Category:
Speakeasy
12 S Michigan Ave, Chicago, IL 60603
Elegant, bougie, and tucked away.
If you live in Chicago, and especially if you're a student, you've probably been to the Chicago Athletic Association.
It's a wonderful, gorgeous location near the art institute that's perfect for studying during the week. They have great food, a game room, and more.
But tucked back behind the game room, past the elevators, is an amazing bar called the Cherry Circle Room.
It's strange to me - they don't necessarily hide their location, but very few people know about it - even those that frequently study at the Athletic Association.
That slightly hidden effect makes it really nice - and besides the excellent decoration, drinks, and overall atmosphere - there's a giant sweeping bar that goes across the whole restaurant - so you're almost always going to get a seat.
They serve lots of options there - food and drink - there are larger tables for groups as well.
If you're downtown, and especially if you want to warm up with some beer and games just outside in the game room, I think this is a perfect spot to bring a group of friends for a night on the town.
You can check it out here - I'll see you there: https://www.chicagoathletichotel.com/restaurants/cherry-circle