Looking for something extremely specific in west loop or river north

Kasey's Tavern on Dearborn in Printers Row...

 

Watershed, below Pops Champagne. In River North. It can be a wait depending on when you go, but its EXACTLY what you're looking for, IMO.

http://watershedbar.com/

 

Rock Bottom and Clark St. Ale House. They may be a bit busier.

Haymarket in west loop could work, but not a speakeasy.

 

AVIARY end of thread (IMO) btw if he has a little extra $$ tell him to request to get into the office downstairs seperate menu and chicagos best bartender (again IMO)

 

totally agree.. you could probably apply this to nearly the entire US. I haven't been able to get in but did enjoy a killer dinner at Next.

 

Jegross lean away from gilt and towards aviary trust me.

 

Watershed is exactly what you are looking for and is the best bar in an otherwise crowded touristy area. If you like drinking at a bar that feels like the lobby of a W hotel (with more expensive drinks), then Aviary is exactly where you should go, IMO.

 

If it is nice outside, the patio at Clark St. Ale House is fantastic.

 

i couldn't disagree more about the aviary, the creativity and the quality is top notch. plus, if you can get yourself down there, the office represents the best bar in the world (again IMO)

 

What are some of the beer offerings in the office?

 

prob like 30$ for a daisy cutter or something

 

That's not true at all beers can be ordered and consumed in the office I enjoyed bramble rye with desert last time I was there. Much of the office offerings cocktail wise are designed on the spot made to order and service based on conversation and individuals tastes and preferences simply ask chef Craig when your down there about what beer offerings he has available.

 

By the way I really don't care about any of the negativity directed towards the aviary in this thread but based on the OP description in my mind the aviary is hands down the right answer that's all. Violet hour second place. Watershed not in same league. Only having Midwest local spirits limits quality and possibilities of menu again IMO.

 

How much did you happen to pay for the Bramble Rye? Just curious since when I was at Aviary two months ago I unfortunately didn't see anything of that level on the menu.

 

A Saturday night? Forget about Aviary or Violet Hour unless you're willing to go stupidly early.

I'd say you should go to Owen & Engine and hopefully the chairs/couches by the fireplace upstairs are open. You could also try Barrelhouse Flat, particularly upstairs there.

Edit: Neither of those are West Loop/River North, but it's not going to be easy to find something that is classy, good, and not noisy/crowded AND that you can get into (read: you won't get into the Aviary on a Saturday night unless you win the reservation lottery or wait for at least an hour in the line). Vast majority of places are loud even without music playing.

 

You can email the Aviary at [email protected] the day of starting at 10 am for reservations. Just tell them the desired time and group size, and most likely can get in no problem.