Chicago Guide: Volo Wine Bar

Volo Wine Bar

Address | 2008 W Roscoe St, Chicago, IL 60618

One of the highlights of our recent visit to Chicago was an unexpected happy hour at Volo Wine Bar. We had already made dinner plans for the evening, but I was so happy that our schedule worked out for a visit—and, even better, an opportunity to catch up with the extraordinary Chef and owner, Stephen Dunne. We go way back, having worked together as chefs during our Postrio days in San Francisco in the 1990s, so seeing him again after all these years was especially meaningful.

My family and I truly loved our time at Volo. The setting is charming and inviting, the service was warm and attentive, and the food and cocktails made it very easy to settle in and stay awhile. We enjoyed an array of excellent small plates alongside tasty cocktails, making happy hour feel like a little experience of its own.

Even though we were only in Chicago for a short visit, Volo quickly became one of those memorable stops that makes a trip feel special—not just because of the food and hospitality, but because of the people and connections behind it.

If you’re lucky enough to find yourself in Chicago, be sure to stop in at Volo. 🥂 Below, we’re breaking down everything we ordered and loved during our visit.

We couldn’t have asked for better weather for our visit to Volo. Chicago was enjoying a gorgeous late-summer evening, making it the perfect time to settle into the restaurant’s charming outdoor patio. The atmosphere felt relaxed and lively, with just the right amount of that end-of-summer magic in the air. We started the evening with a round of $2 Limoncello Fizz shots—such a fun happy hour find—along with a glass of bubbly to toast to our visit. It was an easy, celebratory start to the evening, and the combination of beautiful weather, good drinks, and even better company had us immediately feeling right at home.

For the vegan options, we ordered the Heirloom Tomato Salad and Citrus Marinated Warm Olives, and both were delicious. The tomato salad was especially exceptional—beautifully composed with perfectly ripe heirloom tomatoes, delicate microgreens, and a luscious emulsified dressing that coated every bite without overpowering the tomatoes. The combination was fresh, vibrant, and wonderfully balanced, allowing the quality of the ingredients to really shine. The warm olives were a simple but satisfying addition to the table, offering a savory, briny bite that paired beautifully with our drinks. Together, they made for a lovely selection of plant-based small plates and a great example of how thoughtful preparation can make simple ingredients feel special.

Our table also enjoyed the beautiful beet salad, served with creamy feta and delicate frisée. The earthy sweetness of the beets paired perfectly with the tangy feta and peppery greens, making it another standout small plate for the evening. Naturally, another round of spritzes followed—the Negroni Spritz was a particular favorite, balancing that bittersweet Negroni character with the refreshing lightness of a spritz. We also explored Volo’s wine menu and opted for a crisp rosé, which felt absolutely perfect for the gorgeous late-summer weather. Sipped outside on the patio, it was exactly the kind of wine that makes you want to linger a little longer and savor the season.

Our visit to Volo Wine Bar was brief, but it left a lasting impression. We’d love to return on our next trip to Chicago to explore more of the extensive menu and settle in for a proper dinner. That said, our happy hour experience was pretty perfect in its own right: excellent small plates, creative cocktails, a lovely wine selection, warm service, and a charming patio setting.

If you’re looking for a Chicago happy hour that feels a little more special than the usual bar stop, Volo is an easy recommendation. And for anyone searching for a memorable Chicago wine bar, this charming neighborhood spot delivers on atmosphere, food, and drinks without feeling overly formal.

Whether you’re stopping in for a glass of wine, sharing a few small plates, or enjoying one of their signature spritzes, Volo is the kind of place that makes you want to linger. We can’t wait to return. 🥂