Where to Grab Drinks Post-MODA Show

Excited for the upcoming MODA Fashion Show? Unsure about where to grab a couple drinks afterwards? Here is a selection of four stylish bars in downtown Chicago that offer a range of quality cocktails and a unique atmosphere.

1. Three Dots and a Dash

Hidden among River North's most frequented streets, Three Dots and a Dash offers exquisite crafted cocktails and a fun and intimate tiki bar atmosphere. The cocktails are mostly rum-heavy, complimented with tropical fruity flavours, and are beautifully presented. I would suggest trying the Time Traveler and the Pandan Pain Killer for a more mellow and tasty drink. If you're looking for something stronger, the Three Dots and a Dash and all of the remaining classic drinks are the best choices. The place is dimly lit and the bar is surrounded with a few tables occupied by 5-8 people, who are usually seen sharing drinks from bowls. A fairly small bar, Three Dots and a Dash gets pretty busy especially on the weekends, so reserving a table is a good idea. As the night progresses, music starts picking up and switching to trendier tracks that you can swing to. It's a definite stop in a bar-hopping adventure, and perhaps one you might not want to leave.

2. The Aviary

For more of an upscale environment with excellent cocktails, and consequently a much more costly option, try the Aviary located in Fulton Market. The drink menu seems somewhat limited at first glance with quite a few cognac and whiskey style of cocktails, but each drink is said to be "unique", with an unusual, contemporary presentation and is sure to turn heads when being brought to the table. Recommendations for drinks include Barrel Depletions and Jungle Bird. The place offers a true cocktail experience, which you can enjoy alongside a couple appetizers and a soft background lounge music. Inside, the main room is like a dark, luxurious lounge, with cushy seats around separate tables. Once again, a reservation is a must to not have to wait in line exposed to the chilly Chicago weather. For a quieter and fancier bar atmosphere where you can enjoy incredible cocktails and feel elitism at its highest levels, make sure to secure a spot at the Aviary before the show.

3. The Bassment

The Bassment is a live music cocktail lounge, located in the River North. Inspired by the 1960s British Invasion movement, the lounge is set with gold accents throughout, brick walls, and velvet and leather couches. Since the tables are usually booked, it's smart to check with reservations beforehand. Additionally, click here to see their schedule to help you decide, and get a glimpse of the atmosphere. From jazz to r&b and blues, there are different artists on stage almost everyday. Although the drinks have also gotten quite good feedback from guests, the music is definitely brought forward as a bigger attraction than the cocktails at the Bassment, where you're sure to enjoy a fun night out without the overplayed mainstream music, and the other unpleasant realities of clubbing. Make sure to give the bathtub drink a try.

4. The Violet Hour

Venture a little bit further up north to find yourself at Wicker Park's most well-known bar, the Violet Hour. Easily the calmest and most intimate of all venues listed in this article, the Violet Hour has a romantic and low-key ambiance with an extremely dark setting, heavy green curtains and cozy seating inside. The cocktails are as elegant as the place itself, and the bartenders are very knowledgeable and helpful when it comes to recommending drinks. Despite a good variety of drinks on the menu, the bar is particularly known for its speciality in whiskey, and a eponymous Old Fashioned is definitely a safe choice to see for yourself. Guests are expected to follow the house rules found on the website, including detaching from their cell phones and dressing in proper attire. Consider the Violet Hour if you are a) willing skip Instagram to truly enjoy this bar experience, and b) if you are accompanied by a group of few close friends or even preferably, a date. 

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