Bonsai Bar & Lounge

We stopped in here because a shirtless man standing outside told us to! Great marketing hahaha.
We were also drawn by their cheap Long Islands which unfortunately turned out to be pretty weak.
Even late on a Saturday night, this place was pretty dead.
We did have fun sitting in a fun booth in front though.

Great drink specials. Great DJ. But someone should plant real Bonsai trees to clear the smell in here. Smells like vomit and potpourri!

A friend and I went here for karaōke Wednesday. Todd was wonderful, a strong drink maker and an overall nice guy. However, the other bartender, Shellie made extremely weak drinks and at one point, when she forgot the words to her own chosen karaōke song, denied the help of other patrons and chose instead to walk off the karaōke stage leaving the audience mid-​nimber of a well-​known Broadway hit. Her arrogance to deny assistance for a song she was clearly not qualified to sing permeated the bar causing us to leave and seek other bars to occupy. I wish she hadn’t been so rude because otherwise, I was having a good night. Also, we were the most attractive people in the place, and I was wearing my work uniform with no makeup and a messy bun. Avoid if possible.

So me and some friends wrapped up dinner around the corner at Taverna 750 and were just looking for a quick place to pop in and have some more drinks when we stumbled upon Bonsai. It was about 9pm and pretty empty, but that was fine with us. Cute interior. The staff was super friendly and they pour stiff drinks which is always a winner. Drinks, pools, and darts along with good friends. What more do you need.
As the evening progressed the music transitioned into a little more of a club, techno scene, but the crowd was a good one. Men, women, straight, gay. Everyone was up for a party.
Oh and the fried rice, also a hit. Definitely a good place to grab a drink.

Wanting a drink before dinner, we wandered in here. The bartender was maybe just a little too friendly for this mostly reserved group, but it’s to be expected – it was dead in there. They have an electronic dartboard and pool table, but not much of a dance floor, the space is mostly taken up with a few high-​top tables and go-​go boxes.
We had a good enough time that we went back for some after-​dinner drinks and more darts. They have a comfortable clean atmosphere and good (although loud) music. My biggest issue was walking into one of the bathrooms as the go-​go dancers were changing – I understand that you need a place to change, just at least close the door; maybe even lock it.

We had a pretty bad experience here, I’m sad to say. We went out in search of a quick drink before dinner. A bar on the corner, Jim’s I think was the name, was sketchy looking. So we continued up Halsted and found Bonsai. Nobody was there! And I mean not even anyone working. Then a manager (?) walked in with coffee from Caribou across the street. He was very unfriendly and busy texting. We asked if they were open and without looking up from his texting he said «Mmm hmm.» My friend and I looked at each other, shrugged, and left. I don’t think this place is going to he very successful. We went on up the street and found the pre-​dinner drinks we were seeking in a Mexican taqueria!

Really Fantastic Martinis, and Bartenders.
One of the New Kids On The Block
you should expect to see FIREWORKS here soon!
Amazing Customer service.

For starter, we had a reservation at 6:45. Walk in– Order drinks– which were good, but in stainless steel Martini «Glasses.» The drinks weren’t bad, but when we walked there was only one table in there with us. We ordered, and sat around, and then the server/​bartender informs they’re out of ingredients for the starter, so we chose a fried rice instead, which was overcooked. Our food took an hour to come out, and the excuse we were given was that a lot of orders came in at the same time. Methinks no. The other tables came 20 – 30 after we arrived, and the table before actually all sent back their entrée, and then our food came out. The meat wasn’t that great, and the food was bland and overall overpriced. I think this place need to rethink its concept, and probably stick to being a bar, and shut down their «restaurant.»

It was an honor and a treat to be among the first to experience Bonsai’s brand new Sunday brunch. $ 25 includes unlimited mimosas, with a martini or saki flight, and a wide array of starters, entrees and sides from which to choose.
We walked into a large, open space dining area, with comfortable seating and a perfect music mix! The friendly, beautiful staff catered to our every whim, and not even picky food requests frazzled them. Linden and Kyra danced their way to our hearts as they brought us drinks and food with professional, warm friendliness. Chad and Steve, the perfect bartender hosts, kept our glasses as full and smiles on our faces.
The food was surprisingly well prepared. Asian flair with a western kick, the culinary ideas are new, not obvious, and expertly prepared. Pick from starters, entrees and sides. I had the vegetarian scrambled egg fried rice and my date had the wontons. Delicious, well-​sized servings, with just enough spice to make our tongues dance. And the hash (that’s right, hash) was creamy and flavorful (great way to calm that hangover).
And let’s talk about that drink menu! The expansive list featured creative selections for every taste, you get to pick three to complete your martini or saki flight. It’s hard to decide with all the mouth-​watering options (and constant mimosa distractions).
It was the first day and, even with the kinks, the experience was well worth it. We can’t wait to go back! Bonsai’s brunch is sure to become one of the main Lakeview brunch events.

We dined here on a Groupon, I think the only other people in the place were friends with the bartenders that were drinking for free. The server recommended a cucumber martini but they were out of cucumbers. They were also out of ingredients for 2 of the small plates we tried to order.
The atmosphere lacks any kind of identity– the furniture is an awkward arrangement of cheap looking plush couches, high tables, and ottomans and the place is lofty and loud.
I’m not sure the menu is what I’d consider «bar food» but the food that we ordered was actually better than I expected. We got a cashew pepper chicken dish that was pretty good.
The martini menu was pretty limited for anyone who wants something other than vodka, and at $ 10+ per martini, I’d rather go 2 doors down to Taverna 750 where you can get a real drink. Sadly, I don’t think this place will last long.

This is my fourth time here since they opened. I like this place more every time. Today I discovered they serve food and so, I have just finished enjoying the Asian chicken lavish. It was pretty delicious, had a nice little zing to it. The staff has also been very welcoming.

We love Bonsai! Why? Well, we are not exactly big big on the bar and club scene on Halsted, so Bonsai is totally up our alley. They have only been open for a few months, but the relaxed vibe and awesome drinks is what brings (and keeps) us coming back for more! I have no doubt that they are and will keep getting better and better!
The bartenders are the sweetest guys ever (Chad and Steve — kisses!) and the martini list is both creative AND delish!
**Go on Thursday nights, their martinis are $ 7!**
Their cool and sleek stainless steel martini glasses are chilled on ice before all that goodness is poured in. I love it because not only do you look and feel like a diva drinking it, your drink also stays cool longer too! Win-​Win.
My favorites so far (note that I have a very, very sweet tooth):
* The Starburst (yes, you read that right)
* Red Velvet Cake
* Pinnacle Whipped Cream and Pineapple Juice — tastes like an Upside Down Pineapple Cake! And for $ 5, it’s my favorite!
One of my friends had a Watermelon Vodka and Club Soda and said it tasted like a Jolly Ranger :) I did get to try the Swedish Fish (? I know it had Pinnacle Gummy Vodka in it) martini and something I never thought I’d ever be able to try: the Pickle Martini! It wasn’t bad at all! :o)
«The Guy With Marii» digs the Manhattan with Maker’s Mark.
Food:
* I had the Chicken fried rice (it hit the spot!) and TGWM (see above) had the lettuce wraps. Both were tasty and the homemade peanut sauce is to die for! I’m going to try the Chicken Peanut Pasta next!
On Mondays and Wednesdays, you can’t beat the $ 1 drinks! C’mon now, bring a bunch of your friends and have a great time with their DJ and fun bartenders!
BONSAI!!!

Best kept secret on Halstead… The place has outstanding food (especially the peanut sauce) and a very warm staff. Enjoy the myriad selection of martinis and the great company.

This is a great Lounge with friendly staff! I know it has only been 8 weeks, once the word gets out this place will be a huge hit.

I’ve been to Bonsai twice this week for dollar drinks. On Monday and Wednesday. Both times the bartender’s on duty were extremely friendly and personable. Lance and Chad were great. Both my boyfriend and I felt they should have had more patrons based on two things. It was dollar drink night and they have very good food. My favorites so far have been the pepper cashew chicken dish and the lettuce wraps. I had a taste of the fried rice as well. it was good. I order them spicy. I’m giving them five stars based on their service and the fact that I think Halsted Street needs this place. They don’t play the music too loud during early evening hours and are friendly to all ages (I’m 44) and types. The attitude is missing here but isn’t missed. As time goes by, I could see this place becoming an oasis for neighborhood residents that are looking for a drink and a nutritious bite to eat, but do not necessarily want to go to one of the high priced restaurants in the area. I like the fact that they do have tables on the side if you don’t want to sit at the bar. This allows for more of a restaurant feel.

Great new place! Ace is an awesome bartender!
Order what you’d like or pick something from their creative menu. The atmosphere is classy, yet casual and relaxing. The staff and other customers are all very friendly.

I am writing this review from the bar as I am here. This bar is dead on a warm winter Saturday night. The drinks are weak and they run out of ingredients despite being low on clientele. They under poured martinis but give strong shots to the bouncer. They waste water by filling the glasses with iced water instead of refrigerating the glass. The only reason I gave it 2 stars is because the DJ is good. Don’t come here. So many better bars in the area. Hopefully this place will close soon.

So this new addition to Boystown has been open for 8 weeks now so I know that they may still be trying to find their grove and figure out what they want to be. In a way, its a bit sad because they could certainly be something more than they currently are but lack the drive to to stay in a single direction.
At first glance they want to be a lounge and most of the décor suggest this, but then they go on and on about $ 1 drink specials (Mon, Wed) and push dancing, when there clearly is no room for that. They boast a DJ but is all this really needed for a really good lounge? Not in my opinion. The have several tiny tables and cushions (less than 2 feet off the floor) to sit on in what would be the dance floor. I certainly would not want to sit there while people are dancing around me.
If they are going to be an upscale lounge, then staff should dress and fit the part. Sure, everyone was nice for the most part. They just opened and are rarely packed so I would certainly expect that customer service be exceptional. However, some staff are dressed like they are going clubbing, while others wear jeans and sneakers. So, they just want to be a regular bar? Thats cool.
On to service: Both times I was here, every one was friendly, but it gets old when I am asked 8 times, «How’s your drink?» by every person who works here twice! Also, When half through they ask if I want another. Let me finish it first. Once bartender, on my third drink actually said, «I’m not ignoring you,» (there were only 3 customers in the bar and he was chatting with the other two, «but I see you are busy.» Yup, I was playing Words with Friends or sending a text, but more conversation could be had. I had actually come to eat here the first time, but there were no food menus around, only their martini menus. I wanted to see if anyone would offer, and no one did. Seems like if you want to succeed with your kitchen, you should be more active with food, and considering they are new, even offer samples. At the very least, leave a menu out.
A few people were at tables and the bartender had to come around and help them. Awkward. Again, they are trying to offer a service, but even with 5 people working, they should have a clear focus, but rather sometimes too many people going all around. He apologized the bar patrons when he was temporarily stuck on the floor.
So, lets talk drinks. I love alcohol. Just check my twitter or Instagram and there are dozens of pics of all my spirits. Yes, the $ 1 drinks brought me here, but they are small, perhaps a 5 or 6oz glass, subtract for ice and its not much. Some patrons came in and order martinis and were surprised when the bill was $ 20+. Ouch. Sorry guys, this martini bar promotes well drinks. There are days the martinis are on sale but they are pretty small too. Be warned.
A couple minor gripes: They have wi-​fi but not for customer use. Grrrr. Really? «Just use the taco place next door,» I’m told. You can also get on Caribou’s free wifi. If you are not going to make it available, then change your network name just say you don’t have wifi. It looks cheap and tacky, especially if they want to be an upscale lounge.
They have one 30ish TV on the wall. Just one? Why have one at all? If you want to TVs, then have them so they can be seen everywhere or not at all. Its also a bit tacky when the videos don’t match the music.
The manager? maybe — sits at the end of the bar all the time on his laptop. Again, a bit tacky. How often do you see that? That should not be the norm.
I would rather see them have live music, table service, with style and a nice atmosphere. I think with all their «specials,» groupons (yeah — not even 8 weeks and they are selling on Groupon which is almost not worth it with all the specials), and lax dress code and service standards, they will not succeed as anything upscale but eventually just be another bar.
Maybe in another two months they will have a clear vision of what they want to be in Boystown, or if they will even make it.
Post Script: I have been playing with this draft off and on. I really wanted to give them the benefit of the doubt. One of the bartenders was a bit rude when I came in (2^nd time) but I brushed it off and ignored it. Twice since he has approached me just came off with too much attitude. I am certianly cutting my night short and leaving. I probably will not be back — not even for a $ 1 cheap drink.
What’s the age old saying? You get what you pay for!

This truly stands out from the rest of the bars on Halsted. Unlike sidetracks, spin or hydrate, the door security were friendly and engaging. Instead of feeling like it’s an inconvenience to create conversation it was the conversation that created the comfortable relaxing atmosphere. The staff were attentive and we didn’t have to wait for drinks. I had the cucumber melon martini and it was great I highly recommend it! The music was great. The clientele is down to earth and friendly, happy! This is for sure my new hang out place for the weekends!