Sip Northwest, Winter 2015

35 SIPNORTHWEST COM Be it before or after dinner or anytime doors are open no judgment step into one of these legendary and historic watering holes for a true taste of Chicago BLUE CHICAGO Expect nothing fancy at this venerable blues bar where a Sunday night backup band is probably better than any blues band headlining shows in the Pacific Northwest A serviceable beer list and straightforward cocktails well drinks are all you need to accompany the music For 30 years theyve served up the blues seven nights a week and since 1991 the same guy Lorenzo has worked the door bluechicago com POPS FOR CHAMPAGNE Your bartender will proudly tell you their Champagne selection is the largest of any bar in America and with 250 different bubblies on the menu its hard to disagree They also serve cocktails beer and still wines but thats not the point of visiting this bar which happens to be right across the street from ACME Hotel Company If you dont like your Champagne straight up consider one of the sparkling cocktails Elegant yet modern and casual Pops for Champagne is a great place to start or finish the night with live jazz Sunday through Tuesday popsforchampagne com a portion of your paycheck on a single shot Two fingers of 1936 Mount Vernon Rye will set you back 300 In addition to booze the menu features upscale snacks and desserts I enjoyed the bacon dusted popcorn and swooned over beef short rib sugo served on a bed of bleu cheese polenta As for dessert I decided to wait until later After all I had Chicagos River North district to explore before my head hit the pillow I walked through the lobby passed an open elevator blaring More Than a Feeling and stepped out onto Ohio Street I had a decision to make Which direction should I go With literally hundreds of places to eat and drink within easy walking distance there was no wrong answer I walked away knowing the hotel and those big red lips would be waiting for me when my wanderlust waned RIVER NORTH LIBATIONS WATERSHED Located in the basement below Pops for Champagne this dark and cozy bar feels something like a speakeasy but theres no secret handshake required The beer focused menu offers a broad selection of local and regional beers along with wine and cocktails while the food menu at Watershed is loaded with small plates and appetizers On Sunday nights the staff works the turntable spinning vintage vinyl and on Tuesdays youll enjoy half price beers from a featured brewery watershedbar com GREEN DOOR TAVERN The story of the Green Door Tavern is a lesson in Chicago history Without going into details this is the last freestanding wood framed structure in the city constructed immediately following the Great Fire of 1871 During Prohibition a green door signified the presence of a speakeasy Yes there was a speakeasy in the basement of the Green Door Tavern In fact its still there and along with all the memorabilia comfortably cluttering the interior is a nod to Chicagos history They serve food and cocktails but the focus here is the draft beer list which includes a selection of less common local beers you might not see on tap anywhere else in the area greendoorchicago com BOTTOM LEFT PHOTO BY THINK LEIGH PHOTOGRAPHY TOP RIGHT PHOTO BY KIM SHARPE JONES