Pairing Drinks with French Cuisine and Seafood
Le Bar
Craft Cocktails & Wine Bar in Oak Park
At Hemmingway’s Bistro, the beverage program is thoughtfully designed to enhance the overall dining experience while standing strong on its own. Whether you’re joining us for a full meal, meeting friends for drinks, or enjoying a relaxed evening at the bar, our curated selection of cocktails, wines, and beers offers something for every taste.
Just like our kitchen, the bar operates with a focus on quality, balance, and attention to detail. Every drink is crafted or selected to reflect the same standards that define our food—ensuring a cohesive and elevated experience from start to finish.
From the first sip to the last, guests can expect a beverage experience that is both refined and approachable.
L'Expérience
A Beverage Experience Designed to Complement Every Visit
Curated Spirits
Beverage Menu
Vins & Champagne
Bières & Apéritif
HAPPY HOUR, $5 OFF!
Weekdays, 2:30pm - 5:30pm
Martinis, Cocktails, House Champagne, House Red & White Wine
Vins De La Maison
Glass
Bottle
Chardonnay, Louis Latour "23"
15
65
Pinot Noir, Louis Latour "22"
15
65
Cabernet Sauvignon, Zaha "21"
15
65
Champagne & Sparkling
Glass
Bottle
House Champagne
14
60
Champagne Mimosa
16
-
Champagne Cocktail
16
-
Bellini
17
-
Kir Royal
17
-
Kir
17
-
Louis Roederer Collection 245 Brut
25
115
Cremant d'Alsace Rose, Albrecht
17
70
Deutz Rose N.V.
-
160
Perrier-Jouët, Belle Epoque "13"
-
325
Les Vins Blancs
Alsace
Glass
Bottle
Pinot Blanc, Domaine Schlumberger "21"
13
60
Pinot Gris, Hugel "22"
17
70
Riesling, Pierre Sparr "23"
15
65
Gewurztraminer, Emile Beyer "24"
18
80
Loire
Glass
Bottle
Vouvray, Domaine Vigneau-Chevreau "24"
21
95
Sancerre, La Villaudiere "25"
21
95
Sancerre, Monts Damnes, Prieur et Fils "22"
-
125
Sauvignon Blanc, Grand Ballon "25"
13
60
Chardonnay, Comte de Bernadotte "22"
13
60
Cote Du Rhone
Glass
Bottle
Viognier, Maison Les Alexandrins "24"
13
60
Burgundy
Glass
Bottle
Macon Village, Joseph Drouhin "23"
17
75
Pouilly-Fuissé, Domaine Gilles Noblet "23"
24
110
Chablis, Christian Moreau "23"
22
95
Montagny 1er Cru, Jean-Marc Boillot "24"
-
105
American
Glass
Bottle
Pinot Grigio, Le Monde "24"
13
60
Pinot Gris, Un Autre Monde, Williamette "22"
13
60
Chardonnay, Toasted Head "24"
13
60
Chardonnay, Lake Sonoma Winery "22"
15
65
Chardonnay, Neyers, Sonoma County "22"
20
90
Rosé
Glass
Bottle
Cotes de Provence, Cibonne Tentations "25"
15
65
Sancerre, Domaine Neveu, Fricambault
-
90
Les Vins Rouges
Burgundy
Glass
Bottle
Marsannay, Louis Latour "23"
24
110
Santenay, Clos Rousseau, 1ER Cru, Girardin "20"
-
125
Gevrey-Chambertin, Domaine Collote "20"
-
160
Vosne-Romanee, J. Drouhin "20"
-
190
Cote Du Rhone / Languedoc
Glass
Bottle
Malbec, Cahors, Chateau Armandiére "19"
17
70
Crozes-Hermitage, Chevalier "22"
21
95
Côtes du Rhone, Le Temps est Venu, S Ogier "22"
15
65
Gigondas, Raspail-Ay "22"
-
115
Châteauneuf du Pape, Dom Grand Tinel "20"
-
135
Cote-Rotie, Bonnefond Les Rochains "14"
-
130
Beaujolais
Glass
Bottle
Moulin a Vent, Domaine Les Fines Graves "23"
17
75
Loire
Glass
Bottle
Saumur Champigny, Lambert "22"
-
65
Bordeaux
Glass
Bottle
St Emilion, Château Peymouton, Grand Cru "22"
25
115
St Emilion, Haut Roc Blanquant, Gran Cru "17"
-
125
Margaux, Chateau Deyrem Valentin "18"
-
125
Haut Médoc, Château Maurac "19"
21
95
American
Glass
Bottle
Pinot Noir, Klee, Willamette Valley "24"
15
65
Pinot Noir, Patz & Hall, Sonoma Coast "22"
18
80
Syrah, Murray, St. Ynez Valley "23"
15
65
Zinfandel, Valravn, Sonoma County "23"
15
65
Merlot, Duck Horn, Napa Valley "22"
25
115
Cabernet, St Supery, Napa Valley "22"
24
110
HAPPY HOUR, $5 OFF!
Weekdays, 2:30pm - 5:30pm
Martinis, Cocktails, House Champagne, House Red & White Wine
Bieres & Non-Alcoholic
House Draft: Stella Artois
9
Clausthaler N/A
8
Chimay Blue Cap
15
Guinness Stout
8
Heineken
8
Hofbrau Weiss
8
Dogfish Head IPA
9
La Fin Du Monde
9
Miller Lite
7
Pilsner Urquell
8
Three Floyds Ale
8
Cidre Bouche Brut Normandie (375ml)
14
Cidre Fremont, Brut par Nature (750ml)
24
Soft Drink / Ice Tea
4
Pelligrino Lemonade
5
Pelligrino Orangeade
5
Acqua Panna (grand)
9
San Pelligrino (petite/grand)
5/9
Aperitif
Pernod
10
Clausthaler N/A
10
Lillet Blanc
10
Lillet Rouge
10
Campari
10
St. Germaine
14
Absinthe
14
Sauternes
15
L'Artisanat
Signature Craft Cocktails
Our cocktail program is built around creativity, precision, and premium ingredients. Each cocktail is carefully developed to deliver a balanced flavor profile, combining classic techniques with modern inspiration.
Guests can enjoy:
Signature cocktails crafted with high-quality spirits
Fresh ingredients and house-made elements
Balanced flavor profiles ranging from bold to refreshing
Seasonal cocktails inspired by current ingredients and trends
Whether you prefer a spirit-forward drink, something light and citrusy, or a smooth and sophisticated cocktail, our menu offers a variety of options designed to suit different preferences.
Presentation is also a key part of the experience. Each cocktail is served with attention to detail, reflecting the same level of care found in our kitchen.
Wine plays an essential role at Hemmingway’s Bistro, offering guests the opportunity to enhance their dining experience through thoughtful pairings.
Le Vin
A Curated Wine Selection
Our curated wine list includes:
Carefully selected red wines with depth and character
Crisp and refreshing white wines ideal for seafood dishes
Imported wines that reflect classic regions and styles
Versatile options available by the glass or bottle
The wine selection is designed to complement our French-inspired menu, making it easy for guests to find the perfect pairing for their meal.
Whether you’re a wine enthusiast or simply looking for a great glass to enjoy with dinner, our team is available to guide you through the options and provide recommendations.
La Bière
Local Craft Beers and Imported Selections
For guests who prefer beer, Hemmingway’s Bistro offers a well-rounded selection of local craft brews and imported favorites. This combination ensures that there is something for both adventurous drinkers and those who enjoy familiar options.
Our beer offerings are ideal for:
Casual drinks at the bar
Pairing with small plates and appetizers
Enjoying a relaxed, social atmosphere
With a focus on quality and variety, the beer menu adds another layer to the overall beverage experience.
A Relaxed and Stylish Bar Atmosphere
The bar at Hemmingway’s Bistro is designed to be both inviting and versatile. It offers a comfortable space where guests can unwind, socialize, and enjoy high-quality drinks in a welcoming environment.
The atmosphere features:
Warm lighting that creates an intimate setting
A layout that encourages conversation and connection
A balance between upscale design and relaxed comfort
A neighborhood feel with a refined touch
This makes the bar an ideal destination for a variety of occasions, from casual meetups to more elevated evenings out.
Perfect for Social Dining and After-Work Drinks
Hemmingway’s Bistro is more than just a restaurant—it’s a place where people gather to connect and enjoy their time together. The bar plays a central role in creating this experience.
Guests frequently visit for:
After-work drinks in a relaxed setting
Date nights with cocktails and shared plates
Casual gatherings with friends
Pre-dinner drinks or post-dinner nightcaps
The combination of quality beverages and a comfortable atmosphere makes it easy to enjoy any occasion.
One of the highlights of the Hemmingway’s Bistro experience is the ability to pair drinks with our chef-driven menu. Our beverage offerings are specifically chosen to complement the flavors of French cuisine and fresh seafood.
Popular pairing ideas include:
Crisp white wines with seafood dishes for a clean, refreshing balance
Full-bodied red wines with rich entrées for depth and complexity
Light, citrus-forward cocktails that enhance lighter dishes
Spirit-forward cocktails that pair well with bold flavors
Our team is always available to recommend pairings based on your preferences, helping you create a dining experience that feels complete and well-rounded.
Seasonal and Evolving Beverage Selections
Just like our menu, the beverage program at Hemmingway’s Bistro evolves over time. Seasonal ingredients and new inspirations play a key role in shaping our offerings.
This approach allows us to:
Introduce new cocktails throughout the year
Highlight seasonal flavors and ingredients
Keep the experience fresh for returning guests
Stay aligned with current trends while maintaining our identity
Guests are encouraged to ask about seasonal specials and limited-time offerings during their visit.
An Extension of the Culinary Experience
At Hemmingway’s Bistro, the bar is not separate from the dining experience—it is an extension of it. Every drink is designed to complement the food, the atmosphere, and the overall guest experience.
This integration ensures that whether you are dining, enjoying drinks, or both, you receive the same level of quality and attention to detail.
Reserve Your Table or Join Us at the Bar
Whether you’re planning a full dining experience or simply stopping in for drinks, Hemmingway’s Bistro makes it easy to plan your visit.
Reservations are available through OpenTable, ensuring a seamless experience from arrival to departure.
Walk-ins are also welcome at the bar, making it a convenient option for spontaneous visits.
Visit Hemmingway’s Bistro
Phone Number
Email Address
Our Location
211 North Oak Park Avenue, Oak Park, Illinois 60302, United States
Business Hours
Monday-Thursday: 11:00 AM – 9:00 PM
Friday–Saturday: 11:00 AM – 9:30 PM
Sun Brunch: 11:00 AM – 3:00 PM
Sunday: 11:00 AM – 8:00 PM
Guests consistently highlight the quality of our cocktails, the variety of our wine selection, and the welcoming atmosphere of our bar.
★
★
★
★
★
""Absolutely phenomenal experience! The seafood was incredibly fresh, and the French onion soup transported me straight to Paris. A true hidden gem in Oak Park.""
— Sarah M.
★
★
★
★
★
""Chef Ala's 25 years of experience really show in every dish. We celebrated our anniversary here and the upscale yet cozy atmosphere was perfect. We will be back!""
— David L.
★
★
★
★
★
""Best craft cocktails in the area! I love coming here for after-work drinks at the bar. The staff is welcoming and the ambiance is so warm and inviting.""
— Emily R.
What Our Guests Are Saying
Frequently Asked Questions
Do you offer a full bar?
Yes, we offer a full selection of craft cocktails, wines, and beers.
Can I visit just for drinks?
Absolutely. Our bar is perfect for guests who want to enjoy drinks without a full meal.
Do you have seasonal cocktails?
Yes, we regularly update our cocktail menu to reflect seasonal ingredients and new ideas.
Can you recommend drink pairings?
Yes, our team is happy to suggest pairings that complement your meal.
Is the bar suitable for groups?
Yes, the bar area is great for small groups and social gatherings.
Do you offer Happy Hour?
Yes! Join us for Happy Hour every weekday from 2:30 PM to 5:30 PM and enjoy $5 off our Martinis, Cocktails, House Champagne, and House Red & White Wine. It's the perfect time to unwind with your favorite drink!