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The Living Room Bar, W Chicago City Center
Category: Lounges
Neighborhood: The Loop172 West Adams Street
(between La Salle St & Wells St)
Chicago, IL 60603
(312) 332-1200
- Nearest Transit:
-
Quincy/Wells (Orange, Brown, Purple Express, Pink)
Jackson (Blue, Red)
Adams/Wabash (Orange, Brown, Purple Express, Green, Pink)
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Outdoor Seating:
- No
2 reviews for The Living Room Bar, W Chicago City Center
I was meeting an old friend for a drink, we needed a place that was relatively close to both of us and where he could get a nice glass of wine. We definitely satisfied the first criterion, the second one I'm not so sure about.
I haven't been to the W for drinks in ages, but it seemed like a decent place to grab a drink and chat on a Tuesday. I planned on meeting at Whiskey Blue, but since it's under renovation we met in the lobby bar aka The Living Room.
The lobby area is sleek, sexy and beautiful. There is a curvy, snake-like cream leather couch with little nooks, appropriate for a little tête-à-tête or a little nuzzling. Complimenting the main area were tables and chairs off to the side by the main bar area. Two disco balls grace the high ceiling peppering the lobby with little dots of light and warm pink votives are sprinkled throughout. If it weren't for the check-in counter off to the side you'd forget you were in a hotel.
If I were a guest I'd have mixed feelings about the lobby bar; it's not a bar in part of the lobby, the lobby is a bar. I'd think dragging my luggage past people canoodling could prove annoying, especially in winter months. However, it is a nice spot to kick back, relax and feel special.
As pretty as this place is, there are a few things I feel that it is lacking. For starters, wine selection; while I don't expect a destination like this to have a huge beer list, I do expect them to have a decent wine list. If they did have one, they were keeping it a secret. My friend, a wine snob, was given the red wine choice of Cabernet, Merlot or Shiraz with no indication there was more than one variety of each - really? Second, the music was too loud; I know that makes me sound like an old geezer, but I don't care. The music should set the mood, not overpower it.
I can't comment on the prices since I didn't have to pay, but it was pricey the last time I was here; I'm willing to bet it still is, most hotel bars are.
Bottom line: 3.5 stars. Sexy, loungey feel with a nice atmosphere, just not all that ideal if you're looking to have a serious conversation or conduct some business.
I'm not a local, so on a Wednesday night I went with a place I could trust and the W was it. Top shelf liquor, decent music, hip crowd, good service and ultra modern decor.