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friendly hospitality.
134 S. Wabash Ave. (between Jackson Blvd. and Adams St.).
&
312/
645-5377.
Subway/El: Red Line to Jackson.
Rhythm
The term “drumming circle” might conjure up visions of hygieni-
cally challenged hippies getting in touch with their inner spirits—but this West
Loop bar gives percussion-based music a stylish update. A wood-paneled, mul-
tilevel circular room is the setting for live music performances and—on Wednes-
day, Friday, and Saturday nights—an interactive “Drum Circle” (lessons are
offered beforehand for beginners). There's also a dimly lit, velvet-draped lounge
and bright bar area for hanging out—but most people find the drumming
addictive.
1108 W. Randolph St. (at Aberdeen St.).
&
312/492-6100.
Cover $5-$8. Subway/El:
Blue Line to Racine.
Tantrum
Don't worry—you won't see folks pitching a fit at this stylish South
Loop bar (the owners came up with the name after being pushed to the limit of
their patience while trying to get their liquor license). Located in the heart of the
rapidly gentrifying South Loop, it's a good destination spot for anyone staying
in a Loop hotel and searching for a casually cool cocktail lounge. The center-
piece of the spacious, airy main room is a long mahogany bar; modern touches
include laser lighting and funky couches and chairs. Sip the signature Tantrum
martini (Stoli orange mixed with orange juice) and enjoy a civilized conversa-
tion—the pleasantly diverse jukebox pumps out everything from smooth jazz to
rap metal, but never at an ear-shattering volume, which is just how the hip, pro-
fessional crowd likes it.
1023 S. State St. (at 11th St.).
&
312/939-9160.
Subway/El: Red
Line to Roosevelt.
NEAR THE MAGNIFICENT MILE
Billy Goat Tavern
Hidden below the Wrigley Building is this storied
Chicago hole-in-the-wall, a longtime hangout for newspaper reporters over the
years, evidenced by the yellowed clippings and memorabilia papering the walls.
But it's the “cheezeborger, cheezeborger” served at the grill that gave inspiration
Value
Hotel Hopping
Forget the stereotypical bland hotel bar filled with drunken convention-
eers. In downtown Chicago, some of the most distinctive watering holes
are tucked inside hotel lobbies. In the Loop, the coolest happy-hour spot
is
Encore
in the Hotel Allegro (171 W. Randolph St.;
&
312/236-0123
),
where the spiral-shaped bar, purple velvet upholstery, and silver accents
create a futuristic feel. Things heat up later in the evening at
Base,
the bar
in the new Hard Rock Hotel (230 N. Michigan Ave.;
&
312/345-1000
). The
look is sleek—lots of black and gray—and there's always good music play-
ing (either live musicians or a DJ). You'll find the beautiful people hang-
ing out at Whiskey Sky, on the top floor of the W Chicago Lakeshore hotel
(644 N. Lakeshore Dr.;
&
312/943-9200
). There's not much seating in this
tiny space, but the views are terrific—both of the surrounding skyline and
the gorgeous staff. At the Sofitel Chicago Water Tower, Le Bar (20 E.
Chestnut;
&
312/324-4000
), is a popular after-work hangout with a low-
lit, intimate vibe. If you prefer sticking to tradition, Kitty O'Shea's (720 S.
Michigan Ave.;
&
312/294-6860
) is an authentically appointed Irish pub
inside the Hilton Chicago—you'll even have your Guinness poured by a
genuine Irish bartender.
Finds
