Spots for Sexy Drinks That Will Make Your Date Blush
“Hello, my name is fabulous.” - Samantha Jones
We know we weren’t the only ones missing Samantha Jones on the recent SATC reboot. But we missed more than just her sass and style! Aside from dishing out wisdom to her friends, Samantha also dishes out invites to the hottest parties and knowledge about the best places to date, drink, see and be seen. Since we can’t turn to Sam anymore, we’re stepping up to the plate. These Chicago hot spots are right up her alley - perfect for a sexy date night or the ultimate night on the town. Here’s to a fabulous evening in your future…
Z Bar at The Peninsula Chicago {108 East Superior Street, Chicago; 312.573.6888}
This is THE spot you need to add to your date night rotation. We recommend it for everything from first dates to engagements (you can see all those details on another one of our round-ups) due to the sleek look and amazing views of this indoor/outdoor rooftop. It’s an especially good spot for cocktail connoisseurs and music lovers you want to impress. The playlists are a big part of the dining experience at Z Bar and they’re constantly changing with unique hits. The same can be said for their fresh and colorful cocktail menu, which has classics like the Manhattan Royale as well as custom sips like Disco Fever, which is served in a disco ball!
Chef’s Special Cocktail Bar {2165 North Western Avenue, Chicago; 773.666.5143}
There is all kinds of spice in this sultry spot. That might come from the smokey tequila cocktails on their menu, like the ChiChi Colada. It might also come from dishes like Wontons in Chili Oil or Dry Chili Chicken. Or it might come from the vibesss that will be flying between you and your date as you cuddle up in one of their booths or at their standout bar. Whatever lights your fire ;)
Lazy Bird
Lazy Bird {200 North Green Street, Chicago; 312.761.1799}
Ain’t nothing sexier than an underground bar. Seriously! It makes any drinks date feel that much more intimate and romantic and even a little bit risqué. At the “cellar level” of The Hoxton Hotel in Fulton Market, you’ll find live music and 52 (count em!) stellar sips at Lazy Bird. Our top recommendation is the Clover Club, made with London dry gin, raspberry syrup, lemon and egg white, but you really can’t go wrong with any pick!
Golden Teardrops {2101 North California Avenue, Chicago; 773.770.3414}
If this name sounds unfamiliar to you, that’s exactly the point. Located in the basement of Lonesome Rose, a taco spot you should also check out for a daytime date, this teeny bar serves up strong and satisfying cocktails that are sure to impress. If you’re courting a foodie who has been everywhere, or want to blow your date away with post-dinner drinks, this is your dream destination.
Devereaux {1112 North State Street, 18th Floor, Chicago; 312.586.2160}
You should ideally wait to visit here until the weather warms for maximum fun, but the rooftop bar at The Viceroy Chicago is worth a stop all year round. If you can’t wait for summer to hit up their pool, come now for the cocktails! With a variety of seating options, including outdoor private chalets during the winter, this is a great spot for a double date or night out downtown if you’re coming in from the burbs. Book a night at the hotel and have a sexy staycation in the best city in the world.
Storyville {712 North Clark Street, Chicago; 312.741.9786}
While we of course recommend having a fun dinner of NOLA-inspired dishes at the Storyville dining room, we even more strongly recommend going downstairs to Lulu's Chambre Privée, their speakeasy, for post-dinner drinks. It’s the perfect next stop for when you’re date is going great and you’re not quite ready for it to end yet. Order a Daiquiri or a Mai Tai and enjoy one of their rotating live cabaret performances!
Armitage Alehouse {1000 West Armitage Avenue, Chicago; 773.270.6402}
Chicago’s hottest spot is also one of its coziest and sexiest spots, from the same group who brought us Au Cheval and Gilt Bar. If you can’t get a reservation, don’t worry - You can get drinks at the bar and/or put your name in for one of their walk-in tables. The atmosphere is great, and cocktails like the Vesper and Moneypenny Martinis really shine. It’s the hot new spot to impress your person this winter!
By Kaleigh Glaza | Market Editor