JW Marriott Chicago – Tasty Drinks For The Season
By: Ryan Haber
Fall weather has certainly arrived here in Chicago. The leaves are almost all gone and the wind is blowing with strength. This is the time of the year that I will be enjoying the benefits of being inside instead of fighting the weather. After my third year here in Chicago, I have finally mapped out some of my favorite spots. No matter where I am in the city, I know where to escape for some heat and good drinks. Nestled in the heart of Chicago’s Financial District, the JW Marriott Chicago occupies the historic Daniel Burnham building. This beautiful hotel is one of the best and most comfortable establishments in Chicago. Chicago’s Loop is extremely busy, and escaping the hustle and bustle can prove to be difficult. Luckily, the JW Marriott Lobby Lounge is a great safe-haven. This inviting lounge offers a variety of table and seating arrangements perfect for a crafty cocktail, some delicious bites or spending some quality time with your laptop.
I had the pleasure of spending an afternoon at the lobby lounge and was pleased to hear about the seasonal cocktails on the menu. On a rainy Friday afternoon, I pregamed my weekend with a Tri-Umphant Cocktail. This rocks glass of deliciousness, displays a variety of fall flavors such as Cinnamon, Apple Cider, Cloves, and is mixed with Mulled Wine and Rye Whiskey. While it drinks with a “warm” flavor profile, the Tri-Umphant is surprisingly refreshing. I moved onto the Turning Leaves, a fall focused version of a Moscow Mule served in rocks glass. This delicious concoction uses fresh Ginger, Cider, & Ginger Ale to round out the flavor and it is really tasty!
The Bulls On Parade puts other Tequila drinks to shame. A masterful mix of Reposado Tequila, Sherry, Créme de Mure, and Ginger Beer is sure to have you licking your lips for more. As I sat and drank with my friends, we munched on a few of the dynamite eats the Lounge offers. Sharing plates of hot Short Rib Sliders and Arancini, we warmed up and filled our bellies to face the cold weather outside. Served on a soft and tasty polenta roll, the Short Rib Sliders are smoky meaty bites topped with Smoked Cheddar, Vegetable Slaw and Onion Jam.
Arancini are few and far between, but thankfully the Lobby Lounge has these crispy, fried, rice balls. These Italian savory treats were hot, light, and crispy with perfectly cooked cheesy rice filling the center.
After catching up with my friends and filling up on drinks and eats, I decided to stick around. With the choice of bellying up to the bar, long community high-tops, and lots of plush couches, this is a great place to grab some WiFi and catch up some work. The service was top notch, I was visited by the staff whenever my water or cocktail was low and I wasn’t bothered or rushed at any point. I will definitely be logging some time at the Lobby Lounge whenever I find myself in the loop.
The Lobby Lounge is located on the first floor of the JW Marriott Chicago and offers Happy Hour pricing from 5pm to 7pm Monday through Friday. Daily specials for drinks include All Craft & Premium Craft Beer for $6 on Mondays, Chardonnay or Cabernet Sauvignon for $7 on Tuesdays, a weekly JW Wine Ambassador Selection for $8 on Wednesdays, Draft Beer for $6 on Thursdays and the Weekly Craft Cocktail for $7 on Fridays.