The Aviary

The Aviary

Swanky cocktail lounge with intricate drinks in super creative presentations & clever small bites. The first rooftop bar from ETM (who run The Jugged Hare, among others) roosts atop the Royal London House Hotel, joining the group’s Burdock on the ground floor. This tenth-floor space combines city slick and 1920s glamour, the glittering chandeliers and royal blue chairs juxtaposed with a large convex window overlooking a stunning terrace.

The suited and booted crowd chow down on an eclectic menu which, despite stretching to cover as many bases as possible, delivers. Our roast chicken main was a golden, succulent triumph and we loved the After Eight Arctic roll: mint ice cream wrapped in rich sponge with a hard chocolate shell, topped with chocolate soil and vanilla ice cream.

The only misstep was yellowfin tuna sashimi, so pre-loaded with wasabi that it threatened to blow heads off. At the sizeable island bar you’ll find the likes of vodka-based Sour Cherry Bombs, while we recommend an absinthe-rinsed Tequila-and-beetroot blast called Jeff Goes South. Prices are fair for the area and the view from the roof terrace is really something.

Outstanding Bar Program
JAMES BEARD AWARDS

World’s Best Cocktail Menu
TALES OF THE COCKTAIL

America’s Best New Bars
FOOD & WINE MAGAZINE

The World’s 50 Best Bars
DRINKS INTERNATIONAL

The World’s 50 Best Bars
DRINKS INTERNATIONAL

Best Cocktail Bar
CHICAGO MAGAZINE

Most Creative Drink List
TIME OUT CHICAGO

Best New Bar
TIME OUT CHICAGO

Chicago Visitors Guide © Simon Newbound