Chicago’s Best Cocktail Bars

When it comes to finding a worthwhile cocktail bar, Chicago is an excellent spot to search.

The Windy City is known for housing impressive cocktail bars, suitable for whatever the occasion.

If you are looking for a top-notch spot to sip on a hand-crafted adult beverage, check out some of Chicago’s best cocktail bars:

The Aviary– If you are looking to be impressed, make a reservation at this innovative and acclaimed cocktail bar. The Aviary, located in the heart of West Loop, prides itself on serving cocktails as you’ve never seen or tasted before. Enjoy the out-of-this-world 6-course cocktail menu, and creative bites to go along. Keep in mind that bookings fill up fast, so be sure to make your reservation far enough in advance.

Three Dots and a Dash– This speakeasy cocktail bar offers a temporary tropical escape, hidden below the bustling streets of River North. However, this discrete bar is no secret. Drinks Internationals named Three Dots and a Dash one of the World’s 50 Best Bars. You can expect tiki cocktails with the freshest exotic fruits and spices, the finest rums and distilled spirits, and juices and elixirs that are cold-pressed and concocted in house daily. 

The Violet Hour– Spend a relaxed evening over cocktails at this intimate cocktail bar. Located in the heart of Wicker Park and rooted in pre-prohibition style libations, the Violet Hour makes the perfect date night destination. You can expect a warm ambiance, with elegant decor and candle-lit tables throughout. 

Milk Room– Located right downtown in the Loop, this cocktail bar goes above and beyond to hand-craft the perfect cocktail. The bartenders serve cocktails with rare vintage scotches and other spirits omakase-style, meaning uniquely tailored to your preferences. With only eight seats, this microbar creates an intimate setting within a space that once housed a speakeasy during Prohibition.

Game Room– Also located in the Loop within the Chicago Athletic Association Hotel, this 1950s inspired bar feels like it belongs in a mansion. Along with phenomenal cocktails, you can also find big leather seats, billiard tables, shuffleboard, and a bocce court. It’s the perfect spot to unwind, enjoy a beverage, and play some games.

Cabana Club– When you want to sip on a cocktail outdoors, this is the spot to head. The Cabana Club sits on top of the Robey Hotel and provides jaw-dropping views of downtown Chicago, along with mouth-watering cocktails. You can even take a dip in the pool located within the outdoor bar.

Treat your tastebuds and grab a libation at one of Chicago’s best cocktail bars!

Want a Chicago Condo Tour? 

With a global pandemic still in our midst, many questions and concerns remain, especially in the world of real estate.

While COVID-19 has disrupted some normalcy and regular processes, it has not prevented home buying or Chicago condo tours from taking place.

LLCR is Committed to Keeping its Clients Safe

Throughout the homebuying process, it is Luxury Living Chicago Realty’s utmost priority to keep our clients safe.

We have readjusted current procedures and adopted new procedures that minimize in-person contact to ensure our client and team member’s safety.

The beginning of the home search process can all be done virtually- from consultations to home tours.

Once you are ready to close on a property, processes like offering and signing can be done electronically. Escrows can be submitted via wiring, and inspectors can send you all of the documents digitally.

How LLCR is Providing Remote Tours

One of the most significant ways Luxury Living is adapting to COVID is our introduction of remote condo tours. 

Thanks to technology, we have been able to provide our clients with property tours without having to step foot outside their current homes.

Since mid-march, Luxury Living has begun offering remote tours to allow clients to experience 3-D tours of a majority of listings from the comfort of their own home. 

Our experienced brokers are available to walk you through the video tours in real-time to answer your questions and point out the benefits and features of each listing.

When permitted, we can Facetime you from the listing as well. There may also be instances where we can still physically tour a property, but those are determined on a case by case basis.

Through these remote tours, along with high-quality photos, videos, floor plans, and detailed descriptions, you can evaluate the condo and make confident decisions.

How to go About Scheduling a Tour with LLCR

If you are ready to take a virtual Chicago condo tour, you can connect with one of our licensed brokers to set up a consultation.

Once our team member has a solid understanding of your condo needs and preferences, they will set up tours of the listings you are interested in, based on your availability. 

You can expect your broker to help walk alongside and best navigate the buying process during this unprecedented time.

Using a Condo Home Inspection Checklist Before Moving

Moving into a condo is an exciting endeavor, but it is one that requires thoroughness and thoughtfulness.

Before you finalize your big condo purchase, be sure to take advantage of a condo inspections checklist.

What to Look for Before you Close on a Condo

As you prepare for the big move, it’s essential to have a detailed inspection checklist to run through. 

While everything may look good on paper, you don’t want to miss any potential problems or red flags.

Here are a few things you want to pay close attention to as you inspect your future home:

  • Exterior: While the homeowner association is generally responsible for the upkeep of the condo’s exterior, you want to ensure that everything looks properly maintained. Pay attention to the quality of the roof, landscaping, sidewalks, and condo details outside of the unit.
  • Interior: Make sure that the inside of the unit is in tip-top shape. Be attentive to the walls, flooring, and windows. Make sure that the shared walls provide adequate soundproofing.  
  • Electrical System and HVAC: A home inspector or electrician can check on the electrical and HVAC system in your unit to ensure that everything is working correctly before your move-in date.
  • Plumbing: Plumbing issues can be expensive, so it’s critical to confirm that pipes, toilets, and skinks are all in good shape prior to closing on your unit.
  • Common Areas: Check to see that all of the shared spaces are maintained. Amenities like fitness centers or pools should be clean and in good condition.

What Questions to Ask Before You Close on a Condo

Before closing on your condo, familiarize yourself with your future condo association’s rules and regulations.

It’s also important to ask any unanswered questions you may have. 

Here are a few common, and essential questions you should have answered before finalizing your condo purchase:

  • Do I fully understand the condo association fees? Make sure it’s clear how much your monthly dues will run and what exactly those costs cover.
  • Is there a condo special assessment? Find out if you will need to budget for an additional cost to cover a special assessment. These are fees allocated for the association’s reserve funds required by some condos.
  • What do I need to bring to the closing? Be prepared for the day of your closing. Double-check that you have everything you need to seal the deal.
  • Is there a rental cap? A rental cap is the maximum number of units in a condo development that be rented at any one time. If you do have any interest in renting your unit, you want to know if that is a possibility based on the condo association’s rules and regulations.

Things to Know About LLCR Condo Inspections

At Luxury Living Chicago Realty, our licensed brokers are there to walk you through the entire buying process, including the inspection.

We will help you ask all of the right questions and ensure that your property is move-in ready.

During COVID-19, condo inspections can be done remotely. Our inspectors will send all documents digitally, including detailed photos and descriptions so you know every inch of the property.⠀

For more questions or to move forward with your condo purchase, connect with one of our experienced team members today!

 

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