Best Places For Port Wine In Chicago
Vinho do Porto, or simply port wine, has become somewhat of a rock star among the various styles of wine. Originally a Portuguese fortified wine, it is now produced all over the world — even right here in the United States. Unlike milder 'beginner' wines, port wine appeals to the seasoned wine enthusiast with its rich and dry flavor, deep red color and sweet accents that go so great with desserts. If you're looking to enjoy a satisfying glass of port wine in Chicago, here are some of the best places to visit.
The Weather Mark Tavern
1503 S. Michigan Ave.
Chicago, Il. 60605
(312) 588-0230
www.weathermarktavern.com
As if visiting Chicago's only nautical tavern wasn't intriguing enough, The Weather Mark Tavern also offers a vast selection of foods and drinks. This South Loop establishment has a full selection of liquors, 50 house and specialty rums, and a full cellar of moderately priced wines including, of course, port wine. The Weather Mark Tavern is a sports bar, wine bar and restaurant with great specials all wrapped into one, and somehow that all just meshes perfectly for a great dining and drinking experience.
RM Champagne Salon
116 N. Green St.
Chicago, IL. 60607
(312) 243-1199
www.rmchampagnesalon.com
A speakeasy on the outside and a candlelit French bistro on the inside, there's no place quite like the RM Champagne Salon. Although named for that sparkling wine we call bubbly, this intimate nightery offers a full selection of wines and craft beers as well as flatbreads, a selection of cheeses, a a raw bar and other entrees. Located in the West Loop, RM Champagne Salon also has a lovely Parisian-style patio to enjoy in the more mild months of the year, but inside the wine is always flowing. Enjoy a sinful dessert along with a glass of Quinta do Noval Black Ruby Port or Warre's 20 year Otima Tawny Port wine.
Bar Pastoral
2947 N. Broadway
Chicago, IL. 60657
(773) 472-4781
www.pastoralartisan.com
Wine and cheese has always been a thing, and what better than to enjoy them in a comfy and low-key wine and cheese bar like Bar Pastoral? Located in the Lakeview area, the European-inspired Bar Pastoral offers much more than just wine and cheese, although these are a must. With a menu located with everything from bar bites to dinner entrees, there is plenty to choose from. Just be sure to finish your visit with a creme brulee or bread pudding desert as well as a glass — or more — of one of their port wines.
Volo Restaurant Wine Bar
2008 W. Roscoe St.
Chicago, IL 60618
(773) 348-4600
volorestaurant.com
There are lots of trendy places to eat and drink in Chicago's Roscoe Village, but Volo Restaurant Wine Bar is a must try for wine lovers. Set in a boutique facade, Volo is perfect for seasoned wine lovers as well as those who are looking to experiment and learn what best suits their tastes. Offering an impressive selection of wines by the bottle, carafe, glass and half glass, Volo also offers reasonably priced menu items, small plates, cheeses and, of course, desserts which just beg for an accompanying glass of port wine. During pleasant weather conditions, Volo Restaurant Wine Bar also has a charming sidewalk cafe, and a happy hour from 5-7 p.m. nightly.
Rittergut Wine Bar & Social Club
10 S. Wacker Drive
Chicago IL 60606
(312) 559-1832
rittergutwinebar.com
Right in the heart of the Loop is the Rittergut Wine Bar & Social Club. Offering wine by the glass and bottle, Rittergut has been making waves with their delicious food options for lunch, dinner and happy hour. With a waitstaff happy to offer suggestions for pairings, the Rittergut Wine Bar & Social Club has an extensive wine selection to be enjoyed at your table or sampled at the tasting bar. Reservations are suggested, as Rittergut is understandably a very popular spot, but at the first sip you'll realize that it's well worth the stop.
Related: Ask A Chicago Bartender: Your Best Tropical Drink Recipe
Soon after earning her BA in journalism, Melanie Falina began writing about one of the loves of her life - music. Since then, she's covered some of the biggest names in music, in addition to writing on an array of other topics as well. She has written for Black Belt magazine, KISS: The Official Authorized Quarterly Magazine, Examiner, AXS.com, Yahoo Voices, and more, and was editor for Don Lemmon's KNOW HOW Book Three, Refuse To Fail. Melanie is also a poet with five published collections of poetry available via Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and various establishments.
