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Chicago (Purple Express, Brown)
Grand (Red)
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definitely an older crowd from the mid 30s and up ... i definitely felt SO out of the place, but it was a nice change from the typical SF/LA/OC/SD scene...
although this is a lounge, it's pretty neat how they have real live singer/bands on stage that makes this place alive, and i swear, some were whack, but there were these 2 chicks who rocked the whole place...
lots of finger food, but the menu has an upscale touch with tons of variety. bar menu has a hefty list with tons of mojitos/martinis..
no cover/valet $12.
I went here for my friend's 21st birthday. I read a few reviews before going, and a few things were right on target. For one, the service was not good. Apparently, my friend called the bar a month in advance to make sure we could get tables. The night before, she called and said she was expecting 30 people. The night of, she only had one table and they marked her down for having 10 people.
When ordering drinks, our martinis would sit on the bar while the waitress did...who knows? It was a little ridiculous. We shouldn't have to wait as long as we did for drinks.
But about the drinks. At $10 each, they were a splurge, but also were tasty. I had the strawberry basil first. Good at first, but the spice was just too weird for me after a while. After that, I had the Cherry Park Martini. Tasty, just like a cherry pie. Throughout the night, me and my girls all sampled each other's drinks...coconut, cucumber, cosmopolitan, pomegranate blueberry.
The band was iPop, a great cover band. When they covered some songs, they sounded exactly like the original. They covered everything from Lynyrd Skynyrd to The Killers to Kanye West (I'ma let you finish, but iPop had the best covers of all time.). They left at midnight, and the DJ played both popular music and some older music. Also favorites like Sweet Caroline and Oh What A Night were played.
The crowd was in their 30's and 40's. We saw a woman nearby celebrating her 50th birthday. They were going crazier than I was. That's embarrassing. We were the youngest in there. If you wanna see a bunch of cougars let loose, come here.
There is a $3 coat check and a bathroom attendant.
Great location, nice space, too bad they lose table reservations, have terrible service and over-sugar/under-pour their drinks. I'd say the staff was rude but they were so slow we didn't have to deal with it that much.
We still managed to have a good time but there's also the clientele. Odd, to say the least, and I've never, NEVER, been out with a bachelorette party where not one guy bought the bride a drink. Times are tough and cocktails pricey but come on, guys. Stop twirling us around on the dance floor (when did this become the signature dude dance move?) and get us liquored up!
The band was very good, the DJ terrible. It's a shame - with such a great building they should have a much better bar. Or maybe that's the problem? Either way, I won't be back, which I'm sure is cool with the staff.
This place has turned totally trashy since it opened. However, it still has a few redeeming qualities to make it worth your time. The location and size of the place are good so you don't have to wait in line to get in. The drinks are fun and tasty (although probably loaded with extra calories and a bit weak). It's easy to get to the bar and get a drink, which is always a plus.
Now the dislikes: I've never liked the music here, whether it was a live band or a DJ. Saw way too much gross bumping and grinding last time I was there. The crowd has turned much more trashy, but you can ignore it if you go out with your own group and still have a good time.
Went with my fiance after dinner and it was a perfect end to our date night. We were stuffed from din so we just had a few drinks. The chairs were super comfy and cush and the cover band was AWESOME! I didn't think we could sit for more than an hour listening to them but it was easy when they're that entertaining (Soda is the name of the band). If I were having a band at my wedding, I'd inquire about them since they were so versatile!
The lychee martini was awesome - the drink was overwhelmingly lychee and yet had tons of vodka in it. That's my kind of drink - getting drunk without knowing it :)
The two stars are for the band that was there before the horrible DJ came on and the fast moving washroom. The line to get in was ridiculous as in ridiculous that CHicagoans would line up and wait to get in this place. Some of us paied cover and some didnt. How is this decided exactly?
The band was decent. They played cover songs but were as good as the real thing.The DJ that came on after the band was horrible. He played every bad club song from the past 20 years and for about 45 seconds each song. And then he threw in a million non-dance songs but added a dance beat. Arent we done with doing that yet??? The worst part is that the crowd was actually excited by all this crap. I bet if they were sober it would be different.
The atmosphere is nice. Large windows in the front so one can observe the drunk passers by, a few nice, large bars and a ton of room yet it was packed!
Sweet! New jack swing! I'm buzzed! Dance floor!
Er..."Dancing Queen"? Time to head back to the bar.
Wait...hip-hop? All right, back out there.
"Girls Just Want To Have Fun"? I need to be at a new, undefined level of drunk for this.
This bouncing back and forth pretty much went all night, until near the end of the night when it took a nosedive into the realm of heavy techno. They play current stuff, along with a nice amount of old school stuff. I actually appreciate that they worked in some Bee Gees here (probably to satiate the cougars prowling about), but yeah, you've been warned.
It's decently spacious and somewhere I wouldn't mind returning to, even though they're one of the few places in Chicago I've been to that charges guys cover and not girls. Apparently walking in with five girls still doesn't spare you...bastards.
I have only been to this place 1 time with a friend of mine. We had such a great time here, I never would have expected. The appetizers are moderate, but you come here to drink and socialize. If you like to have a good time, dance and act silly, this is the place for you. Plus, it's a great place for single women and men to meet.
The reason I did not give them a full 5 star, is because they would not let me back inside after I went to have a smoke outside. They said I was too intoxicated. "As if"... I really was though. LOL, but still
Had a great night at Martini Park. This place has something for everyone. There is a sports barish part, a stage with a bar around it where bands perform and a round bar in the back corner with a more private lounge feel. We started at the sports bar and watched the end of a ball game and ordered some appetizers. The food was good and the drinks were yummy too. I had a great cuccumber martini.
We moved to the lounge feeling bar and got a second round of very well made drinks. The place is a little pricey but it is fun place.
I very much dislike this place but am willing to give it 2 stars because I like their smoked salmon poppers.
I have two types of perspectives from which I write these reviews:
1) Date Night with my boyfriend at the time.
I'm not one of those gals who gets a boyfriend and stays home every weekend. Sure, I have sweatpants and popcorn nights but every once in a while, it's nice to get dressed up and go out drinking with your boyfriend. Luckily, my boyfriend at the time liked to drink and party as well. We went to Martini Park figuring they had live band music and good martini's and my sister goes there often with her law firm for happy hour. I have to admit - they have good martini's. They use FRESH juice - which I am very partial to. I rarely drink fruity/sugary drinks - so if I'm going to sit and have a martini that has fruit juice in it - I want it to be FRESH juice - not concentrate. I also dislike when martinis are made using a lot of liqueurs. Ladies and gentlemen, lots of liqueur use is what gives you the horrifying hangovers (that and drinking back-to-back repeat cycles of jamo shots). They use a lot of fresh juices and do not rely a lot on liqueurs. Props for that. Martinis were good and I was having a great time with my then-boyfriend. Until the clock hit douchebag hour. All of a sudden, the place was swarming with men in suits who had very little respect for other men. As soon as my then-boyfriend went to have a cigarette and use the bathroom - I had to deal not only with delusional rude people but grown-ass men bumping into me and spilling their drinks on me. Not cool. For the crowd alone, I dislike this place.
2) Girls Night Out
This night is what stole 2 stars from what would've just been 4 stars from the experience above. One positive note: They had a really good live band - it was 3 girls and a guy drummer. Not sure what their band name is or how often they play there - but they had a good range of music genres (BonJovi to LadyGaga) and played each well. That was the ONE positive note. The crowd is similar to my last experience except this time I noticed something else. There were A LOT of older women in the crowd. You would think these women would at least show the younger 20-somethings how classy women drink? NOPE. Try the opposite. JEEBUS. I was not comfortable standing around watching the PTA board for some grade school in Schaumburg - get completely wasted and dance like they moonlight as strippers. What in the world??? It was one of my girlfriend's last night in Chicago - and that was exactly what I didn't want her to see. It was awful. When I finally found my ability to hold anything down - I finally agreed to get a drink. One of my friends wanted to buy a round of drinks - I ordered my Patron on the rocks. I saw the girl bartender pace around looking and when I saw her doing that - I knew I had to keep an eye on her. I lost her behind the banister. Luckily, I have a very strict tequila palate. She brought over my drink and before I took a sip, I did ask if it was Patron. She nodded. As soon as the tequila hit my tongue, I knew it was NOT patron. I was once a bartender, so I understand that you run out of liquor sometimes. However, you should ask the patron if they have a preference in substitute. I knew RIGHT away that it was nowhere near the caliber of Patron Silver. I'm not trying to be an elitist but when you charge $13 for that - I won't take wells tequila - which is exactly what the girl tried to pass off on me. I then flagged her down and asked her again if it was Patron and she said "No. We ran out. It's our wells tequila. It's just as good." Ummm... no. It's not. It's wells tequila for a reason sweetheart. BUT, I don't talk like that outloud soooo as sweet as I could, I replied with "It's okay but I'm very partial to Patron - or Don Julio - do you have that?" and she replies with "I don't know... do you want to just try drinking it and let me know?" .... how do you not know what tequilas you carry and how do you evade the question by asking me to try drinking the wells? Well, regardless, I felt bad (I have no idea why I feel bad in situations like this but I'm sure this requires years of therapy) - so I did try. Couldn't really swallow more than a couple sips - I started getting really nauseated. So I asked her for something different - and though she gave me a little bit of attitude - she did give me a comparable liquor (black label). In the end, I can't really give them 1 star - but that experience really did bother me. Wells tequila at premium price + lying bartender + 40something ladies DRUNK AND GRINDING each other = MartiniPark, you're lucky you have good martinis.
It is not ok to charge $3.75 (or $5 with tip) for a miniscule glass of soda. It is not ok that I had to go find a server to order said soda. Also, the cocktails are mostly over sweetened.
As some bimbo wailed "So What?" on the karaoke stage, I saw a white 'roided out bodybuilder with t!ts bigger than Dolly Parton and a spray tan that made him darker than Wesley Snipes.
Is that cute?
My friends and I sat/stood next to a table of wh0res - complete with pimp/fat John. Seriously. The madam rolled up in her Bentley, double parked outside the bar, gave the girls the what for for not working with the client and getting out there and making money - and then she took off into the night...no doubt on her way to lead Pat Benetar down the path of marching an army of street walkers to rise up against the gold toothed.
Ok, the madam was sorta awesome. One more star for her.
But, for real for real - who *are* these people? Do they really live in Chicago? Is this some sort of experiment? What is this place? It's as though I paid $10 to drink expensive juice and witness the Viagra Triangle form an unholy union with River North sports bars. This is the place to be to see skunk hair, skanky women, fake b00bies and guys with big asses. It's true. I have never seen so many men with huge a$$es in one place. Does Chicago have an obesity problem or is J-Lo spiking Lake Michigan?
The band transitioned from "Rock Your Body" ("Heeey!!") to "Sweet Home Alabama" (not "Heeey!!") seamlessly. That's not a compliment. Somehow, Miami met Carbondale on the way to Las Vegas. When keeping it chill goes wrong, there you have Martini Park.
This place makes no sense.
5 stars for the location and size.
4 stars for the ease of service during happy hour.
3 stars for the drinks and wait time.
I've been here twice for happy hour and both times, Martini Park was busy, but not too stuffed to be uncomfortable. Service was fairly quick, but we had to wait a bit for our drinks. Maybe this was because we went during the rush of the after work crowd, so I can't complain too much.
I've tried a few of the martinis, which weren't bad. A couple of the fruity mixed drinks were too sweet for my taste, and really just tasted like juice - was there even any alcohol?
I'm sure Martini Park is a great venue given the decor and location, but I guess it has it's hit and misses too. I'll definitely give it another try! Maybe I'll even be able to bump it up to 4 stars next time!
I'm a big fan and not just because it's in my neighborhood. The drinks are potent and the martinis are scintillating. On weekends there is a live band doing cover songs.. always a good boost to a fun night. Great dance floor area filled with scantily clad ladies and inviting cougars. I will definitely make this one of my regular spots.
- 4 stars because guys have to pay a cover of $10 after a certain time.
Usually I like to write longer, more inventive reviews, but all I have to say about this place is that when I was there I told a guy he should probably go take some Jager bombs and get a new haircut.
If you like that type of clientele, you'll love this place. Otherwise, take your money to one of the many bars in the city that offer half off martinis.
One plus is the live band...if only the audience were just as note worthy.
It is all about the keyboardist at this place. My g/f and I went here last night after dinner across the street and it was a nice time. We got a table which is a big plus here because it gets crowded later and impossible to grab one. The drinks are okay, nothing to rave about but still good. The band that was there last night was pretty good though I think they were using the songs tracks as background so not sure how much they were actually playing, but the keyboardist was the best entertainer I have seen in awhile.
Once in a while my GF and I will go to Martini Park for some drinks and maybe some food. The martini's are always tasty and the small plates are always flavorful and inventive. We usually go earlier in the evening on weeknights, so the crowd is mostly after work 30-somethings. The bands are always fun, but sometimes way to loud - last time we saw a Beatles cover band, who were quite believable. The atmosphere is a little contrived - trying to be this ritzy lounge, but coming across a little cheesy. I wish they'd lose the bathroom attendant, I mean seriously, I can put the soap in my hand and get a paper towel.
One thing in particular that stood out to me... Last time I was there, I ordered an entree. It had been about 20-25mins since I ordered the food, so a little slow, but nothing horrible. We had some drinks, and really didn't notice the time. The waitress came to our table and apologized for the wait and said the kitchen was backed up. We said not too worry about it. About two minutes later, the manager came over and apologized and told us our meal would be completely comped. I was totally blown away with the quality of customer service. I mean we didn't even complain and got a free meal, because the food was a little slow. Nice to see quality service like that! A+++
From what I've heard via word of mouth since Martini Park opened I wasn't expecting:
-To like it as much as I did
-To be amongst the median age range
-To see a good ten-piece live band
Y'all have been, like, "blah blah blah Martini Park is full of 20-something byotches waving daddy's credit card around in their Forever 21 sale rack dresses and...oh no she di'n't!"
It wasn't like that at all. The median age on a Friday after work seemed to be about 35! The outdoor patio was open so the windows let in a warm breeze as I enjoyed a cuke martini at the orange lucite bar while our mohawked bartender provided excellent service! What's annoying about all of this? Not a damn thing.
We stayed for one long drink, then the band was starting as we left. The area for the band is optimal for viewing from anywhere in the bar. And it's a huge stage, as a ten-piece R&B outfit cranked it up. Given that their music was a bit like being at a second wedding for some 40-year olds, it wasn't the most daring music I've ever heard. But it was a damn tight band, laying it on the "one".
I'm so glad all the "cool kids" have moved onto other bars! I am uncool. And can therefore enjoy Martini Park at my uncool leisure.
been here 3 times since it opened a few years ago:
1st time- really cool place. love the layout. drinks were good, but kinda disturbed at how the waitresses were dipping straws in peoples' drinks and tasting them before bring them to the tables. no double dipping but GROSS! i think the whole waitstaff ate some snacks before they were delivered to the table, too!
2nd time- fun fun fun! loved the music!
3rd time- this is why i don't wanna go back: inattentive waitstaff that my friend and i moved to another table just so someone could take our orders. drinks were HORRIBLE, but we drank them down since they were about $10 a glass. mostly older crowd that night. just annoyed @ how every table was reserved!
OK, I can't comment on the food because I didn't eat it, but everyone else's looked good.
The drinks, however (just gagged thinking about them - still hungover), were huge and wonderful. I got a "shot" of Patron which was more like a GLASS of Patron. Whoa.
I had at least 30 people show up for my birthday, and our amazing waitress didn't even bat an eye. She kept the bill straight and a smile on her face. We all rocked out to epic live band karaoke and had an overall completely amazing time. The perfect night.
I don't know what this bar is like on other nights, but from what I'm reading, I'm not really interested. All I know is that TUESDAYS are AWESOME!
Why?
1) GREAT MUSIC. I love to swing dance/lindy hop/blues swing. No, I am not talking Dancing With The Stars... Puh-lease! Ballroom is great, but I am not that disciplined. We're talking big band - '30's and '40's music - Ella Fitzgerald, Frank Sinatra, etc. The two bands that play there regularly are wonderful (The Flat Cats, Speak Easy?). They are young, talented, and vibrant musicians that bring you back to when swing was king.
2) GOOD DANCE FLOOR. Perfect for dips, tricks, and spins... Don't make any excuses that you don't know how to dance because there is a dance lesson early in the evening (6-ish, I think).
3) NO COVER. The price is right. There is no drink minimum. While most of us don't go there to drink, we may indulge in a frosty bevvie every now and then.
4) WONDERFUL AMBIANCE. With the schwanky decor and the swingin' melodies, this is the ideal place to get your swing on or even just hang out for drinks with friends and people watch.
If you're free on Tuesday, grab your dancin' shoes and head to Martini Park! I'll see you on the dance floor...
What a great place for a girl's night out...of course every bachelorette party in town agrees with me. If you enjoy some great cover bands, very tasty martinis (they have some wonderful seasonal selections), some decent bar bits, good people watching (from the aforementioned b-parties, to the cougars from the burbs looking to live up life in the city), you're in for a treat. Come prepared to spend a little dough ($10+ for martinis) and wear some shoes you feel ok to stand around in ladies in the chance you don't grab a seat.
2 completely different experiences! 1st time I went I was surrounded by Tarot readers, Massage Chairs, Passed H'orderves & Martini Discounts with non-stop service. Ever been to those weddings that offer non-stop appetizers? That was me..there. Combine that all with KARAOKE.. and I was in love. The bands they had playing mid-week a few months ago were AWESOME.. I would even pay to see them & if you know anything about me... it's hard to get me to pay for concert tickets. Good job!
2nd time: 2 weekends ago. Friends & I ventures to Martini P. Talk about crowded... we spent equal amounts of time trying to get through and out of the crowd and at the bar waiting for our drinks. COST: $60 a round for 4 people... each time. So easily ... it was a $300 night - you add the tip. :) Music: 80's on a SAT night.. now I JUST ADORE 80's music.. but I saw the looks of the others...
WOW. All guys seem to pay cover... ladies... they love us... so we don't. Martini - we love you right back!
Bathroom: fresh condiments, lotions, hairsprays... gum... if you can get to it outside the crowds. Good luck!!
I liked mid-week events a bit better.. plus you can get to the bathroom, outside and the bar within minutes of your life...
They have great specials here!! Martinis and etc. Thursdays are a nice time to go as well. Large venue and fun kareokee with the band! Came here a few weeks ago and it was chill with my pal! Met the most amazing person here, sweetest man alive!! ; ) So Thank You Martini Park!! Come here with a big group of just a few pals and you won't be let down. Good stuffs here! Chillaxed and modern.
Woo, great drinks, great service, good music and vibes here!! Kareokee on stage was great, "Billie… Read more »
Hands down the best slider I have ever had in my life- EVER.
It is a filet mignon slider- AMAZING! Caramelized onions and horseradish cream sauce on a toasted brioche bun. I literally closed my eyes and savored the flavor.
When I ordered these sliders I had intended to share them with my friends, but one bite later I told them to get their own burgers!
Drink a pear martini with your sliders and really.... it's just a little piece of paradise!
Not to mention the place has a cool after work crowd, and a HUGE HUGE martini list (with many of the old standbys, and many more unique creations).
Different nights of the week they have live bands, big band/ swing music/dancing, ladies night with trunk shows, etc... it's a cool bar and they really think outside the box when it comes to drinks, food and entertainment.
When I got there on what I think was a Thursday night, I noticed that the median age was in the 30s, and thought hmm (I'm 23). I saw that the martinis were 10-12 bucks apeice, and thought, hmmmm. I tasted the first one, a Cherry Park, which tasted very healthy (read: meh) and a cucumber which was a tad heavy on the melon (meh). Both were light on the alcohol. Two martinis at JinJu (a Korean restaurant) nearly knocked me over, here I wasn't even light-headed from 'em.
BUT IT WAS 80's NIGHT!!! They started off with a quite decent U2 cover band and then the DJ played the hits afterward. A few 70s hits too. It didn't matter that some 35 year old guy was invading my personal space, I danced my behind off. Gooood times.
Sorry! Now, for not letting me in at 2:15 last Saturday night - you suck. Mr. Bald Ugly Salmon Suit Bouncer Guy? You're awful and way too cool for me. Take your earpiece and swallow it.
You didn't believe me when I said I left my coat in there. You didn't even believe me when I said I had to get my drunk friend out of there. Can't get anything past you, slick.
So now, MP, you suck. Mr. Salmon Suit Guy - you're awesome. Can we go out for burgers?
I'm going with 4 on this...because of the mini-burgers. Phe-freaking-nominal.
The music was good,…
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Whassup with the subpar reviews? I didn't have the food but when I can get two huge (and strong) drinks featuring top shelf liquor for less than $20 ... well then, my liquid drinking friend, I am one happy lass. Didn't try the food but the combination of good, cheap drinks and really cool 80's cover band made it an enjoyable spot I'd go back to if I lived in Chicago.
Martini Park is a hip spot in the city. I had a front row seat to watch the cool 80's cover band and right at the bar so I keep the martini's cumming. Haled a cab and stumbled back to my hotel.... good times...
I had to re-post this review because I was informed I had given credit to Martini Bar also on LaSalle... oop's my bad...
Martini Park, great food, drinks & live 80's cover bands!! Whoop!!!
Went on Friday night as a stop on the way to House of Blues. First order of business, drinks far too expensive. Admittedly, the martini that one girl got was in fact delicious, but it was like $12. Second order of business, the cover band that was playing. Extremely tacky renditions of late 90's pop, dudes all dressed like they were on their way to a wedding. Sound guy must have been deaf because you couldn't hear one of the guitars or the bass, and the drums were micced horribly. Last order of business, the clientele. I may have been there on a bad night, but what an awful crowd of people. Namely the girls sitting at the bar, with their 'going to the polo match hats' (think Julia Roberts in Pretty Woman) that I happened to end up next to when trying to get a drink, one of which couldn't stop raving about how awesome her boyfriend is at guiter (the guitar that could not be heard).
the only saving grace was that the staff was friendly. one girl we were with dropped and broke a drink glass, and the staff was very accomodating and thoughtful. not enought to make me ever go back though.
A quite solid, 3-star venue.
Now, granted...I attended a private event here, so perhaps I cannot gage the crowd as aptly as usual. However, I can comment on several other elements...
Coat check: $3. Hmmm. I feel that to park a coat in the dead of winter, it should be free...tips encouraged. Especially on a weekday. Just my $3.02.
Bartenders: quite friendly...and, cute. Bonus.
Bars: Many. I think 3? Lots of bar space to belly up, grab a drink, etc. Makes it easier for the 'tenders I'd assume...
Space: Big, with pretty good layout. Dark woods, clean.
GARBAGES: please get some. At least one.
Drinks: No martinis on a Wednesday for me...but the mixed drink was strong and served quickly. I could be persuaded back to try something off the list...
Not usually my part of town to mingle in, but it's not a bad option. I assume the crowd impacts the experience quite a bit, but hey...bring your own crowd then!
I'll be back for cougar watchin' and cocktails.
If I was suicidal, then I would go here.
This place makes the douchebags at English look amazing.
I enjoy this place. Even though they do have a sister location in Ohio, there is creativity and detail splashed all over.
I'm a fan of martinis in general, even though if consumed too quickly, your head will hate you in the morning.
Martini Park is really huge space and usually huge spaces feel "empty" but I have never once gotten that feeling here. The vibe is very sleek and sexy. The design of the bars is stunning. The staff is fairly good looking as well.
I've never tried the food here, but the martini list is quite extensive. The Pomegranate Martini is divine. It's made with belvedere vodka, pama liqueur, fresh pomegranate juice, and with fresh blueberries that sink to the bottom.
If you're looking for something fresh, try the Cucumber Martini, made with cucumber infused 42 below vodka, cucumber essence, fresh lime, and garnished with a cucumber wheel.
I always assumed that Apple Martinis were a thing of the past, but Martini Park proves that statement is a myth with their Apple-Tini. It's very tart, as you can imagine, but everyone needs a bit of sweetness in their life.
If you love Champagne cocktails, like me then you would be pretty fond of the Pomegranate Royal, made with moet champagne, pama liqueur, and pomegranate seeds.
Whenever I've been in this spot though, the crowd tends to comprise of cougars and men who look like they belong in the Viagra Triangle. So, if you aren't out to meet people, and you are just with some friends ready to have a good time and dance the night away with a fabulous martini in hand, make your way out to Martini Park.
Any place seems lame if you show up early, your friends aren't there, and you walk outside for air and have to wait to get back in. So if you bring your friends and you're not the first one there, it's not so bad! Even IF you're surrounded by frosted highlights.
The fact that Martini Park has a live band adds another star to this review. They played everything from Kanye to country, and they played it well, which was very impressive. Afterwards, whoever was in charge of the music had a nice blend of 80s, early 90s, and more contemporary music playing. Plus, once the live band is over, you should have at least drank a little bit so it wouldn't matter.
And it's so much easier to do the Safety Dance when you're drunk, right?
The bouncers: Fairly nice chaps who have to do a crumby job, so I'm not going to say too much about them. Part of the job is being surly and favoring women, so *shrug*.
The bartenders: BUSY! Even at the end of the night the bartenders were still friendly and smiling while shaking martinis, and kudos to them. Respect those Martini Park bartenders. A lesser person would have lost their cool after taking yet another order from girls that are indistinguishable from each other. Or maybe a good bartender does not have these social crises?
The booze: The whole friggin' point of going. Others may say that they came to Martini Park to be with their friends or to make new ones, or to dance, but the whole thing seems rather pointless without a martini and a shot of Patron. Seriously. The martinis were good (very well shaken, thank you miss bartender!), the shots were smooth (lick-drink-suck!), and the beer was cold (Heineken and Corona).
My own personal experience: I was cranky and willing to skin the other patrons before I had a martini. Afterwards, I was happy to giggle with my friends and dance. So what if you're surrounded by cougars with ice-cold stares? So what if the FIFTH blonde gyaru in a row INTENTIONALLY pushed you out of their way? If it weren't for the live band, older music, and the booze (and some conscientious friends holding me back), I probably would have gotten into a fight and had a miserable time.
To sum it up: Nice band, nice booze. People can make the place dreadful...or fun! In the end, it's up to YOU as to whether or not you want to have a good time.
So I didn't know that this was a cougar bar! I didn't really notice because I was trying to avoid the weird guys. The music was okay- they had a live band earlier in the night. And the dance floor has enough space. The layout is big enough so it doesn't seem too crowded. Ambiance is nicer than most bars/lounges that I've been too. I wouldn't coming back another Saturday night.
Kind of one of those "tool shed chicago" type places.
They do have a very broad menu of martinis, the down side is that the recipe somehow changes depending upon what bartender mixes it for you.
If you're a guy, and it's a weekend during prime hours--or--if you're dressed shitty and you're a guy...expect to pay a cover. We've never had to pay to get in, but i'm sure if they asked us (like the ask people in front of or behind us) we'd gladly skip it and go somewhere else!
There is only one way to "do" Martini Park.
DRUNK.
(And preferably with a large number of girlfriends).
Yes, the place is full of douchey men (and women), cougars, and generally seedy people. More than once did I have to shoo away a grinding man from one of my friends.
We were here for my future sister-in-law's 30th birthday party. I think I was drunk after my first martini. Several $9 glasses of wine later, and I was bopping on the dance floor to the live band (which is probably the best thing about the place).
You know what? It was actually a lot of fun. Which reminds me that sometimes, it's the company that makes an evening. The awesome band and copious amounts of alcohol didn't hurt either.
I imagine this place would be lots of fun for a bachelorette party as well. I'd much rather do it here than Barleycorn. And their bar nibbles are pretty yummy too, and just $6 each (but they'll get you on the drinks, so don't think you'll get out of here for cheap).
Don't waste your money on the coat check.
I used to like this place, then I came back on a Friday night. Loud music replaced by an even louder live band made conversation impossible. Ordered a dirty martini which tasted of cucumber. Server explained the cucumber puree they use sticks to the shaker. This means two things--1) Special shakers should be used for cucumber drinks and 2) Shakers are not properly cleaned if the cucumber taste lingers. Sent my drink back twice and could not shake that foul cucumber taste.
Bar food is good if not expensive.
I hated this place one-star-style until I found out that martinis aren't always neon-colored and fruit-flavored. Someone got fed up with my whining and got me a dirty martini, which tasted like salt water -- and I was in love, except that it was $10 salt water. Since then I've been willing to come back if I had to. Nice place, good service, the crowd is variable. There was an awesome 90's cover band playing one night, pretty sweet.
Martini Park is not what I expected, in a good way.
I'm such a homebody and the idea of getting dressed up on a cold winter's night to go throw down money on overpriced drinks while a guy in a striped shirt would undoubtably tried to cop a feel did not seem appealing.
However, I was suprised by how much fun I had! There was a large age range of people there - the couple next to us was I would say in their late 50s. I would say the average age was between 30 and 35. Though, the place was pretty crowded as most places are on a Saturday night in Chicago, the service was still excellent. The drinks were pricey, but most martini's in Chicago are going to be at least 10 dollars so it was no biggie and they were really GOOD drinks so I felt my 10 dollars was well spent. I had a coconut martini which was honestly one of the best drinks I've ever had. Makes me happy just thinking about it!
So, yes, there were your standard twenty something guys in their polos and girls who looked like they just rolled out of forever 21, but no need to worry, it will still be a great time! Def. worth a try if you are looking for something fun to try on a weekend night! I want to come on a night when they have live entertainment.... should be fun!
Neighborhood: Near North Side
Category: Bars
Neighborhood: Near North Side
Category: Lounges
Neighborhood: Near North Side
Category: Lounges
Neighborhood: Near North Side
Category: Nightlife
Neighborhood: The Loop
Category: Lounges
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