Cocktail-focused venues price their drinks separately from bar snacks, meaning your evening total depends on both menus. Finding a current Aviary menu with prices can be tricky because they update seasonal offerings often. You want to know what a night out costs before you commit to a reservation.
The Aviary, located inside the Mandarin Oriental in Chicago, is famous for theatrical cocktails and small, refined bites. Unlike a standard restaurant, you are not ordering a full dinner. You are paying for an experience, so expect drink prices to be higher than your local cocktail bar.
Aviary Menu With Prices
Here is a breakdown of what you can expect to pay when you visit. Prices reflect the standard menu structure and are subject to change without notice.
Signature Cocktail Pricing
Drinks are the main event here. You will find that most creations fall into a specific price range based on complexity and prep time.
- Classic cocktails: $24 to $28
- Signature “Aviary” creations: $28 to $36
- Large-format punches (serves 2-3): $75 to $95
- Zero-proof cocktails: $15 to $18
These prices include the tableside service and the unique glassware. You are paying for the show as much as the liquid inside.
Food Menu And Small Plates
The kitchen focuses on snacks that pair well with complex drinks. Portions are designed for sharing, not for filling you up completely.
- Cheese and charcuterie board: $32
- Hot snacks (like the famous truffle popcorn): $12 to $18
- Cold bites (oysters or crudo): $18 to $24
- Dessert bites: $14 to $16
You should plan on ordering two to three snacks per person if you are staying for a couple of hours. That puts food cost around $40 to $60 per guest.
Reservation And Service Fees
There is no cover charge to sit at the bar, but you must have a reservation. The venue adds a 20% service charge to every bill, which is not a tip. It goes directly to the staff, so you do not need to leave extra money unless you want to.
Here is what you need to know before you go:
- Book your table at least two weeks in advance for a weekend slot.
- Check the dress code; they do not allow athletic wear or baseball caps.
- Ask about the “Kitchen Table” experience if you want a private chef’s counter.
- Confirm the current menu online the day of your visit because items rotate.
One thing to watch for is the seasonal menu shift. In the winter, they feature barrel-aged drinks that cost a few dollars more. In the summer, they focus on fresh fruit infusions which are lighter on the wallet.
If you are celebrating a special occasion, mention it when booking. They often bring out a complimentary small treat that is not listed on the menu. That little extra makes the higher price tag feel more justified.
You can also visit the adjacent “Office” bar, which is a speakeasy hidden behind a bookshelf. That space has a different, shorter menu with similar pricing. The drinks there run about $2 to $4 less than the main dining room, but the seats are very limited.
To keep your total under control, set a budget before you arrive. A single person can easily spend $150 with drinks and food. A couple sharing a punch bowl and three plates will likely land near $200 after the service charge.
Check the official website for the most recent updates. The menu changes monthly, and the printed version at your table might differ from what you saw online. Always ask your server for the daily specials, as those often offer the best value for the evening.