A friend and I, both in our early 30s, will be in Chicago over Easter weekend. We will be staying at the Hotel Monaco and would love to enjoy a bit of the city's nightlife. Doesn't have to be in the Loop or Mag Mile, in fact, we are looking to branch out on this trip and investigate outlying areas.

We are looking for upscale, classy martini lounges and wine bars - minus the velvet rope, cover charges, and snotty attitude.
We have no problem getting all dressed up to hit the town, or even paying top dollar for a quality drink, however; we draw the line at attitude from bartenders and door men, and a line around the block to get in.

Does anyone have any ideas for us? Or are we condemned to the hotel bars? (Not that we wouldn't take ideas for hotel bars too!)

Thanks!

Hi Elizabeth,
I put your hotel into the search on metromix.com and here is the link.

http://metromix.chicagotribune.com/s...,7901314.venue

you now need to use the "what's nearby" feature and you will find hundreds of places within a few miles of your hotel. You can find so much to do at this site—its a favorite of mine.

You are also pretty close to the State/Lake red line train station that will take you both north and south of the loop with plenty to do at every stop along the way.

Bin 36 is a great restaurant and they have an amazing wine list with MANY wines by the glass and a nice bar area you can sit, chat and have a few glasses or one of their flights.
http://metromix.chicagotribune.com/s...,7704705.venue

Two wine bars out of the downtown area that I love.

Webster wine bar
http://metromix.chicagotribune.com/s...,1146506.venue

404 wine bar
http://metromix.chicagotribune.com/s...,2719378.venue

Have fun and be sure to get out of those hotel lobby bars!!

Forgot about this one—only been once, I enjoyed it, but I always hear great things. About a half mile off the blue line Damen stop.

Meritage Cafe & Wine Bar
http://metromix.chicagotribune.com/s...,1670799.venue

Also use metromix's seach tool, throw in martini bars and see what comes up!

You can easily avoid lines and covers charges if you stay away from clubby places and stick to your "upscale, classy martini lounges and wine bars". Sounds like a great weekend plan!

I am a big fan of Sonotheque on Chicago Ave. Easy to get to via cab from downtown. Great space, great music, great crowd. Sometimes there's a cover, but its minimal and the drinks are reasonable. I also second khoffmann's choice of Websters. Very low key, fun place. If you're looking for an Enoteca-- I love Enoteca Roma in Wicker Park. There are tons of great places within easy reach of Downtown. Metromix is a great place to start! Have fun!

Sorry, I feel like I'm stalking your post, but I just got back from The Tasting Room (just west on Randolph at the corner of Ogden) and I had forgotten how nice it was. Just another suggestion that is a bit closer to downtown but not "touristy". Check it out on Metromix...

Wow....I hadn't checked the site for a few days and came back to find all of this great information!

I really appreciate all of the input from both of you.....thanks so much.

I did do a little research on my own and came up with some of the very same places you both suggest! That must mean I am on the right track, at least.

I am very excited about our trip next weekend, and if I meet any locals who are half as friendly and helpful as both of you are, I'll have a fabulous time for sure! I haven't been to Chicago in three years, and I have certainly missed it!

Thanks again! Khoffman...you are a true gem!

The Sofitel Water Tower has an excellent bar and makes great martinis. Can be quite lively, fun crowd (not just hotel guests).
http://metromix.chicagotribune.com/s...,0,32391.venue

The Green Mill is a Chicago institution; worth checking out at least once.

My Italian colleagues really enjoyed themselves at Ghost Bar, but preference is given to restaurant patrons and private parties.

I like Bin 36, too. Good for dining and drinking.

Elm Street Liquors is something more unusual. You might enjoy it, though.
http://metromix.chicagotribune.com/s...,1736336.venue