Ultimate Chicago winter guide Drawing Room


Beeline to the bar


Flee the chill with tropical tiki, indoor beer gardens and fireplaces. By Elizabeth Atkinson


hen the temperatures plummet, it’s easy to make excuses and stay home for a date with Netflix. Squash that tendency and retreat to these Chicago bars instead, each of which offers the perfect escape from blustery weather, with terrific drinks to boot.


W Drawing Room


The grand Chicago Athletic Association Hotel made a splash when it opened over the summer, thanks in part to the stunning rooftop views from bar and restaurant, Cindy’s. The hotel will be a draw come winter, too: In the Drawing Room on the second floor, three fireplaces add a cozy feel to the library-like lobby. Order an old-fashioned ($11) and a cheese plate ($21), or attend the winter fireside storytelling series. 12 S Michigan Ave (844-312-2221, chicagoathletichotel.com)


Village Tap


While many beer gardens close at the end of summer, Village Tap keeps the brews flowing in


its comfortably enclosed space with heaters. Order a roasty milk stout or another dark beer from an ever-evolving list that offers more than 20 taps with domestics, Belgians and local brews from Half Acre, Aquanaut and Moody Tongue. 2055 W Roscoe St (773-883- 0817, villagetap.com)


Lost Lake


Lost Lake is an island oasis in all seasons, but come winter, those flower- and umbrella-topped drinks, fish mugs and Hawaiian-shirt-clad bartenders are an easy and effective way to channel warmer climates. Go with a group and share the Beachcomber’s Rule No. 2: Never Bet on Another Man’s Game, a four-person punch made with three rums, tropical passion fruit and pineapple, with falernum and


22 TIMEOUT.COM/CHICAGO December 2015–February 2016 The Broken Shaker


Tucked into the back corner of the Freehand Hotel lobby are two fireplaces ideal for warming up in winter. The cozy lobby has a cabin vibe and dark lighting, plus board games like backgammon for whiling away cold nights over wintry cocktails. 19 E Ohio St (312-940- 3699, thefreehand.com/chicago/venues/the -broken-shaker)


Lost Lake


The Broken Shaker


Angostura for spice ($50). 3154 W Diversey Ave (773-293-6048, lostlaketiki.com)


The J. Parker


This rooftop, offering stunning views of Lake Michigan and the beach, is a bar for all seasons, now that a retractable roof encloses the space. Admire the vista over seasonal dishes from chef Paul Virant or the mini burger, topped with gooey butterkäse cheese ($8). Pair it with a cocktail, like the Rapture— rosemary-infused tequila mixed with ginger liqueur, apple shrub and red wine—or warm up with a tour through the whiskey list. 1816 N Clark St (312-254-4747, jparkerchicago.com)


PHOTOGRAPHS: TOP: ANDREW NAWROCKI; CENTER LEFT, RIGHT: JACLYN RIVAS


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