Clockwise from left: Julia Momose pours the spiritfree Protea cocktail; this summer, Mordecai revamped its second-floor space into Hush Money; Bar Sótano makes its own mezcal for bright, spicy cocktails; The Darling's secret entrance is accessed through a working flower shop.
As part of our Feast issue, CS delved into the hottest new spots in the Windy City, from the top 10 most exciting new restaurants to where your favorite chefs go for a bite. Here, we look at the coolest new bar concepts, from Rick Bayless' latest to a Wrigleyville hangout with a grand slam selection of rare spirits.
Kumiko
Inventive drinks with subtle nuances delight at Julia Momose’s Japanese-inspired Kumiko. Flights feature a cocktail pour alongside tastings of the intricate sakes and teas she incorporates in the drink, while sophisticated spirit-frees provide a delicious experience for everyone. Taste your way through a memory with the New Wave, inspired by karē raisu and chilled barley tea—a cooling summertime combo Momose enjoyed as a child in Japan. It’s a culinary approach to cocktailing in a serene space by a team envisioning an awakened drinking experience. 630 W. Lake St.
Bar Sótano
Below Rick Bayless’ iconic Frontera Grill is a mood-lit mezcalería serving up agave-based cocktails and upscale Mexican bar bites. Bar Sótano’s menu takes inspiration from traditional Mexican markets, where items are organized based on flavor profiles. Go for the Mango, Chamoy from the ripe and juicy Fruit Stand section, or try the serrano-cucumber margarita from the bold and spicy Chile Stall. The bar itself boasts a vibrant mural and an enigmatic atmosphere dimmed with flickering candles—enjoy and sip away. 443 N. Clark St.
The Darling
A flower shop conceals the entryway to the handsome lounge at The Darling—owner Sophie Huterstein's way of delighting guests from the very start. “I’m a big believer in giving little gifts,” she says. These gifts emerge in part as wonderfully strange performances by belly dancers, magicians and vaudeville acts sprinkled throughout the venue. Drinks play on English classics, and the tapped wine system serves glasses at a single price point. If you fancy a livelier atmosphere, head upstairs to the thrumming bar. 905 W. Randolph St.
Mordecai
Wrigleyville has long been a bucket-list visit for tourists, but recent additions of upscale spots beckon to locals just as much. Mordecai sits directly across from Wrigley Field, and invites fans to catch game-day vibes while tasting rare bourbon and taking in the surrounding vintage baseball decor. The new second-floor speakeasy, Hush Money, was named for the attempted bribe of famed Cubs pitcher Mordecai Brown, and the bar shakes up craft cocktails on a patio perfect for postgame celebrations. 3632 N. Clark St.
Photography by: bar sótano photo by casey cora/bar sótano; the darling photo by kyle flubacker/the darling | mordecai photo courtesy of folkart management | kumiko photo by kailley lindman/kumiko
