05/12/08

Lively bar in the heart of Boys Town takes house music and its welcoming vibe very seriously.

by Fred Schlatter

The Scene
Dimly lit with the exception of giant warm-hued lantern lights up front, the single, long room features a large bar to the right, surrounded by seating on three sides and backed by a large mirror. A smattering of high-top tables near the front windows are the only other seating. Black crystal chandeliers add a heavy dose of drama. Campy bric-a-brac and framed posters and photographs account for simple but effective decoration--the most noticeable of which is a large Mona Lisa replica.

The Draw
A mostly gay crowd of 20- and 30-somethings packs this spot for serious house music cranked from the back DJ booth. Top shelf liquor moves quickly from the very capable hands of the bartenders. But don't expect a litany of specialty concoctions; the bar keeps it simple with several beers on tap and a solid wine selection. One of the few specials, the tangy vodka-lemonade pitchers are especially popular.

06/19/06

Hot and Happening

by chi1974

What an awesome time! Havent been there for over a year but stopped in with a buddy this past Friday (6/16/06) and was very impressed with: service, crowd, owner Gino, and dancers. Service was friendly, cute and quick...no attitude (even tipped a little extra, it was good); Crowd was a fun mix of guys, some chicks (certaintly chick-friendly), but definately a sexy group of men; owner Gino: my buddy knew him and introduced us and he was very concerned if we were having a good time; Dancers: 2 out of the 3 that I saw were great, the other was probably gay for pay (but big front). One dancer, Jesse, was just a damn sweet guy...we will be heading back and bringing more friends for sure! Keep it up Cocktail.

• Pros: def a cool mix of hot/sexy guys; no attitude; grea
• Cons: bathrooms could use a touch-up

09/11/04

great place with little attitude

by drunkenbeef

This really is the place to go for the hottest strippers on Halsted St. Good mix of customers. Cocktail features dancers on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Fridays as well as on holiday weekends. The DJs play the best music on the strip, especially Tuesdays and Fridays. There are some new bartenders in the past few months - avoid them cuz they can be rude and bitchy and don't really know how to make drinks. My friend got yelled by one once on Sunday so we always stay away then. Better to stick with the staff who've been there since they opened, they are friendly and fun to talk to. Sometimes the music can be a bit too loud in the front. All in all though it is our favorite bar in boystown.

• Pros: Hot Strippers, Great Music, Crowded

12/01/03

Classy Strippers?????

by ladedadedadedee

This is the first gay bar I have ever been to that had strippers and class both. The dancers are perfect and love mingling and talking with the crowd after their performances. The bartenders are very friendly. The bar is just a class act from the people who work there to the patrons who visit.

• Pros: atmosphere, dancers, crowd

11/21/02

Good start up bar

by cjchicago70

Good place to start before hittting the clubs. Great staff with out the sttitude.

10/09/02

Spank!

by thirdrail

Cocktail I find most interesting because it has "go go boys" on Tuesdays and Thursdays for their "Spank!" night, and while you'd think having a stripper dancing up on a box in the back of the bar might feel sleazy, the place has amazing class and hipness to it. The music is good (although feels somewhat like a fashion show soundtrack), the bar is well-decorated, is great for conversation, and there's nothing sleazy about it. When you need a night off from Roscoe's or Spin or Circuit, this is the place to be. Oh, and catch Miss Foozie's "Quickie" on Tuesdays. She rules.

08/26/02

all class, almost all the time

by eewalker

how on EARTH did you leave this great little spot out of the "best gay and lesbian bar" category when it received such a fabulous editorial review from your staff?! the bartenders are friendly and bright enough not only to have an intelligent conversation but they can make ANY drink you ask for. the diverse clientele always makes for a great time in the room and the hot dancers on tues and thurs have gay boy and straight girl fans.

• Pros: great drinks, great staff, nice clientele
• Cons: parking

07/17/02

love this place

by aries28

by far and away, the best bar on the strip. best music, cutest boys and nicest staff. tuesdays and thursdays with the go-go boys are the bomb!