Weekly Planner: Tropical Disco, Rooftop Derby Parties, Sunday Asado and More

Tropical Disco at Boleo

It’s a veritable jungle disco at Boleo, where each weeks finds a special disco-themed cocktail menu on Wednesday evenings. The Latin rooftop restaurant in the Loop is gearing up for summer in style with its new series, which adds a photo booth, live dance performances, giveaways and special cocktails by head bartender Jess Lambert. These include the Blue Boogie Shoes with Absolut Elyx, Aviation Gin, passion fruit, coconut, orange and cinnamon. There’s also large-format cocktails served in hollowed-out copper disco balls, which just may be the coolest thing ever. While there’s no cover to attend, guests must be 21-plus. If seating is full, standing room is available for dancing and imbibing. The series takes place every Wednesday from 8:00 p.m. until midnight.  

 

Boleo
Boleo

Rooftop Derby Party at III Forks Prime Steakhouse

As the Kentucky Derby prepares to race into action May 6, III Forks Prime Steakhouse is celebrating in appropriately lavish style with a rooftop soiree complete with over-the-top hats, Mint Juleps, seersucker suits and lots of other specials. Starting at 4:00 p.m. and running until midnight, the soiree doubles as the seasonal launch for the steakhouse’s incomparable rooftop lounge. Attendees are encouraged to come dressed in their Derby best (read: lots of white, seersucker and crazy hats). The event is free to attend, with a la carte drink specials like Maker’s Mark frozen mint juleps, frozen bourbon cocktails, $5 draft cocktails, $3 Pacifico beers and $3 Stellas. Guests who RSVP is advance will also receive one themed drink, plus a Maker’s Mark ice cream cone and passed appetizers from 4:00 p.m. until post time at 5:34 p.m. Of course, the race will be on full display on III Forks’ numerous outdoor TV screens. To RSVP, call the restaurant. 

Kentucky Derby Party at Bernie’s Lunch & Supper

Another restaurant throwing a rooftop Derby party of its own is Bernie’s Lunch & Supper. The River North restaurant will be airing the race and all the seasonal festivities from 4:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. on May 6, with $8 Rabbit Hole mint juleps, $8 Rabbit Hole Old Fashioneds, $8 Rabbit Hole Kentucky mules, $8 cheeseburgers, $8 meatballs and plenty more. 

Aperitivo Hour at Bar Lupo

Another week, another new happy hour. But this one comes with an Italian accent and fizzy spritzes. River North’s new Italian haunt, Bar Lupo, has kicked off its aperitivo hour program, which runs Monday through Friday from 3:00 p.m. until 6:00 p.m. Inspired by the timeworn Italian tradition of a drink and a snack before dinner, the menu offerings include shareable bites, beer, wine and cocktails, all at bargain prices. Items include $5 spritzes, $5.99 avocado toast, $16,99 Piedmont Pub burgers with fontina and truffle, $4 glasses of wine and $6.99 garlic buns with tomato sauce and basil. 

 

El Che Bar
El Che Bar

Green City Market Dinner Series at Travelle Kitchen + Bar

With spring in full swing and farmers’ market season around the bend, Travelle Kitchen + Bar is once again paying homage to Green City Market with a weekly four-course dinner menu highlighting the best of the season. Spearheaded by executive chef Ricardo Jarquin and pastry chef Scott Green, each Wednesday night from May 10 through October 25 is anchored by ingredients found at the market each Wednesday morning. The tasting menu costs $45 per person, with optional wine pairings for $20 additional. It doesn’t get much fresher than this. 

Sunday Asado at El Che Bar

You’ve heard of Sunday supper, but how ‘bout Sunday asado? The West Loop’s red-hot El Che Bar is cooking up an Argentine feast every Sunday evening, from 5:00 p.m. until 10:00 p.m., a glorious spread of traditional and hearty meats cooked over open flames. Designed to feed two diners (cost is $90 per couple), the menu includes beef, pork, ribs, chitterlings, sweetbreads, blood sausage and more. Seasonal sides, salad and empanadas round it out. 

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