The Betty

This bar is down the street from the Aviary so it is a nice place to wait for your name to be called.
this place is huge and a lot cheaper than the Aviary aha.
I recommend the Cobbler which has amontillado sherry, rhubarb liqueur, and strawberry peppercorn shrub over crushed ice. I love ice, especially when it is hot… and when we went during labor day weekend… it was hot.
Bartenders were too talkative but they do like to show off! One was throwing their shaker around and behind their back.
Good place to kill some time and the drinks were good.

Asked bartender if she could make a French 75 and she said yes. Ordered 1 each for me and my friend, they came in coupes and were pink/​red and weren’t topped w champagne. :-/​it was our nightcap and I didn’t want to make an issue, but kind of suck if you’re going to say yes, then do it.

I hate the give this place thee stars, since I loved the décor and ambience when we walked in! I was super excited and ready to pay the $ 13 a drink price for a good cocktail.
My mood changed after my drink came. I got the waypoint, which essentially is a cup of bourbon and rum mixed together with a banana chip thrown in. I get people want a stiff drink for the price, but for $ 13 im looking for something creative and complex in a drink… Not sipping a cup of whiskey. Everyone at my table of 4 felt the same of their drinks.
Service was great, and overall I would come back to try their food and just get a beer.

The Betty was fine, but not exceptional.
The restaurant is crowded and the tables seem a bit cramped. The tables are not very big – for that reason, I might suggest The Betty more for a drink, and less for dinner. We went as a group of four, and we could not fit all of our dishes on the table.
The service was pretty bad. The wait staff were inattentive, a bit slow, and not super friendly. It took us ages to order and get our food. A meal that should have lasted just over an hour took three. That was kind of a bummer.
The food was fine but forgettable. No one was wow-​ed. The real rub was when the check came. The food was really expensive, and not that great, with pretty poor service. Disappointing.
We might be back for drinks, but I wouldn’t rate this place for dinner.

I stopped in here last Saturday for a drink and really found this place to be charming. We were here early so it was not crowded and we had our pick of seats. We chose to be festive and sit by the large Christmas tree which added to the charm of the place. Our waitress was wonderful and made some great recommendations. I went with the «Life During War Time» and it was delish! I don’t like sweet drinks and this one was the perfect balance, with just a hint of green tea that added to the cocktail. There were so many intriguing cocktails on the list I want to try, but we had dinner reservations elsewhere, but I will be back.
I will note the one odd thing is the storage closet is in the women’s bathroom, so I went twice and both times there was a man running through with paper towels or something. It didn’t bother me, but I found it odd they didn’t check first to make sure no one was in there first.

Cozy, lovely cocktail spot with a large selection of interesting alcohol concoctions. The décor reminded me of someone’s (very grand) living room and library. The mixolologists are also willing to make drinks off the menu, as long as you can provide them with instructions. Also, note: the happy hour is just during the week, despite some other reviews.

Made a stop here on Saturday night for a friend’s birthday. I wanted to love it like a good young hipster should, I really did, I just… didn’t. The vibe and atmosphere was chill; great date night décor, but the food and cocktail menus fell flat for me. Coffee and cigarettes is probably the worst concept for a cocktail I could think of, among other odd drink choices. Nothing jumped out as outstanding to eat, either. Tough to say you’d be back when you don’t like their offerings. Not my personal cup of tea.

I went to The Betty with a group of girlfriends on a Saturday night. It was one of our friends birthdays and we wanted to go somewhere sorta on the fancy side with good cocktails and the Betty did not disappoint.
While we were on our way, we called ahead and put our name down for a table, which was very convenient. Most places won’t let you put your name down unless you are psychically at the restaurant. By the time we got there, our table was 5 minutes away from being ready. The total wait time was a half hour — not too bad for a Saturday night.
The 4 of us ended up getting seated at a communal high top table. Even though it was communal, the wall dividers made it feel more like a private table.
We each ordered different cocktails and the table favorite was definitely the Coffee + Cigarettes. Nice flavors, heavy on the booze, and sweet but not too sweet.

I wanted to love this place after loving the warm atmosphere upon walking in, but that’s where my loved stopped. I had made advance reservations for our group of 4, but when we were seated we were seated at the cocktail tables. There were open «dinner» tables, so we inquired if we could switch as it would be more comfortable and those tables would allow room for our food. But the server responded that she would bring a second cocktail table to accommodate the food. Uhhh, ok?
We ordered cocktails to start and we loved all of choices. For dinner, we ordered the shishitto peppers, cream cheese spread, waldorf salad, fried cauliflower, and cassoulet to share. The peppers and fried cauliflower were great. I would definitely order both again as they were full of flavor and executed perfectly. However, the rest of our dinner choices were total misses. The cream cheese spread was boring and underwhelming. We gave it a chance because the server described it as «her favorite thing on the menu» so we assumed that the description didn’t do it justice. No, the description was accurate – it was really cream cheese and jam which everyone has in their fridge. The waldorf salad didn’t have any flavor. The server also recommended the cassoulet, so we gave it a shot. But the black eyed peas were not cooked evenly, so some were hard and others were mushy. We had the drumstick and seasonable cobbler for dessert, but neither lived up to the hype. The highlight of dessert was the whipped cream which came on the side for the cobbler.
Because we were seated at a small cocktail table, it could only fit two dishes at a time. When the first two dishes came, not a problem. But when the next one came in short succession, we had no room, forcing us to send back a dish before we were done to make space. Dinner was not enjoyable because we had to be conscious of eating quickly to make room for the next entrée.
The atmosphere was lovely and our multiple rounds of cocktails were really good. However, there are much better places on Randolph/​Fulton that are better options for dinner.

Excellent service, food, drinks, and amazing ambiance. I’m in love with this place! It’s a tad pricey, but I mean… You pay for what you get, so I’m not complaining.
I love that the food is served family style. If I go anywhere that doesn’t serve like that, I tell the waiter that’s how we are eating, or else I’m gonna have to stick my fork in everyone’s plate.
Things we ordered:
Coffee and cigarettes to drink — LOVE
Fried cauliflower — LOVE
Octopus — LOVE
Drum stick ice cream desert — meh
Wish I didn’t have to complain, but the dessert wasn’t worth it.

I like the space, I like that there is always room to sit, and I like how close I am to this bar.
I’ve been here a few times and service is fine, the appetizer we had was fine and the drinks are fine. I wanted a blue cheese olive martini and they didn’t have that. Surprising to me.
I will be back because it’s close by and a nice place to get a drink but I prefer the cocktails at the other restaurants in this group.

Haven’t had a bite to eat here yet but the drinks are delicious!
This place a wonderful jem tucked a little ways away from the bussle of randolph street.
I absolutely fell in love with it the moment I walked in the door. From the décor to the menu they have everything for your liking. Small bites to eat and concoctions to sip on. Outdoor seating is a plus as well! You could be here on a sweet intimate date, a night to catch up with your girls or a group gathering at a communal table.
The service is quick and great and the place is got the right vibe.
I have already let the secret out with my friends that we must go back!

Upon a recent visit to Chicago we got to visit The Betty with some friends who recommended it for the cocktails and small dishes. The recommendation was a shinning success! The Betty is a quaint bar with a great cocktail selection and a great, hip atmosphere. We were not disappointed by this choice!
The cocktails at The Betty should be your main draw. Our party of four ordered Gimlet, Maximillion, The Oathkeeper, and Life During War Time. I personally had the Life During War Time made with genever, green tea syrup, aperol, and fennel bitters. It was well balanced and the perfect blend of aroma and spices. I highly recommend this cocktail to those who love anise flavors but want something more subdued.
For food we went with a pair of small plates and one large plate that my wife and I shared. We ordered Shishito Peppers, Kampaci Crudo, Pierogi, and Lamb with falafel. The stars of our meal were the Kampaci Credo and Pirogi by far, while the peppers and lamb left us with something to be desired.
The peppers just really felt like they were missing something because the dish honestly felt like I was munching on a bowl of green salad. The lamb had a very small portion of falafel served with it, and it was over done and slightly bland.
On the other side of the spectrum, our Kampaci Crudo was prepared delightfully. The ceviche was well executed, and I loved the pairing of small bits of watermelon, serrano, cucumber, mango, and beets. The pierogi was spot on, and I loved the addition of sausage under each pirogi. The addition of mushroom was a bit odd, but I couldn’t really taste it anyways!
For dessert we ordered the peach cobbler. The top was a little burn (too much caramelization!), but it was overall an okay option. I just expected more from what we were paying.
The service was on point and attentive. I don’t think we felt like the server was hovering either.
The music was 70s and 80s rock, which our party loved. The drinks coupled with the soundtrack were the real stars of the night. I would come back for sure for a drink, pirogi, and the kampachi crudo. I would also be interested in exploring the menu a little more.

Someone once said happy hour is the best hour. Damn were they right.
I work near Betty but never had the urge to visit until our governor finally did something right and brought back Happy hour. The ambience is very chill at Betty, and you feel like you’re sneaking booze into a library or basement. I’m all about drinking around books so it worked for me.
The Betty offers an $ 8 cocktail of the day, ½ off craft beers and $ 8 wines. The cocktail they offered last weekend was like a Manhattan but drier. While those drinks aren’t my cup of tea, I had a sip and for $ 8 it will get you tipsy if that’s what you’re out to accomplish.
I had the organic wine which was tasted like a deep cab sav. Pours were decent and the staff was very attentive. We shared the cauliflower which everyone raved about. Yes, it’s bomb, especially after a couple glasses of wine.
I would definitely return to Betty for an after work drink and bite. I just wish the happy hour drink list was a little more extensive, not that I like to mix liquors or anything.

Spent 11 minutes tonite sitting at the right end of the bar inside The Betty with nary a bartender or a server bothering to acknowledge my presence or take an order. After staring in the direction of the bartenders for a few minutes (mind you: at 9:45 on a Friday night, it was pretty quiet at the bar so I’m pretty sure the two guys back there saw me), and then sitting with my hands clasped for a while to no avail, I walked out, but not before voicing my displeasure to the hostess.
Chicago’s a big place so I shouldn’t have too much trouble finding someone to take my money, but this was the strangest experience I have had at a bar since moving here three years ago. Parts bad service, part racist (what can I tell you, watching other white customers get served while I sat and waited was a bit appalling), and part wacko? No need to come back.

If you are into the whole lumber sexual craze, then come drink at the Betty. It must be a pre-​requisite to have a full grown beard in every fashion to work here… because these beards are legit. The feel of the Betty is very 1976 chic upscale moose lodge. Does that make sense? Not really — but you will see what I mean upon arrival. It’s packed with old records, cool booths, peacocks, and a serious bar! The drink menu is pretty gin heavy so if that’s also your thing, then the Betty is for you.
Being anything BUT a gin gal… I was happy to find a whiskey drink. The coffee + cigarettes was right up my alley. And not to mention, after just one I was feelin no pain;) my girlfriend went with the maximillion which was an unsuspecting light and delicious tequila cocktail. Both were perfect!
We didn’t eat at the Betty this time but judging from the unique and tasty cocktails, I could imagine their food being just as pleasing. The Betty is über cool… I highly suggest it for good dranks and chill vibes.

Got a hot date and don’t know where to take her (…or him)? Ponder no more!
The ambiance is very cozy and romantic. It has an industrial and antique feel to it. I love the library-​like décor on the back wall. The lighting is dim, where the source is predominantly from small candles and lamps. If you’re taking someone with you who looks better in the dark than in bright lights, look no further. This is THE spot for it (but you have to come when it’s dark outside).
If you’re going as a group like us, try to opt for the light-​colored lounge chairs on the back side of the wall instead of the high chairs/​table. They’re more comfy!
I didn’t order any drinks because I was going to be driving back to the suburbs afterward (I know, lame). Maybe that makes my review not even legit??? Buttttt, I did try out one of their desserts, which turned out to be delicious! I ordered the mini pie, which varies in selection by the day. The one I chose was chocolate malt. It was a little cool, soooo incredibly smooth and creamy on the inside and had just the right amount of sweetness. It’s a small dessert that I can personally gobble up in two big bites, but you’re better off taking small bites and savoring the flavor.
The service was good. Our server was very attentive and wasn’t overbearing but came at the right times. My water was refilled in a timely manner.
Would recommend!

I am torn on this review… its like a 3.5
So I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE the space. Its like library meets bar, meets restaurant, meets lounge. Reminds me of «The Office» but much easier to get into. The chairs comfortable and the space just seemed rich. LOVE… or as the young folk would say… its so fleek.
They recently are allowing reservations but they must only have a few available online because they had none on the website, but when I called, it was no problem. I hate having to call for a reservation… but I really wanted to check out this place. I also suffer from FOMO. hehehe
The host staff… I have to say… I love them. They make you feel the vibe and they make you feel like you are important. We had a few people that looked like they were important come check on us… which was nice. Ha.
The service was spotty. Server was nice… but just kind of absent and then all over us. It was weird. Like no drink refills for awhile and then trying to take full drinks away. The tables are tiny… so I understand the need to feel like clearing the plates, drinks, water, etc… but when you have a table of 4 girls… we like to pick and talk and sip and pick.
I thought the coursing out of the meal was meh and the order of things was also odd. This is how it was laid out.
Flatbread-​surprisingly delish and HUGE! I loved the spice in the sausage. It was perfect
Fried Cauliflower-​people are raving… I thought it was good… but not the best dish.
Croquettes-​not impressed. Not much flavor at all.
Cheese board-​extremely unimpressed. It just didnt go together.
Squid Salad-​YUM! It was the perfect dish. Crisp and light.
Tikka Masala-​great flavor… I wasnt a fan of the messiness of the dish. Bones, etc. I also didnt see any chicharones… maybe they were hidden?
I know its just getting started so I think it will work out all the kinks and be fantastic. Its just not there yet.

Betty? Is that your name? Well it fits you perfectly as this bar has an old fashioned vibe just like the moniker it has.
Based in the old Lumen space, trust me, there is nothing here to remind you of that contemporary offering. For once you push past the heavy green curtain, you’ll find yourself in a huge space with plenty of little places to mix and gather. At one end, library books fill the shelves. On another is the bar stretching across the length of the room. And across the front are windows looking out onto the street. And all the dark wood makes the place feel vintage although the cool light fixtures will have you thinking otherwise.
We were a group of 6 and were seated in a comfy hightop booth right behind the hostess stand. And speaking of the hostess, this place has a gem of a hostess. I think her name was Kiera (?) and she made our night from welcoming us to the place, taking our coats and hanging them on hooks nearby, and pretty much welcoming us into «her space» like it was her own home. If this was our first impression of how the night was going to go, we knew we were in for a good time.
The food is all shareable and share is what we did. We ordered a wide range of the menu from the cheese plate, to fried cauliflower, to croquettes, to the Tika Masala, to the pasta with beef ragout, and the squid salad. All were good although the croquettes and pasta were probably the favorites.
And if that wasn’t enough, we ordered one of each of the 3 desserts and all were terrific although my favorite was the pistachio cupcake.
And let’s not forget the drinks. For you gin drinkers out there, this is a gin paradise. They even do a customizable gin and tonic that you can do at the table. If vodka is your thing, as is mine, there is a limited selection of vodka but they do a nice job in making speciality cocktails with it. And go with the server’s reccos on the cocktail list and you won’t be disappointed!
I also liked that the manager came over to welcome us to the bar and made sure that we had everything that we wanted.
If you drive, there is valet parking out front that will run you about $ 14. Also know that after 8pm there is an 18 and older rule.
Check out the Betty. She’s as cool as her name suggests in that simple, old school sort of way!

Okay, wow.
We went to The Betty to celebrate my new job offer because we didn’t want to go very far (we live in Hyde Park). Long story short The Betty is my new go-​to. I can guarantee I’m going to be a regular here for multiple reasons.
We arrived and came first to a curtained entry way and put our name on the wait list. We were told it would be about 30 – 40 minutes; It was a Saturday night so we expected it to be packed. The host suggested we run over to The Publican for a drink, which we thought was a fabulous idea, loving The Publican as well. Within 15 minutes, I got a text that they could seat us. We headed over and got to go **behind the curtain.**
It was awesome. Totally 1920s speakeasy full of hip but unpretentious people and comfy seats and tables that make it great for dinner, drinks, groups, or dates. It’s loud enough to feel private but we could still hear each other talk!!! That is such a rarity and seriously a major plus on our list.
We didn’t end up eating but I got to start the Maximillion. But when I saw my boyfriends’s DIY Gin & Tonic, I knew I had to get that next. They bring you a platter with fancy tonic and gin in a beaker and little bottles with rubber droppers so you can add your own add-​ins. Seriously, too much fun.
This place was seriously my favorite bar EVER. I can’t wait to go back.