Hot This Weekend- February 24, 2017
As my very first Rocking Right Now Blog, I wanted to explore some new hot spots that will be a blast to party at this weekend. Do. Not. Miss. Them!
Click Here for Full 101-WKQX Segment 2/24/17
Rhyme or Reason
I checked out the brand new Rhyme or Reason in Wicker Park this week...even before their grand opening today, and I have to say, I was thoroughly impressed. The decor is so vibrant and inviting and you start soaking up the hard core 70's retro vibes from the get-go. I sat in an uber-groovy lounge area and was offered a cocktail from their super funky cocktail menu. I chose a gin libation along with crab rangoon dip, duck tacos, and a margarita pizza. Every item was on point, something you don't always see for a spot that has barely opened yet.
The service was also fantastic, although to be fair, it wasn't super crowded at 5pm, oh and did I mention they hadn't officially opened yet?? What I'll also really be looking forward to is the live music scene that will be on tap....along with their on-tap Prosecco (how cool is that?!) But they'll have live funk music, and DJ's who spin only vinyl. Come food the food, stay for the booze, and extend your stay for the tunes.
Rhyme Or Reason- Wicker Park- 1938 W. Division
Won Fun and 2 Fun Chinese
Talk about something different. I LOVE the vibe of this spot. Edgy and modern with a gritty old school Chinatown feeling. Won Fun is the ground floor restaurant that serves modern takes on classic Chinese dishes. And 2 Fun is the lounge/nightclub/karaoke bar on the second level. I happened to stumble in on Chinese New Year and let me tell you... it was on fire! Paper dragons all over the place and a hopped up crowd drinking Chinese and Japanese beers and sake cocktails. It's definitely a new "sceney" spot for the West Loop.
Photo courtesy of @funfunchinese Instagram
Photo courtesy of @funfunchinese Instagram
Won Fun and 2 Fun Chinese- West Loop- 905 W Randolph
Branca Bar
Anything having to do with Fernet Branca makes me a happy gal. So you can only imagine how excited I was to hear that the Emporium arcade/bar folks were opening up a pop-up cocktail lounge dedicated to everyone's favorite herbaceous, digestif Amaro that posesses intense medicinal properties. Not only is the decor reminiscent of the Fernet bottle itself, but their entire cocktail menu pays homage to this bitter spirit... and it's sister, Branca Menta (the minty version if you're so inclined.)
Photo courtesy of @brancabar Instagram
Sound too highbrow for you? Not so fast. The pop-up (which opened this month) is in Logan Square. So you know it's going to be approachable, casual, fun, and trendy. They're not saying how long they'll be around either... so get there while the Fernet still flows freely.
Branca Bar- Logan Square- 2367 N. Milwaukee Ave