing, i'm hesitant to return and try their other food.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 1
Service: 4
Jen J.
Been coming here since the first week they opened. Arrived tonight a few minutes before 10 PM because I really wanted a great cocktail, and my husband wanted a beer. Upon arrival, we sat at a table and the bartender came over with water and he tells us that it's not a busy night so the bar was closed and we can only order beer and wine. I gave up on getting an excellent cocktail and my husband headed to the bar to order a beer and a glass of wine. I probably would have ordered a snack too. Upon saddling up to the bar, he was told to hurry up with his order. We gave up and left. Never ever been treated this way at Ward Eight before. Been there later than this. Always had good service and great cocktails. We miss Cody always but because they kept things reliable, we kept coming back. This night was very disappointing. Not sure what to make of it.
If you are looking for an intimate place for a cocktail, Ward Eight is stellar. Have been there a number of times and the cocktails are always devine. They have unique offerings as well as more traditional offerings. I had an Artist cocktail that was a gin drink with a variety of unique components. Extremely refreshing and delicious. Their Perfect Manhattan's are not the only drink they make that is perfect. Their Old Fashions are outstanding. And now they offer food. I had their smoked meat platter and it was out-of-this world.I was there on Saturday for a fundraiser for KOR Productions, a female owned opera company. A very fun time. There was a little rain that forced us from the outdoor patio, but it didn't dampen our spirits. They (the spirits, and yes, it is an attempt at a pun) were ably provided by Jeremy, whose open personality, friendly smile and engaging laugh make visiting Ward Eight a pleasure. Can't recommend it enough.
Dan H.
Can't thank the people at Ward Eight enough for a successful Kor Productions opera fundraiser. The Jeremy hand crafted "The Understudy" cocktail was just wonderful with subtle undertones of gin. Stop in and try one. Chris' appetizers and smoked meat platter are not to be missed! Add to that Biurbon chocolate chip cookies and the fantastic new patio area.Thanks again for hosting and helping us have so much fun too.If you haven't been to Ward Eight it's worth the trip!
Shirley C.
We attended a special event yesterday for KOR at Ward Eight. A perfect location for a fundraiser. Ward Eight is a neighborhood bar and meeting place. A great indoor and outdoor venue and the staff attended to our every need.What was completely amazing were the drinks by owner and bartender extraordinaire, Jeremy. Everyone was blown away by this creations.Then came the next surprise, the remarkable and memorable appetizers made by Chris. Smoked bangers, crispy ends and melt-in-your mouth pork belly with side sauces, and cheese. WOW. We ordered two more platters. Someone ordered the Bourbon chocolate chip cookies that were more like muffins. We all died and went to heaven.Ward Eight is deserving of 5 stars. A wonderful and fun location with a great staff, amazing appetizers and outstanding drinks.I'll definitely do a return visit. Thank you everyone at Ward Eight for a fun Saturday!!
James Caruso
Since the pandemic, the new owner Jeremy and primary mixologist Adam are carrying on the traditions of Ward 8 that have made it one of the better neighborhood eclectic craft cocktail establishments . Jeremy and Adam are friendly and professional and offer exceptional craft cocktail offerings.We were there on a Friday night and it was the busiest we have ever seen it which was great. The only observation I made as a customer was that if all possible, Jeremy could add one more mixologist to help the team during busiest times keep the drinks coming to the customer base more quickly. I noticed they are two of the hardest-working, most caring, and attention to detail persons in the business! …and you will especially notice by how exceptional the cocktails and food offerings are!Still highly recommend is an essential craft cocktail bar in all of Chicagoland.Parking: Always near impossible to find a parking spot on the Evanston (N.) or Chicago (S.) sides of Howard Street. You may finally find a spot one or two blocks West of Ward 8 on Howard.
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Classic Cocktails
Holly Greenberg
Intimate wood filled space with vintage cocktails and a quiet patio out back. A classy spot for any night of the week.
Ward Eight is a gem on Howard. Chef Chris pairs delicious dishes with the cocktails that the bar team magically concoctes. Simply, it's a laid-back vibe to chill and enjoy conversation with those you are with or the staff. No Tvs. No egos. Just good drinks, good tunes, delicious food and friendly faces. Don't hesitate to come and enjoy the experience.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
We had after dinner drinks that were quite good. Definitely wish they had a better craft beer selection, but the old fashioned was excellent. Great serve at the bar from our bartender.
Atmosphere: 5
Service: 5
Love the vibe..low key out the way.. great
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Well stocked bar with tasty house specialty cocktails and friendly servers. Space is sophisticated but not pretentious.
Outstanding cocktails in a very intimate space with cozy atmosphere. The food is quite good, especially the steak. I'm begging you to stock ketchup for the fries!
Great place for a drink and food. Great service. Very chill atmosphere, not a loud place. Perfect for having conversations. Can get crowded after 9 but still worth the visit
Amazing place for terrific cocktails and small plates. Chilli is ready delicious!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
These guys are true craftsmen. From cocktails to smoked meat. Love this joint. Low key atmosphere, great service and awesome food.
worst deviled egg i've ever had. the egg was soaking wet, there was a pool of eggy water on the plate, and the only thing i could taste was chive. really disappointing, i'm hesitant to return and try their other food.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 1
Service: 4
Been coming here since the first week they opened. Arrived tonight a few minutes before 10 PM because I really wanted a great cocktail, and my husband wanted a beer. Upon arrival, we sat at a table and the bartender came over with water and he tells us that it's not a busy night so the bar was closed and we can only order beer and wine. I gave up on getting an excellent cocktail and my husband headed to the bar to order a beer and a glass of wine. I probably would have ordered a snack too. Upon saddling up to the bar, he was told to hurry up with his order. We gave up and left. Never ever been treated this way at Ward Eight before. Been there later than this. Always had good service and great cocktails. We miss Cody always but because they kept things reliable, we kept coming back. This night was very disappointing. Not sure what to make of it.
Restaurantji Recommends
If you are looking for an intimate place for a cocktail, Ward Eight is stellar. Have been there a number of times and the cocktails are always devine. They have unique offerings as well as more traditional offerings. I had an Artist cocktail that was a gin drink with a variety of unique components. Extremely refreshing and delicious. Their Perfect Manhattan's are not the only drink they make that is perfect. Their Old Fashions are outstanding. And now they offer food. I had their smoked meat platter and it was out-of-this world.I was there on Saturday for a fundraiser for KOR Productions, a female owned opera company. A very fun time. There was a little rain that forced us from the outdoor patio, but it didn't dampen our spirits. They (the spirits, and yes, it is an attempt at a pun) were ably provided by Jeremy, whose open personality, friendly smile and engaging laugh make visiting Ward Eight a pleasure. Can't recommend it enough.
Can't thank the people at Ward Eight enough for a successful Kor Productions opera fundraiser. The Jeremy hand crafted "The Understudy" cocktail was just wonderful with subtle undertones of gin. Stop in and try one. Chris' appetizers and smoked meat platter are not to be missed! Add to that Biurbon chocolate chip cookies and the fantastic new patio area.Thanks again for hosting and helping us have so much fun too.If you haven't been to Ward Eight it's worth the trip!
We attended a special event yesterday for KOR at Ward Eight. A perfect location for a fundraiser. Ward Eight is a neighborhood bar and meeting place. A great indoor and outdoor venue and the staff attended to our every need.What was completely amazing were the drinks by owner and bartender extraordinaire, Jeremy. Everyone was blown away by this creations.Then came the next surprise, the remarkable and memorable appetizers made by Chris. Smoked bangers, crispy ends and melt-in-your mouth pork belly with side sauces, and cheese. WOW. We ordered two more platters. Someone ordered the Bourbon chocolate chip cookies that were more like muffins. We all died and went to heaven.Ward Eight is deserving of 5 stars. A wonderful and fun location with a great staff, amazing appetizers and outstanding drinks.I'll definitely do a return visit. Thank you everyone at Ward Eight for a fun Saturday!!
Since the pandemic, the new owner Jeremy and primary mixologist Adam are carrying on the traditions of Ward 8 that have made it one of the better neighborhood eclectic craft cocktail establishments . Jeremy and Adam are friendly and professional and offer exceptional craft cocktail offerings.We were there on a Friday night and it was the busiest we have ever seen it which was great. The only observation I made as a customer was that if all possible, Jeremy could add one more mixologist to help the team during busiest times keep the drinks coming to the customer base more quickly. I noticed they are two of the hardest-working, most caring, and attention to detail persons in the business! …and you will especially notice by how exceptional the cocktails and food offerings are!Still highly recommend is an essential craft cocktail bar in all of Chicagoland.Parking: Always near impossible to find a parking spot on the Evanston (N.) or Chicago (S.) sides of Howard Street. You may finally find a spot one or two blocks West of Ward 8 on Howard.
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Classic Cocktails
Intimate wood filled space with vintage cocktails and a quiet patio out back. A classy spot for any night of the week.