Month: August 2020

The Best West Loop Cocktail Bars

Posted on by LLCR Staff

With West Loop’s prime location to downtown and a plethora of delicious restaurants, it makes sense that this happening spot is the place to be when looking to drink! This Chicago hot-spot is full of some of the best cocktail bars, upscale lounges, and speakeasies in the city. Here are the top 5 cocktail bars in West Loop:

Top Cocktail Bars in West Loop

Lazy Bird – Tucked away underneath a hotel, Lazy Bird is an upscale cocktail bar with live jazz performances and the perfect evening ambiance. Their drink menu offers 52 different classic cocktails, each with a bit of history behind it. One of their famous drinks, the Grasshopper, tastes exactly like a Thin Mint cookie and you absolutely have to try it.

The Aviary – This redefined cocktail bar features drinks that feel like they are straight out of a chemistry lab. These creative presentations will surely blow your mind, just try out the Dip n Dots Style Flavored Ice or a Fish Tank! The Aviary sports a trendy crowd, making it the perfect spot to take your special someone on date night. 

Moneygun – Full of energetic vibes in this neighborhood dive. This unique spot has the dark and classic lounge feel, making it the go-to spot for a date or night out with friends. Their White Russian is truly on another level, and their presentation says it all — with fresh coffee beans floating along the top.

CH Distillery – This industrial chic lounge has an impressive list of inventive cocktails and is the perfect spot if you like hard drinks. Enjoy their classic Old Fashioned or try one of their other inventive cocktails in the current rotation. With a great atmosphere and welcoming ambiance, CH Distillery is the perfect escape from the city.

Blind Barber – Walk into a barber shop to find this speakeasy-type cocktail bar. This is one of the hidden gems of West Loop and full of swanky vintage vibes. Enjoy the old and new school music, retro feel, and nice selection of cocktails. This is the ultimate lowkey spot for anyone, and if you’re ever torn on a drink, we suggest the Strawberry Field!

Where to Live if You Want to Be Close to All the Action

The West Loop area is a booming spot for all things live, work, and play. 

When looking for a West Loop home close to all the fun to be had, check out Fulton Market or Restaurant Row. These areas are jam-packed with top-rated restaurants, bars, and boutique shops. 

If you’re looking to wind down a bit more but still be within walking distance of all the commotion, head to the far left end of Restaurant Row on Randolph. This area hosts Union Park, the neighborhood’s largest park. Union Park is full of green space for your pups, basketball and tennis courts, and plenty of other space for children’s summer camps, music festivals and even concerts. 

Just a tad south of Union Park sits Skinner Bark Park, your pet’s favorite spot to be. This park has Astroturf, water bowls, a doggie pool, and lots of free parking around too. Don’t worry, that’s not the only dog friendly spot in the area. West Loop has plenty of other dog-friendly restaurants for your furry BFF to come join you as well.

Ready to make the move and be close to all of the fun to be had in the West Loop? Contact our experienced team today!

Where to Find the Best Logan Square Cocktail Bars 

Posted on by LLCR Staff

Whether you’re planning a romantic date night or looking for a fun happy hour spot, rest assured that Logan Square boasts plenty of options.

Discover our top five Logan Square cocktail bars offering delicious drinks and equally impressive vibes:

  1. The Heavy Feather– 2357 N Milwaukee Ave-  Step inside this chic, dimly lit space, and you’ll be taken back in time. The fern bar gives off a late 70s early 80s vibe and offers retro cocktails to pair with the aesthetics. Be sure to try the plum gin fizz, with Averell Damson Gin Liqueur, Letherbee gin, Cynar, lemon, and egg white.
  2. Scofflaw– 3201 W Armitage Ave- Gin lovers will appreciate this urban-rustic cocktail bar. While the bar prides itself on its gin-centric cocktails, you can find an array of other adult beverages as well. One of the top-rated drinks is the ‘Something from Above,’ with Detroit city blueline gin and other tasty ingredients. Stay until midnight for some free, home-baked chocolate chip cookies.
  3. Billy Sunday– 3143 W Logan Square Blvd– This old-school inspired cocktail lounge serves mouth-watering, hand-crafted libations amidst the dark and charming interior. The inventive cocktails focus on impeccable presentation and uniquely delicious flavors. Try the old fashioned, a beloved favorite. Take advantage of the quaint patio when the weather is nice.
  4. Lost Lake– 3154 W Diversey Ave-  Recently named the best cocktail bar in America, this funky tiki bar will surely impress. The menu features innovative, island-inspired drinks within festive tropical digs. The ‘Skimmer Dipper Diver’ remains a fan favorite.
  5. Estereo– 2450 N Milwaukee Ave- This is the cocktail bar to be at during the summer. The garage doors come open, the Latin jams are cranked a little louder, and the funky cocktails get a little stronger. Order the ‘Breezy’ if you want to stick with the house specialty.

Where to Live if You Want to be Close to the Action

Consider living in one of these luxury condos near all of the favorite Logan Square cocktail bars:

  • 2539 N Sawyer Ave #1A: This gorgeous two-bed, two baths condo puts you in the heart of Logan Square, steps away from some of the best cocktail bars. The property features hardwood floors, fantastic storage, spacious walk-in closets, and an outdoor balcony.
  • 3022 W Palmer Sq #103: Located in the enclave of Plamer Square, this sunny south facing penthouse offers the ideal location. The unit offers two spacious en-suite bedrooms, as well as a charming exterior deck.
  • 2150 N Rockwell St: With four beds and two baths, this contemporary single-family home offers generous space and a prime location. The property boasts a rare two-car attached garage and a fully fenced-in outdoor oasis.

If you have any interest in these luxury condos near our favorite Logan Square Cocktail bars, connect with one of our experienced brokers today!

The Best Cocktail Bars in Streeterville

Posted on by Katie Dickemann

Streeterville offers a hard to beat the location, situated along Lake Michigan and in the heart of downtown Chicago.

Along with a killer spot, you will find some of the best cocktail bars in Streeterville.

Discover some of our favorite places to grab an adult beverage.

The Top 5 Cocktail Bars in Streeterville

  1. Streeterville Social– Located on top of Loews Chicago Hotel, this brand new rooftop bar offers a stylish spot to spend a scenic happy hour this summer. Take advantage of the daily specials, crafty cocktails, and gourmet grub at the Bistro.
  2. Drumbar– This award-winning, speakeasy-style, cocktail-driven bar sits atop the 18th floor of the Raffaello Hotel. Soak up the views and sip on libation on the outside terrace during the summer. Once the weather cools down, cozy up inside with a limited, one-of-a-kind glass of whiskey.
  3. Z- Bar– Since its recent debut, this exquisite bar has the neighbors talking. Situated in the Peninsula Hotel, this classy lounge finds its inspiration from ‘the world’s cultural and culinary riches.’ Indulge in a hand-crafted cocktail amidst beautiful views, live music, and gorgeous artwork. 
  4. The Signature Lounge– Located on the 95th floor of the John Hancock building, this upscale lounge boasts sweeping views of the city and water, along with top-notch libations. Stop by as the sun’s going down or grab a night-cap accompanied by the lit-up downtown Chicago in your peripherals.
  5. Three Dots and a Dash– This speakeasy cocktail bar offers a temporary tropical escape, hidden below the bustling streets of downtown Chicago. 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. 

Where to Live if You Want to be Close to the Action

If you want easy access to the best cocktail bars in Streeterville, consider living in one of these luxury apartments:

One Bennett Park– 451 E Grand Ave- This recent addition to Streeterville delivers an elegant residential tower with sweeping views of Lake Michigan, the Chicago River, and the city skyline. The property is part privately-owned condos and part apartment rentals. Residents have access to top-notch amenities and a 1.7-acre park in the middle of the city. There is even a motor court entrance with parking beneath the building.

500 Lake Shore– 500 Lake Shore Dr- SItuated in a prime waterfront location, these upscale rentals offer ultimate work-from-home experiences. Amenities include a private fitness club curated by Equinox, a private party room, a rooftop pool and shaded cabanas, and on-site dog run, and pet spa, a library, access to virtual experiences, and an outdoor terrace with a fire pit.

The Lofts at River East– 445 Illinois St- These luxury brick and timber lofts overlook the Chicago River and offer a unique living experience. Once a 1900s warehouse, this gorgeous building has now been converted into exquisite lofts complete with balconies, in-unit laundry, hardwood flooring, stainless steel appliances, granite countertops and more.

From the unbeatable location to the best cocktail bars Streeterville offers, this bustling neighborhood makes an excellent spot to call home.

If you are interested in checking out a property for yourself, connect with one of our experienced brokers today!

What You Need to Know About Buying a Condo Today

Posted on by LLCR Staff

These past few months have been nothing but a rollercoaster, but that doesn’t mean you have to scratch all future home-buying plans. Here’s what you should know when looking to buy a condo in Chicago right now:

The Impact of COVID-19 on Buying a Condo

COVID-19 has altered the way we do business in real estate. Moving to completely digital for the time being has allowed us to look into various streams of communication and showing homes while at a distance. Thanks to the 3D touring technologies, you can now virtually tour condos from the comfort of your own home. We have also implemented various safety and wellness measures when touring in-person, such as PPE, daily temperature checks, and social distancing.

The rest of the condo-buying process can also be done almost completely virtual. Sign all contracts online using an electronic signature system. Wire your deposit or one of our team members can pick up the deposit check for you. Inspections are also completely online, as they will send all documents digitally with detailed photos and descriptions. Mobile notaries bring the closing to you. And lastly, we will hand-deliver your keys when it’s time to move into your new condo!

What You Should Know if You’re Looking to Buy

If you’re ready to make that next step in buying a condo, there are a few things to note.

First off, make sure you are ready to buy! Dig into the reasons for your current move and compare those motives to your life goals. If they align, great! If not, it may be best to really look into whether this is the right time to move. 

Once you’ve decided that this move makes sense to you, it’s time to start making your checklist. Before even looking at condos, make a list of your must-haves, would-like-to-haves, and no thank-yous. Think about what is important in your lifestyle and really whittle down what’s necessary for your move. This will be extremely helpful when starting the condo-buying process.

Before you start the buying process, make sure to find the right realtor, and discuss your checklist. Purchasing a condo is a big decision, especially if it’s your first time. Having an experienced agent to help you along the steps of home buying helps you tremendously from finding the perfect condo to making sure all necessary steps are taken throughout the process. 

When you start the hunt for your perfect home, be sure to get pre-approved first. Sellers want to see that you’re a serious buyer and that you’re ready to purchase with a lender in hand.

Luxury Living Chicago is committed to helping you safely find your dream home. Ready to begin the search for your new condo? Take advantage of these condo buyer tips and get in touch with a broker today!

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