A Slice of Miami in Chicago

drumBAR

Set atop the 18-story Raffaelo Hotel in the Gold Coast, drumBAR joins the ranks of Chicago’s finest, but with an edge that has taken it, literally, to the top in the short weeks since it opened. Rooftop bars are much rarer in Chicago than in many of its American sister cities, and that fact alongside the unique Prohibition-inspired drinks menu have led the owners to describe the bar as ‘Miami meets speakeasy’ (with a South Beach address set for opening in December 2012 as well).

Our jury is out on the speakeasy moniker, but what’s certain is the dapper interior with its vaulted roof, rich, polished wood panelling, comfy Chesterfield sofas, fireplace (perfect for those notorious Chicago winters) and long bar is spot-on. And better yet, there’s 1,500sq ft of outdoor terrace with spectacular city views just perfect for the ‘see and be scene’ crowd. The extensive drinks list features over 20 bourbons, and signature cocktails like the ‘Noir’ with Johnnie Walker Black, Aperol, tobacco syrup and egg white, or the ‘Smoke’, a smouldering tinderbox of Compass Box Peat scotch, lapsang tea, grapefruit juice, and black walnut bitters – blam! A word of advice though, if you’re hoping for a summer table on the deck, be sure to reserve in advance.