Chi Town Adventure #3: Fancy Drinks & Diner Food
I would never have thought of spending over $20 a cocktail but the Aviary in Chicago changed my mind. The Aviary is a cocktail lounge created by the same masterminds of Michelin rated Alinea. Please don’t ask for a long island or whiskey and coke here— it’s not that type of bar. Their bartenders are trained like chefs, there cocktail creations are innovatively mixed and presented beautifully. This is type of bar you start the night for a fancy night out with your girlfriends or a perfect drink spot before an elegant dinner date. Oh if you don't drink alcohol they do offer a virgin menu.
Tips: This is a place to start the night; dress to impress; street parking & valet are available; gratuity is already included; make reservations if you cannot I would walk in, there could be a bit of a wait, we waited 10-15 minutes; if its nice night request a seat at the patio. Below are the drinks we tried… On the Rocks (Abstinent Based), Ford’s Model Tea Party (Gin Based), Avenue (Whiskey/Champagne Based); they do offer a pre fixe menu with appetizers for $50 if you are interested.
After drinks take a short walk to Au Cheval for some late night eats. kitchen closes around 1am. No reservations. The usual wait time is an hour but not to worry they’ll take down your number and then you can walk over to Little Goat for another drink if you aren’t too buzzed from the Aviary cocktails. So Au Cheval was unlikely find my friends and me, we actually just found it on Yelp because we were hungry. But we were so glad because it was some of the best food of the trip. What to get? Get ready for some fatty finds… Foie Gras, Scrambled Eggs & Toast; Crispy Fries with Mornay Sauce, and Garlic Aioli; Roasted Bone Marrow; and General Jane’s Honey Fried Chicken. We wanted to try the burger but we figured we would have been in a serious food coma.