Three Dots and a Dash - Chicago
Three Dots and a Dash is a tropical retreat in the heart of River North. Its tiki theme, complete with a thatched roof over the main bar and rotating list of classic and original Polynesian cocktails, makes it one of the most popular lounges in the city.
It's situated underneath the whiskey and country music inspired Bub City, but guests must enter in an alley on Hubbard Street right off Clark Street. It attracts an equal number of locals and tourists, yet all guests feel like they've been transported to an exotic locale. Three Dots indeed feels like an authentic island bar.
Complementing the cocktails are a number of small, share-able bites, including coconut shrimp, yuca frites and Thai-inspired fried chicken.
The Bamboo Room, an intimate hideaway serving high-concept tiki concoctions, is adjacent to Three Dots and a Dash. The reservation-only cocktail lounge features more than 200 vintage rums as well as the option to experience a progressive tasting menu of drinks. That program, of course, is up to the bartender's discretion, so guests never know what they're getting.