ML - Michigan Avenue

2012 - Issue 5 - September

Michigan Avenue - Niche Media - Michigan Avenue magazine is a luxury lifestyle magazine centered around Chicago’s finest people, events, fashion, health & beauty, fine dining & more!

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GUIDE imbibe see & be seen THESE AU COURANT COCKTAIL SPOTS ARE PRIME CROWD-PLEASERS. BY AUDARSHIA TOWNSEND Beauty Bar H ipsters gravitate to this West Town watering hole. But on every other Sunday, it reverts to its former identity as Sonotheque, with DJs spinning soul sounds for a sexy crowd. Bonus: Get a mani and martini for $10. 1444 W. Chicago Ave., 312-226-8828; thebeautybar.com Drumbar O ne of the summer's biggest hits will continue to thrive in cool weather, thanks to an intimate, library-style lounge with cushy leather banquettes near the fireplaces. It's the perfect spot to take in one of owner/master mixologist Benjamin Newby's well-crafted cocktails. Raffaello Hotel, 201 E. Delaware Pl., 312-942-2531; drumbar.com The Gage T he bar at this Irish-influenced establishment starts filling up daily around four o'clock—and these aren't tourists hogging the bar- stools. They're attractive, suited-up locals, sipping their way through one of the best bar menus in the city. 24 S. Michigan Ave., 312-372- 4243; thegagechicago.com The J. Parker T he Boka Group's dazzling rooftop lounge, perched atop the sleek Lincoln Hotel, affords spectacular lakefront views and an innovative cocktail program dubbed The Fine Art of Destination Drinking. Mixologist Erin Hayes spotlights libations from three different 146 MICHIGANAVEMAG.COM countries every three months. One of the biggest draws is the seasonal punch, serving six to eight people. 1816 N. Clark St., 312-254-4747; jparkerchicago.com Le Colonial A fter 16 years, the top-floor tavern of this French-Vietnamese restaurant continues to draw a fashionable crowd, including its well-heeled Gold Coast neighbors. This is one spot that hasn't had a makeover since its debut: The turn-of-the-century setting remains the biggest charm for those with a significant other—or those on the prowl for one. 937 N. Rush St., 312-255-0088; lecolonialchicago.com Mastro's Steakhouse M any piano bars make you feel like you stepped into a time warp. But Mastro's manages to stay classic while living in the now, with a Sinatra-esque crooner tickling the ivories as model-type mixolo- gists serve drinks to the business types dominating the oval bar. 520 N. Dearborn St., 312-521- 5100; mastrosrestaurants.com Old Town Pour House T he owners behind The Boundary and Trace have classed up the traditional sports bar, drawing an upscale crowd in the process. There are 90 beers on tap from across the world and TVs everywhere you turn, making it an excellent game day destination. 1419 N. Wells St., 312-477-2800; oldtownpourhouse.com RM Champagne Salon T his boutique bubbly bar draws its inspiration from timeless style icon Grace Kelly—so you know you're in for something divine. Overseeing the action at this dedicated Champagne lounge is sommelier Jason Wagner, who previously served as wine director for 28-time Michelin Star recipient Joël Robuchon. 116 N. Green St.; rmchampagnesalon.com The Savoy T his Wicker Park bar is a haven for absinthe enthusiasts, thanks to an ambitious program of traditional and contemporary selections, including a number of American choices from California and Illinois. What's even better is that it's served in traditional absinthe style, featuring individually hand- blown glassware made exclusively for The Savoy. 1408 N. Milwaukee Ave., 773- 698-6925; savoychicago.com Untitled T his ravishing River North attraction also boasts a Champagne salon—though tinier than its West Loop counterpart. That's because the speakeasy- inspired spot is an amalgamation of several concepts, including a whiskey lounge, live-music venue, and library-style dining room. This is a place to dress to impress, so act accordingly. 111 W. Kinzie St., 312-880-1511; untitledchicago.com MA A mixologist crafts an egg-based cocktail at Untitled. INSPIRED BUBBLES Jason Wagner, wine director/partner at RM Champagne Salon, details the new spot. Why is Grace Kelly your inspiration? She was royalty but also came from humble beginnings. Those are all things we wanted to put in the mood of the place. What type of crowd do you expect? An interesting mix: the trendy crowd and those with an adventurous palate. The setting will attract a female constituency; the wine list will draw wine geeks and industry folks. What's the most coveted area of the bar? The patio. It's 1800s cobblestone and feels like a piazza in Milan. RM Champagne Salon

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