The Elysian Hotel – Bernard’s Bar
When a member of the staff at the pristine Elysian Hotel reaches out to you and asks if you've been to their bar yet, and you haven't... You go! And that's exactly what we did! There’s been much buzz about Bernard’s Bar, housed inside this hotel, for quite some time. However, with a recent drink feature on the cover of Time Out Chicago’s February 2012 issue, the buzz has broadened to an all out vibration, and we couldn’t wait to get in there.
Read MoreThe Thoroughbred Club – Charleston Place Hotel
Close your eyes for a moment and try to visualize what the lobby of a grand and luxurious southern hotel might look like. It would be expansive with an inlaid Italian marble floor and an elegant split spiral staircase rising majestically from its center under the watchful gaze of a magnificent chandelier. Elegant shops surround the lobby and off to the right stands the perquisite baby grand piano.
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W Hotel Chicago City Center – The Living Room Bar
Call me closed minded, pessimistic, or perhaps even sheltered. Go ahead. But I’m going to just come out and say it. I highly doubt there is anywhere else in this city that you can go at 5pm on a Wednesday and have it be this freaking cool! Just trust me. And if you still think I’m wrong or think you’ve found something to challenge this statement, I want to hear about it. However, right now, all we’re going to focus on is the cool factor at this particular W hotel.
Read MoreThe Standard – Rooftop Bar
The bar is fancy and well lit with a great atmosphere. No sports, it is an upscale bar and the decor is sophisticated. They have a unique glass layout with nice chairs that compliment the bar. The room has an open feeling to it.
Read MoreJW Marriott Chicago – The Lobby Lounge
There is a lot to be said for hotel bars this time of year. I don’t think there’s one out there that holds back when it comes to decorating for the holidays. The JW Marriott located in the heart of The Loop district is no exception. This Asian inspired Lobby Bar is the perfect spot for an after work drink, anytime of year. We showed up on a Thursday eve and the place was bumpin’. We scored a couple seats at the bar, but if there weren’t any, there’s plenty of other seating options we could have picked.
Read MoreHoliday Inn Chicago Mart Plaza – Cityscape Bar
I’m just going to come out and say it, and pardon my prejudices, but I never expected a bar within a Holiday Inn to produce something quite as magnificent as this. To the Holiday Inn, I apologize. My bad. Egg in my face, yolk in my hair. Eating my words. This has got to be one of the best kept secrets of the city. I’m shocked I’ve never heard of Cityscape before, but I am oh-so-happy to now share it with the world.
Read MoreThe Wit Hotel – ROOF at The Wit
Overpriced drinks were expected, but overpriced food wasn't. I would eat beforehand even though the food is decent, I wouldn't pay that much for such a small amount of food again. We were there on a Friday night, and it was still early enough for it not to be super loud...they turned up the volume way too early. Earlier than 9pm is too early for blasting the beats...we still wanted to chat at that point.
Read MoreThe Drake Hotel – Palm Court
I hope you’re wearing something decent when you walk into this place. Not because its required, but because you ARE going to feel cool, so you may as well look cool, too. Coming up to the main lobby area of check in, you’ll be greeted by a grand staircase that serves as the entrance to the Palm Court. Go ahead, pretend you’re someone else, or that all eyes are on you as you elegantly stroll to the top of the stairs. There’s something about this special place that takes you somewhere else, makes you feel like someone else.
Read MoreThe Drake Hotel – COQ d’OR
If you’ve never heard of The Drake Hotel in Chicago then you’ve been living under a rock. I’ve known about this famous hotel and it’s rich history but after living in Chicago for 6 years, I finally stepped inside to see what all the fuss was about. Don’t ask me how to pronounce the name, but The Drake’s hotel bar called Coq d,Or did not disappoint.
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The Omni Chicago – 676 Bar
I have to admit. I showed up at this place with a little bit of an agenda. It was a saturday. We are college football fans. There were several big games that were getting ready to start. SO, was I looking to watch a bit of a game in a hotel bar even though I swore that I would never go out in search of a sporting event at a hotel bar? Yes, yes I did. Why? Easy, the answer is two fold.
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The Allerton Hotel – M Avenue Lounge
First impressions are big for me. They make an impact. I always refer back to my first impression. That is, until my second chance mindset starts to kick in and question those first impressions. Am I alone here? Anyone else know what the hell I’m talking about? Maybe it will after you read about the M Avenue Lounge.
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Hotel Palomar – Sable Kitchen & Bar
Well I may as well just come out and say it off the top. This place is fabulous. Ab-so-lute-ly fabulous! I loved pretty much everything about it. We all did, and I have a pretty good idea you will too. Here’s why.
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The Westin Chicago – Hana Lounge
Ahhh, The Westin. I love Westin Hotels for many reasons, but probably my favorite is what happens the moment you walk in one. That smell. Incase you are unaware, Westin has its own signature scent and it is nothing short of pure bliss. We walked through the revolving door and were instantly greeted by the beautiful scent of white tea. Its magical. Unrelated, but that signature scent of theirs is actually available for purchase. It ain’t cheap, but for about 30 smacks (give or take) it can be yours.
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Renaissance Chicago – Bar Novo
This really and truly is the quintessential hotel bar. Its the kind of place that if I were shooting a movie, and there was a hotel bar scene, this is how I would want it. The bar is fairly large and sorta split into two different rooms, though not closed off from each other. The bar area is more casual, the lounge area is, well... more loungy.
Read MoreHotel Felix – Lobby Bar & Elate Bar and Grill
I am really starting to appreciate the diversity in what makes up a hotel bar. I don’t want to get in the habit of using cliches. But, I’m not afraid to admit, I love using cliches. So here it is...Never judge a book by its cover. I couldn’t wait to go to Hotel Felix. Why? Because I drove by it and was instantly attracted to the monster sign that poured down the side of the building, made it look intriguing, even inviting - thats why. We walked through the revolving door and I was like, ok... um wait. This is the lobby, but no way can this be the lobby bar?! Well, guess what... it was the lobby bar.
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