We learned last week during our hotel development and investment panel that hotels can create unique destinations for tourists and locals. We're diving hard into winter now, which means we shift from rooftop bars to indoors. Here are six hotel bars you want to frequent while it's cold outside (or when you need to escape your holiday guests).
1. The Berkshire Room
Location: Acme Hotel, 15 E Ohio, Lobby Level
Specialty: Continuous Negroni
Beverage director Benjamin Schiller (formerly of the Boka Group) established an ambitious cocktail program featuring barrel-aged cocktails like the aforementioned negroni, aged in Pappy Van Winkle bourbon barrels. Guests can also customize their cocktails, from base spirit to glassware, or keep things simple. The Berkshire Room food menu provides guests with a solid food base so you can maintain your buzz throughout the night.
2. Bernard's Bar
Location: Waldorf Astoria Chicago, 11 E Walton, Second Floor
Specialty: Stick with a single-malt scotch here
This cozy, tiny lounge in the Waldorf Astoria epitomizes the elegance of the hotel, with an almost private club feel thanks to velvet banquettes, rich brown wood and charcoal drawings from artist Francine Turk. If we were a developer, this is where we would celebrate closing a deal.
3. Jimmy at the James
Location: The James Hotel, 610 N Rush
Specialty: Corpse Reviver #2, with gin, absinthe, lillet blanc, orange liqueur and lemon
This sidebar in the James Hotel radiates a speakeasy vibe from the moment you enter. It's comfortable, relaxing and almost decadent thanks to an extensive cocktail menu ranging from classics to seasonal favorites. Depending on when you visit, you may find eclectic film screenings or DJ sets to set the mood.
4. The Library at Public
Location: Public Hotel Chicago, 1301 N State
Specialty: A straight gin martini
Arguably the most relaxing hotel bar in the city, The Library lives up to its name. Roaring fireplaces help set the mood, and the lounge is filled with books, board games and the softest couches around. We could waste an entire day here, and may during the holiday break.
5. The Bar at the Peninsula
Location: Peninsula Hotel, 108 E Superior
Specialty: The Singapore Sling may be among the best in Chicago
If you're a fan of lounging in leather seating, you'll find ample opportunities here. The Peninsula also features plenty of space for quiet conversation, a fireplace and a semi-private section for up to 12 guests.
6. Sable Kitchen & Bar
Location: Hotel Palomar, 505 N State
Specialty: War of the Roses (Pimm’s, gin, lime, elderflower, mint, Peychaud’s bitters)
This bar is probably best known for having one of the largest and best bourbon selections in Chicago. For our money, we'll stick with the "Not Forgotten" cocktail menu, a list of drinks researched by Sable's bartenders that have proven so popular with guests, they warranted their permanent inclusion on the menu.
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