For part three of our drinking tour of Chicago, we head on over to the West Loop/ Fullerton Market area.
Lone Wolf
806 W. Randolph St.
Lone Wolf is the perfect place to grab a drink while waiting for a table at one of the nearby over-packed restos or a night cap post dinner. As such, the cocktails menu is mostly divided into aperitif and digestifs, which in this case means several amaro-heavy cocktails. They also have a fairly impressive menu of wines by the glass and beers on tap. The atmosphere is relaxed and luxe – an upscale pub feel with just a hint of nostalgia. The staff are friendly and will even do a shot of Malört with you ( as we were told no one should do a shot of Malört alone for the first time). These kids know their purpose and they do it well. Just get here early if you want to be able to sit.
Hours: M-F 4-2 | SA 12-3 | SU 12-2
The Betty
The Betty is one of the newest additions to the west loop/ Fullerton market area. It is a gorgeous, spacious, comfortable space apparently inspired by film noire. I don’t see it and neither will you. It feels like a great riff on a Soho House without the membership dues and there is a friendly peacock behind the bar. The beverages program is overseen by Peter Vestinos and is heavy on gin based cocktails (tsk tsk, the wait staff claim Gin is just like an herbal vodka). We tried several that night, the Grande Dame and Last Man Standing were hits but the Maximillion was definitely a miss (shouldn’t a champagne cocktail be bubbly?). I would still recommend it as a great, relaxed place to grab a drink. Hang out in the library area on the over-sized tufted leather sofas. thebettychicago.com
Hours: Daily 4-1
Maude’s Liquor Bar
840 W. Randolph St.
RM Champagne Salon
116 N. Green St.
If you love drinking champagne, then you must try RM Champagne Salon – they have over 16 varieties by the glass. They also features some imaginative champagne cocktails and a very short beer list that includes French country ale on draft. The space is stunning and tries to whisk you back to Paris – if only the staff spoke only in French. rmchampagnesalon.com
Hours: SU-W 5-12 | T-SA 5-2