Raise a Glass to Chicago’s New Bars
Chicago’s cocktail scene is constantly evolving and expanding, solidifying itself as one of the world’s preeminent destinations for unique bars. The latest batch of openings is further proof of that, offering a widespread mix of concepts in varying parts of the city. From an underground “speakeasy” to a tiki temple and a new Fulton Market entry, here’s the latest bar buzz around town.
The Drifter brings a modern riff on the speakeasy concept to the subterranean space below The Green Door, Chicago’s oldest tavern. Affectionately dubbed a “Freakeasy,” The Drifter showcases the work of beverage director Liz Pearce, who oversees the cozy clandestine space. Nearly a century ago, the bar served as an actual prohibition speakeasy, an atmosphere that The Drifter seeks to revive today, minus the threat of being arrested for drinking. The bar features a nightly selection of seven cocktails selected from a batch of about 40 drinks each night by Tarot cards. The cards designate which drinks are on hand each night, running the gamut from culinary-inspired creations to guest mixologist recipes and wholly original ideas whipped up by Pearce. The Drifter will also be home to burlesque performances, comedians, and music acts, so it’s shaping up to be quite the secretive destination in River North.
Hot on the heels of completely and utterly reshaping the way Chicagoans view tiki bars with globally acclaimed Three Dots and a Dash, revered mixologist Paul McGee is at it again with a new tiki concept in a new part of town. Pivoting from Lettuce Entertain You to another restaurant and bar group, Land and Sea Dept., McGee opened Lost Lake on the border of Logan Square an Avondale. Here, his tiki template is smaller and less kitchy than Three Dots, focused more on the cocktail craft with a pared down island vibe spanning a long bar, dangling rope lights, and a glowing fish tank. The drinks, each given an illustrious name and a colorful, elaborate glass, are intricately layered with various liquors, juices, and garnishes. Bunny Banana Daiquiri, a McGee fan favorite from Three Dots, is here, along with a slew of original creations that span rum, Scotch, tequila, and more.
In the West Loop, the cocktail scene is fairly disparate between the high-end (The Aviary, RM Champagne Salon) and the dive-inspired (Lone Wolf). Neatly filling that middle ground is The Betty, a glossy new barstaurant on Fulton Market with an emphasis on craft cocktails and upscale bar food by chef Rachel Dow. Peter Vestinos is the man behind the bar. A veteran of Chicago’s cocktail scene, Vestinos is well equipped to curate The Betty’s bevy of hand-crafted cocktails infused with housemade juices and syrups, along with an arsenal of fine spirits.
The Drifter
676 N. Orleans Street, Chicago
Website
Lost Lake
3154 W. Diversey Avenue, Chicago
(773) 293-6048
Website
The Betty
839 W. Fulton Market, Chicago
(312) 733-2222
Website
