Vertigo Sky Lounge
WHAT: Vertigo Sky Lounge
WHERE: 2 W. Erie St. (Dana Hotel & Spa)
OUR RATING: Do It!
Recently, Storefront City had the unique opportunity to attend the Chicago Reader’s 2nd Annual People Issue Party, honoring the 25 Chicagoans featured in this year’s People Issue and held at Vertigo Sky Lounge. We enjoyed complimentary cocktails from Tuaca, Korbel, Gentleman Jack and El Jimador, food from Benny’s Chop House, and music spun by DJ All the Way Kay. We loved the lounge so much in fact that we attended Fire & Ice, their relaunch of their ice bar, this past Friday.
(vertigoskylounge.com)
Situated at the top of the Dana Hotel on the 26th floor of the Dana Hotel and Spa, Vertigo Sky Lounge is the only year-round, indoor/outdoor lounge in Chicago. Ready for this? They have an outdoor fire-pit and in the winter, the city’s only outdoor rooftop ice bar, 10-feet and 3,000 pounds of pure ice!
One of the major reasons Vertigo floats our boat is the total lack of a cover charge. You can literally just turn up, show your ID, check your coat downstairs (complimentary) and head on up to one of the sleekest experiences in the city. If you are visiting on a weekend, make sure you arrive early, as a line develops extremely quickly.
At this point, you have a choice: either squeeze into a space inside on one of the beautiful upholstered and plush window seats, grab a drink from one of Vertigo’s 3 indoor bars, or head out to the rooftop lounge, which is the highlight of this space. If you aren’t lucky enough to snag a free El Jimador margarita at an event, drinks will set you back $6-14 (since this is the city, that’s practically tuppence).
Bartenders are quick and polite, not making a fuss with preparation and being genial in every respect. Although we didn’t get a chance, you may also want to try some of their light bites: sushi, sliders and sharing platters make up the bulk of this menu. But this is nothing compared to the unparalleled outdoor space Vertigo offers if you’re courageous enough to brave the cold weather.
(vertigoskylounge.com)
Festoon yourself in one of the lovely black terrycloth robes, a faux fur blanket or two, and amble onto the patio that, in this season, features a solid ice bar, ice sculptures and a roaring fire pit, stools included. You can even order flaming drinks at the ice bar, making a well-rounded fire and ice experience.
Storefront City and friends enjoy the fire pit!
Also included are a selection of ice tables, which keep your drink cold while you stay toasty. It’s an entire new and magical world, a play land for adults in the middle of a Chicago winter. The whole setup reminds one of a scene from James Bond, so make sure you have your pithy remarks ready.
(vertigoskylounge.com)
Another nice feature of this lounge are the bathrooms. They are kept immaculate and also include a chalkboard for you to write your comments on (yes, we left a message there).
So, if you are in the Gold Coast, drop in and have a martini or two while reminiscing about the last time you skied through the Alps after gambling with Goldfinger in Monte Carlo. Oh, and do make sure you are well dressed.