Chicago

Vertigo

Cocktail parties rank high on the list of boozing settings, what with their fancy digs, delicious nibbles, relaxed conversations, and servers constantly bringing fresh drinks to keep those conversations relaxed. For a lounge going for that vibe, hit Vertigo.

Vertigo's a swank dana hotel penthouse decked out with floor-to-ceiling windows, high-end tattoo photos by Ami James (Miami Ink), and a pro-mingling plush-leather furniture arrangement, plus an expansive outside patio warmed up by a gas-powered firepit and a lingering burning sensation from a pre-opening Rock of Love shoot. There is no full bar for customers, with drink service instead provided by women in leather Catwoman-style bodysuits pushing three distinct carts: South American (mojitos, caipirinhas...), specialty martinis, and bottle service, either traditional, or airplane minis -- so you can really feel like a big man. There is a small, hard-to-find-draughts beer bar (Goose Island Matilda, etc), and non-cart pushing waitresses'll take orders for specialty cocktails like the Remy Martin VSOP'd “Sidecar”, Gosling Black Seal'd “Bermuda Rum Swizzle,” and the Cabo Wabo Silver-abetted “Barbarella” (you finally got your Jane Fonda/Sammy Hagar collaboration -- now go buy a lottery ticket).

Vertigo's also serving small plates from the downstairs ajasteak, like Wagyu beef carpaccio, sashimi & maki, and Vietnamese cold sammiches, all delivered on sustainable throwaway bamboo plates -- keeping your commitment to the environment as relaxed as your cocktail party chatter.

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