The Best Hotel Bars In Chicago
It doesn't matter if you're not a tourist or a conventioneer. You'll find everything from chic and upscale to friendly and laid-back at the bars in Chicago's finest hotels. Here's a sampling of five:
Le Bar
Sofitel Chicago Water Tower
20 E. Chestnut St.
(312) 324-4000
http://www.lebarchicago.com
Kick back at this upscale spot about a block west of the Magnificent Mile. You'll find a stainless steel bar with fiber opting lighting, and in the bar's own words, "fashionistas mingling with the suits." Enjoy a bottle of fine wine, a premium single-malt scotch, a specialty martini, or any number of other fine libations. You can even order absinthe – that notorious spirit of Ernest Hemingway's time.
Roof on theWit
theWit Hotel
201 N. State St.
http://www.roofonthewit.com
You'll be blown away – figuratively, that is – by this year-round rooftop lounge at the top of theWit Hotel on the northern edge of the Loop. The 7,000 square-foot space features indoor and outdoor areas, roaring fire pits and telescopes. Handcrafted mixed drinks, fine wine and beer, and bottle service are available, and you'll also find an impressive food menu.
Crimson Lounge
Hotel Sax
333 N. Dearborn St.
(312) 923-2473
http://www.crimsonlounge.com
Crimson mirrors, walnut wood, and an assortment of global décor grace this space at the Hotel Sax directly behind Marina City. DJs spin as you order your cocktails, be it a Japanese pear martini or a champagne cobbler on the rocks. Bottle service is also available, as are three enclosed VIP rooms.
The Bar at the Peninsula
Peninsula Hotel
108 E. Superior St.
(312) 573-6766
http://www.peninsula.com/chicago/en/dining/default.aspx#/chicago/en/dining/The_Bar/
Come to the Peninsula immediately west of Michigan Avenue, and find this a stylish spot with leather-upholstered furniture, art nouveau-inspired decorating, and a fireplace that will be much welcome on a cold winter's day. The Bar offers a selection ports, cognacs and signature cocktails. Yelp critics are particularly impressed with the martini menu.
Kitty O'Shea's
Chicago Hilton & Towers
720 S. Michigan Ave.
(312) 294-6860
http://www.hilton.com/en/hi/hotels/dining_detail.jhtml?ctyhocn=CHICHHH&index=0
You don't have to be in the market for bottle service and fancy cocktails to enjoy an evening at a hotel bar. At Kitty O'Shea's, you can relax and enjoy the atmosphere of a casual Irish pub, with Irish beer and spirits, and kitchen fare such as shepherd's pie and fish and chips. Listen also for live Irish music.
