Recent social media posts
05/29/2026
Sun’s out on the patio! We’re so stoked that the weather’s warming up for our northside patio. Break it in with us tonight for the coziest, most intimate patio vibes in Evanston. Chef Chris has the smoker rippin for some wings this weekend. So come through, warm yourself in some sunshine, smell that good cooking, & cool down with a cocktail. Cheers!
05/28/2026
Hey all! Just a reminder that we’re closed this evening for a private event. See you Friday!
05/27/2026
It’s Ward 8 Wednesday! Get your $8 hump day fix in this afternoon. Ward 8 will be closed tomorrow for a private event so come through and make it two before we return for business as usual on Friday. Cheers!
&stormy
05/21/2026
Celebrate our good friend ‘s birthday this evening with the best bites and cocktail pairings in Evanston. Jazz starts a 8pm, party starts as soon as you walk in. Happy Birthday to the King of Red Sauce 🥳🥫🍝 & Happy Thursday!
05/14/2026
The Singapore Sling 🦩🍊🍒🏝️🌸
Coming in hot but going down cool 🌊 Making its debut back in 1915 at the Raffles Hotel this Long Bar original is a perfect example of how quickly the lines can blur between original recipes, modern takes, and where the truest representation really stands.
This one’s not your auntie’s sugar laden, hurricane mix substituted, all inclusive wristband. Crisp gin, fresh squeezed lemon & orange juice, and that classic medicinal touch of Cherry Heering and a Ward 8 style Angostura float keeps this version classic and on brand.
We’ll keep’em slingin’ 🤙
05/08/2026
Oh Aviation!
The Jewel of Spring.
Your violet hues and delicate dews
Lift my spirits to sing.
This absolute gem of seasonal perfection has made its annual return on our new Spring/Summer 2026 Cocktail Menu. A potation guaranteed to brighten even the darkest of days.
05/07/2026
Hell yeah! We’re back from Spring Break this week and reviving Ward 8 Wednesday’s for good! $8 drinks specials all hump day long.
Damn it feels good to get right back where we started from! Check it out and get on top of these new digs 🙌🔥🤘
05/01/2026
Just a reminder that Ward Eight is closed this week for our Spring Break to pump out some elbow grease and kick up our feet.
We’ll return next Wednesday 5/6 with a new menu, the return of Ward 8 Wednesdays with tons of $8 drink specials & weather permitting the start of our patio season.
Thank you for the breather everyone!
All the love,
- Ward 8 Staff
04/25/2026
Last call tonight for our current menu! We’re peacing out ✌️ for a week for some spring cleaning and resetting the joint for the warm season.
Do not fret! Here at Ward 8 we make over 200 different cocktails. We’re excited to showcase some of our Spring & Summer favorites after the break but never hesitate to ask for something off menu, just in case you missed your chance this weekend. 😘
Love you all! ❤️❤️❤️
📸:
04/23/2026
We’re shutting down next week for a much needed rest and reset. Thank you to all our friends and neighbors for keeping us grooving literally all winter long!
We’re excited to share with you the launch of our new Spring/Summer menu for 2026 when we come back! We’ve also got some final touches on our back patio space we’re stoked to wrap up and most exciting of all, the return of Ward Eight Wednesdays!
All day every Wednesday;
$8 Drafts
$8 Wine
$8 Call Drinks
$8 Back Bar Feature
Come party with us this weekend and get your last rites of winter in before it’s time for sunshine and cool breezes!
- ❤️🙏🦁 W8 Staff
📸: 😘🌵
04/19/2026
Whhhhaaaattt are youuuuu doinnn Monday??
We’re collabin’ with Chef / this 4/20 with some dope ass drinks! These are your typical Ward Eight drinks but bonafide Patio Pounders!
Take a peak at the F**k It Bucket and our Baja Blast Word. These and more only available this Monday so come grab them while they’re here! Pregame sesh recommended 🍃 💨
04/13/2026
The dim of winter,
It washes away.
Whilst the cool drops of April,
Inspire the flowers of May.
Fond memories we will share,
And new ones we will create,
When the patio reopens,
In Evanston, at Ward Eight.
04/03/2026
We’re kickin’ it all April with this month’s barrel aged cocktail, The Chicago Daiquiri.
We took the deliciously vegetal and bright rum after 100+ days in the barrel to present to you the smoothest ride yet into the spring/summer cocktail season. Zippy with the notes of citrus, fresh cut grass & the softest edge of vanilla from the barrel puts your soul right where in wants to be.
’ohstumblin’oh
03/28/2026
Fade into this Smoked Brisket Chopped Cheese this weekend.
Eyes are on the prize! We’re cooking up tons of fresh vibes at Ward Eight right now and are excited for what spring is gonna bring to the bar this warm season. Sneak peeks and sneaky shots for all who want to slide through and chat to us about it.
April 2026. New menu, new art, new patio, & W8W making a comeback 🤘
03/20/2026
Get lost in our sauce this weekend
🌀👁️🗨️🔅🪟🪞🪬🍾🍹🍻
📸:
03/19/2026
A HUGE thank you to the team over at for stocking us up on this next round of used whiskey barrels to keep our barrel aged cocktail program alive and well!
Our little 8 barrel rick is fully stocked with all kinds of projects. From the next batch of Dead Meadow to release this coming December 2026, a new round of house aged amaro, and bunch of other treats we’ll have to wait to show you in 100 days or so.
There’s only a few pours left of this month’s 100 Day Barrel Aged Revolver. Get yours before we kick off next month with a Chicago Daiquiri! Cheers!!
📸:
02/20/2026
“This sandwich procreates” -
“Duck Confit Monte Cristo” w/ Brioche, Fig & Brandy Jam, Dijon, Prosciutto and Gruyère Mornay
On special this weekend from Chef .bart.
02/12/2026
It’s Thursday Night Jazz again with the and his trio! From 8-11pm this evening. Cozy up with a cocktail & smooth tunes for a night filled with love before this weekend’s rush ❤️ 🎶 🎸🎺
01/29/2026
It’s a Love Sandwich!🥪 ❤️
Made with love by today’s sexy Birthday Boy .bart! Give him a squeeze and wish him a Happy Birthday while the boys play the night away tonight from 8-11pm. See ya’ll soon!
01/22/2026
Ward Eight’s taking a snow day tomorrow. Join us tonight for Thursday Night Jazz w/ and his trio to squeeze in your cocktail fix before the Arctic chill sets in. Stay safe out there mañana and we’ll be back at it Saturday.
Cheers all!
📸:
01/15/2026
“I smell what yer steppin’ in but we make the best Old Fashioned around.”
It’s Thursday Night Jazz with The Stephen Parisi Trio this evening from 8-11pm! The jury’s been out for going on 13 years, our Old Fashioned is the whisky drinkers preferred. Never the afterthought but each one made simply, thoughtfully & intentionally. There’s no secret. Let us stir one up for you tonight and show you how we do it. ❤️🙏🦁
01/13/2026
Tiki Tuesday is Pizza Puff Egg Roll Day! 🔥 🏝️ ⛰️🍕
Oh hell yeah 🤘The brothers w/ are giving us all the answers with this special. This Zombie combo makes this unreal…
Come support their weekly pop-up every Tuesday from 5pm; Kitchen til’ 10pm!
12/30/2025
Bring in the New Year with us tomorrow evening at Ward Eight! Chef Chris is preparing a gaw-geous limited menu for the evening and we’re gonna need some help with this Abt 12 Methusalem at midnight!
Join us! No cover. No package. Just good times & even better company. Happy New Year! ❤️🥳
12/26/2025
Sneaky celebrations this evening celebrating a friend’s 40th birthday with a 40oz beer special tehehe 🤭 (they don’t have Insta so they’ll never know..)
Tie one on with us and bring your folks who are still in town for the holidays!
12/19/2025
To go’s are back in stock for a limited time!
Cocktails come in 100ml pocket flasks or 375ml half wine bottles. These cocktails are packaged without dilution to allow you to stir, chill or pour over ice to your palate’s content. We’ve only got a few Dead Meadow’s left on hand and have Sold Out of our in house supply so grab them this weekend before they go!
Keep updated here as the next year unfolds as we’ll be growing our supply with more cocktail options and special one off Barrel Aged expressions. Cheers!
Address
629 Howard Street
Evanston, IL
60202
To get to Howard Street in Evanston by public transport, take the Purple Line train and get off at Howard Station. From there, walk east towards Chicago Avenue and turn left onto Chicago Avenue. Continue walking until you reach Howard Street.
If driving, take Lake Shore Drive and exit at Sheridan Road. Follow Sheridan Road north until it turns into Chicago Avenue. Turn right onto Howard Street.
There is street parking available on both sides of Howard Street, but it can be limited. Alternatively, there is a parking lot located at 7585 N Paulina St, about a block away from Howard Street.
Opening Hours
| Wednesday |
5pm - 12am |
| Thursday |
5pm - 12am |
| Friday |
5pm - 1am |
| Saturday |
5pm - 1am |
Alerts
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What people say
Ward Eight, located on Howard Street in Evanston, is a must-visit cocktail bar and restaurant for anyone who appreciates classic cocktails made with local and boutique spirits. The hand-selected wines by the glass and local craft beer selection are also impressive. One unique aspect of Ward Eight is that they do not have any TVs, allowing guests to fully immerse themselves in the experience of enjoying their drinks and food.
The recent Grand Re-Opening of their Backyard was a huge success, thanks to the beautiful new fence built by their friend Chris. The patio is now open for all to enjoy, making it the perfect spot for a relaxing evening out with friends or family. Ward Eight also offers delicious sandwiches and small bites like their new deviled egg set, which pairs perfectly with their cocktails.
Their Barrel Aged Last Word project has been a hit among patrons and is bound to run out soon, so make sure to stop by before it's gone! Ward Eight's commitment to quality ingredients and excellent service makes it a top choice for those looking for an unforgettable night out in Evanston.
