During Prohibition in the 1920s, the 18th amendment banned the manufacturing and selling of alcohol. Speakeasies were born: hidden underground bars in alleyways, basements and tunnels, where liquor flowed illegally out of the sight of authorities.
In this era of danger and secrecy, the adrenaline rush of speakeasies was able to keep nightlife alive.
Gilt Bar revives that spirit.
Tucked into Chicago’s River North neighborhood, Gilt Bar brings the feel of a 1920s speakeasy with dim lighting, vintage furnishing and art deco details that don’t feel like an afterthought. It isn’t just themed, it’s brought to life.
The real draw is The Library, a reservation-only basement space that drops on Wednesdays each week for that weekend’s slots. Accessed through a narrow stairway corridor lined wall-to-wall with photographs, The Library is the kind of place you talk about long after dinner ends. The menu itself delivers a strong lineup of homemade pastas, fresh seafood, classic American dishes, and the craft cocktail program that takes itself seriously.
I came away impressed. The food had range, the atmosphere had soul and the service was the kind that feels effortless when it clearly isn’t. Every server was attentive and observant throughout the night. A standout moment was when our server Kaitlin took time to share genuine knowledge about the restaurant and its history, making the experience feel personal rather than transactional.
The atmosphere
The Library lives up its reputation the moment you reach the bottom of the stairs. Red and gold dominate the color palette, vintage art fills elaborately framed walls, and booth cushions carry the kind of textile patterns you find in a 1920s establishment. Art deco isn’t just the vibe, it’s a commitment.
By the time the evening picked up, almost every table was filled. The energy was lively but not overwhelming and was complemented by instrumental tunes that felt period-appropriate rather than thrown together. The hallway leading in became more and more crowded as the night went on, which is worth knowing if tight spaces bother you. This experience also added to the mysterious, hidden-gem feeling that makes The Library what it is.
The drinks
Citrus Ritual (mocktail) $14.95
Zesty and refreshing, with lime as the dominant flavor and blood orange syrup concentrated at the bottom for mixing. A mint garnish on top added a nice contrast. The main critique is that there is too much ice for a non-alcoholic drink. Still thirst quenching, but smaller than it should be.
Espresso Martini $18.95
Reviewed by my mother:
A great drink choice that kept me energized for the rest of the dinner. The coffee was front and center, bold enough to nearly mask the vodka, with a thick cream that added sweetness. The drink also had a slight chocolatey taste to it. I almost wish that this martini could substitute for my morning coffee. Mid meal, the server proactively replaced the drink when the foam didn’t hold, a small gesture that said a lot about The Library’s attention to detail.
Dirty Vodka Martini $16.95
Reviewed by my father:
Perfectly balanced, smooth and made the way it should be. A blue cheese olive added a savory saltiness that made it pair well across every course. A classic executed cleanly.
The food
Appetizer: Fried Onion Rings $15.99
The batter on these rings was unusually light, closer to rice paper than pub-style breading, which let the natural sweetness of Vidalia onion come through. The real star was the Calabrian chili aioli. Bold and dynamic, it carried a heat that built up, with paprika adding warmth and a subtle orange color. These onion rings were worth ordering for the sauce alone.
Main Dish: Truffle Mafaldine $23.99
This dish defies an easy description, and that’s a compliment. Earthy and aromatic without being heavy, the truffle cream sauce treads through thick, ruffled mafaldine noodles with chunks of truffle folded in throughout. Finished with fluffy parmesan, it’s a dish that rewards slow eating with a large filling portion at a fair price.
Main Dish: Beef Cheek Pot Pie $29.99
The standout of the night. The beef itself was tender and delectable, adding contrast to the vegetables. The crust of the pie was baked to a perfect golden brown. Upon first bite, I felt transported to a cozy warm house on a cold evening. The highlight of the dish was the bone marrow. The marrow was rich, mushy, and brought a complex raw and meaty flavor. The mashed potatoes placed underneath the dish tasted creamy and luscious, blended nicely. This is classic American dish done with an out-of-the-box seriousness.
Side: Chopped Wedge Salad $18.99
Better than expected and generous enough to pass an an entree. The blue cheese dressing skewed earthy rather than pungent, which made it far more approachable than the name itself. The thick-cut belly pieces of bacon were the highlight. Smoky, savory, and chewy in a way that traditional bacon bits never achieve. Everything complemented each other and mixed beautifully.
Dessert: Berries and Cream $14.99
Light, airy, and fun to eat. The cream made from whipped egg whites and sugar was cloud-like and paired beautifully with the fresh strawberries and jam. The freeze-dried strawberry slices were the most memorable element, reminding me of the freeze-dried yogurt baby food from my childhood. Four portions made it easy to share, and a very strong closer to our meal.
The service
- Timeliness: 10/10
- Accuracy: 10/10
- Cleanliness: 10/10
- Communication: 10/10
- Guest Experience: 10/10
- Overall: 50/50
The bottom line
Gilt Bar delivered on every front. The Library is a genuinely impressive experience, not just a dining room with dark lighting, but a thoughtfully constructed space that brings the 1920s feel without being tacky. The food ranged from solid to exceptional and the prices felt justified by the portions and craft involved.
My standout dishes include the beef cheek pot pie for the main, the berries and cream for dessert, and the espresso martini if you’re drinking. Just know to stay on top of reservations and plan ahead; openings for The Library go fast on Wednesdays!
Velocity 
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