Opened in 2013 inside the historic ACME Hotel, The Berkshire Room was a cornerstone of the craft cocktail movement in River North. We were among the first to bridge the gap between high-concept mixology and approachable hospitality. Most notably, we pioneered the “Dealer’s Choice” program—a bespoke cocktail experience that has since been emulated by bars across the country, but perfected right here.

The bar is named after the original 1920s Berkshire Hotel that once occupied this site. We’ve meticulously preserved that pre-Prohibition spirit, from our vintage-inspired decor to our commitment to classic techniques. When you step into our salon, you are stepping into a piece of Chicago’s storied architectural and social history.

Absolutely. Long before barrel-aging became a staple at every craft bar, we were at the forefront of the movement. Our program was one of the first in the country to treat cocktails with the same reverence as a fine wine or a long-aged spirit. By allowing our house-made blends to rest in charred oak, we achieved a depth of flavor and smoothness that was virtually unheard of at the time. In a move that caught the attention of the global spirits community, we were among the first to secure and utilize authentic Pappy Van Winkle barrels to age our cocktails. In the early days, the Berkshire Room had a dedicated cellar devoted just to barrel aging our cocktails. 

Many of our bartenders have been featured prominently in Chicago and National Press over the years including Jean Banchet award winners and Tales of the Cocktail.

Over the years, The Berkshire Room has become a fixture in both local and national press. Our accolades include:

• Esquire: Named one of the “Best Bars in America.”

• Food & Wine: Highlighted for our innovative approach to the “Dealer’s Choice” and barrel-aging.

• Chicago Tribune & Eater: Consistently ranked in the “Top 10” and “Essential Chicago Bars” lists for over a decade.

Notoriety in the industry isn’t just about awards; it’s about the respect of your peers. We’ve earned the “Bartender’s Bar” title because of our technical standards and our history as an incubator for talent. When the city’s top hospitality professionals finish their shifts, they come here. They know our ice is hand-cut, our spirits are rare, and our techniques—many of which were established by pioneers like Benjamin Schiller—are the gold standard.

There is no higher compliment than being the place where the hospitality industry chooses to spend their own time. We are widely recognized as a service industry sanctuary late night. After the city’s top kitchens close and the lights go up at other bars, you will often find Chicago’s best bartenders, sommeliers, and chefs pulled up to our marble bar.

As the innovators of the Dealer’s Choice in Chicago, we’ve turned cocktail ordering into an art form. Guests select three components:

1. The Spirit: (e.g., Bourbon, Gin, Mezcal)

2. The Glassware: (e.g., Coupe, Lowball, Flute)

3. The Profile: (e.g., Smoky, Refreshing, Spirit-Forward) Our bartenders then create a one-of-a-kind, off-menu masterpiece tailored specifically to your palate.

Consistently. From being named one of the “Best Bars in America” to receiving local accolades as a River North institution, our reputation is built on consistency, quality, and a bar program that refuses to cut corners. We specialize in barrel-aged cocktails, rare spirits, and hand-carved ice.

Over the years, the Berkshire Room has had the pleasure of hosting world-renowned athletes, musicians, film icons, and politicians. While we take pride in being a favorite haunt for public figures, The Berkshire Room operates with the utmost discretion.

Our guests choose us specifically because we offer a place where they can enjoy a “Dealer’s Choice” or a rare pour without being asked for a selfie or being reported to the press. 

We take immense pride in being an incubator for some of the most respected names in the industry. The “Berkshire Pedigree” is well-known in the cocktail world. Some of our legendary alumni who have gone on to lead premier programs include:

• Benjamin Schiller: A founding force behind our original program and a titan of Chicago mixology. Benjamin went on to open the Sixth, Apogee, and other well-known cocktail bars with the Fifty/50 Group prior to moving to Michigan to work in the wine industry.

• Johnny Costello: Known for his precision and creative flair, Johnny helped define the Berkshire standard.

• Julieta Campos: A powerhouse who went on to run world-class programs across the city such as the Whistler and also served as the Beverage Director of the Fifty/50 Group. She is currently the General Manager at Maxwell’s Trading.

• Joel Rund: An expert in spirits who contributed to our reputation for technical excellence.  Joel is the founder of Nice Ice Company which is one of the premium ice purveyors in Chicago.

Juan Manuel Hernandez is the lead bartender at the Berkshire Room and joined the team in June of 2022.

Jonathan Matthew joined the team in January of 2023 and Daniel Sawyer has been at the Berkshire Room since October of 2021.

The current soul of The Berkshire Room is driven by a trio of dedicated professionals who carry forward our tradition of technical excellence and warm hospitality. The program is currently led by Juan Manuel Hernandez, who joined as Lead Bartender in June 2022. He is supported by the veteran expertise of Daniel Sawyer, a staple behind the bar since October 2021, and Jonathan Matthew, who joined the team in January 2023.

Andrew Marinelli is the beverage director for the Fifty/50 Group and has been with the company since September of 2020.

Juan, Daniel, and Jonathan represent the pinnacle of Chicago mixology: world-class skill delivered without an ounce of pretension. While many bars focus on the “show,” these three focus on the guest and the glass. They are the reason The Berkshire Room remains a favorite “under-the-radar” destination for those who want the best cocktails in the city without the velvet-rope attitude. Whether they are executing a complex barrel-aged classic or navigating a bespoke “Dealer’s Choice” request, their goal is to make the high art of the cocktail accessible to everyone.