Behind sheer white curtains in Chicago's Fulton Market, Bisous transports discerning drinkers to 1960s Paris through Peter Vestinos' masterful vision and an unparalleled martini program that has earned recognition as North America's 39th Best Bar.

This standalone cocktail lounge emerged in January 2024 from the collaboration between Footman Hospitality and veteran bartender Peter Vestinos, whose acclaimed work at Sparrow established his reputation for creating transportive bar experiences. Vestinos conceived Bisous as a love letter to mid-century Parisian sophistication, describing it as "if The Betty and Sparrow had a baby, and she grew up in Paris in the '60s." The bar's rapid ascent to North America's 50 Best Bars list validates this distinctive approach to immersive hospitality.

The cocktail program centers on an exceptional collection of classic and contemporary martinis that showcase both technical precision and creative innovation. The signature Olivette features olive leaf-infused gin with vermouth and saline, delivering a uniquely savory profile that exemplifies the bar's inventive spirit. Traditional offerings like the Alaska, Gibson, Martinez, and Vesper receive contemporary updates, while the Tuxedo No. 2.1—served in an absinthe-rinsed glass with Citadelle Vive le Cornichon gin, dry vermouth, and maraschino—demonstrates the team's sophisticated approach to classic cocktails. The curated selection extends to refined French highballs featuring persimmon liqueur and tonic or armagnac and ginger, complemented by premium French wines, ciders, and spirits that reinforce the Parisian theme.

The 2,000-square-foot interior creates an intimate journey through carefully orchestrated design elements. A stunning 14-seat marble-topped bar anchors the space, complemented by four half-circle booths upholstered in rust-colored velvet and paisley fabric. Large globe chandeliers cast a romantic glow over deeply patterned wallpaper that covers walls and ceiling sections, while green-and-white patterned tile flooring and a lounge area with velvet green chairs complete the sophisticated atmosphere. Every detail, from kiss motifs on coasters to the curated sonic identity, reinforces the transportive experience.

Bisous elevates the traditional bar experience through host-driven service that ensures each guest receives personalized attention from arrival to departure. The elegant, seated experience eliminates the typical scramble for bar positioning, creating an atmosphere perfect for pre-dinner martinis, intimate conversations, or sophisticated nightcaps. Smart casual attire befits the refined setting, though the atmosphere remains approachably elegant rather than intimidatingly formal.

Reservations are highly recommended for this destination bar that has quickly become essential for luxury cocktail experiences in Chicago. Bisous offers discerning drinkers an authentic escape to Parisian sophistication without leaving the Windy City.