Obamarama in Chicago

by Valerie Moloney - Citysearch Editor - 335 Reviews - 98 Lists

Updated: January 16, 2009


It's the town where Barack Obama wined and dined, worked out, took his girls to school, built his political career and formally accepted our vote to become 44th president of the United States. The former Hyde Park resident will always have the Windy City in his heart, and Chicagoans (well, most of us) will always heart him. As the rock star--the man--is sworn in, we round up bars and restaurants celebrating his victory with specialty cocktails and meal deals during Inauguration Week.

A Toast to the Man

  1. 1 4 Star Rating: Recommended Kit Kat Lounge & Supper Club
    Read Reviews

    3700 N Halsted St, Chicago, IL 60613 (map)

    The president-elect is lauded for his grace under pressure, his give-it-to-em-straight dialogue with the American people. Well, Chicago, can you handle the truth as predicted by a psychic? Tarot card reader Therese Murphy's insights will be on hand on inauguration night to deliver forecasts of guests? future under the Obama administration. Order that reading with a half-priced martini to brace yourself for any bad news. With a martini in hand, the future can only get brighter.

  2. 2 3.5 Star Rating: Average David Burke's Primehouse
    Read Reviews

    616 N Rush St, Chicago, IL 60611 (map)

    The "change we need" is a drop in prices on this chic steakhouse's menu. For one week--Jan. 19-23--enjoy Burke's three-course No Bull Lunch Feast for just $20.09. Hey, you may not be invited to an inaugural ball, but you can certainly eat like a dignitary.

  3. 3 4 Star Rating: Recommended Dunlay's on the Square
    Read Reviews

    3137 W Logan Blvd, Chicago, IL 60647 (map)

    This Logan Square hang normally opens only for dinner, but Jan. 20 is a very special day. Snag a table at 10am, order your ObamaChicagoChampagne or OBomb shots and watch, in utter awe, our native son.

  4. 4 4 Star Rating: Recommended Cityscape Bar
    Read Reviews

    350 West Mart Plaza Center Dr 15th Flr, Chicago, IL 60654 (map)

    Why not bask in one of Chicago's prouder moments with a view of the ciy's sparkling skyline? See the inauguration unfold live on four flatscreens at this hotel bar with a pristine city view as a backdrop. And take it all in with Obama martinis: red, white and blue concoctions of Blue Curacao, Red Bull and Sprite.

  5. 5 Stretch Run Sporting Club & Grille
    Write a review

    544 N LaSalle St, Chicago, IL 60610 (map)

    Obama is known for filling sports stadiums, where he brings audiences to tears with his preacher-like oratorical skills. It would be fitting, then, to catch this event of Superbowlesque proportions at a sports bar. All 240-plus flatscreens will be tuned in to the inaugural address and the Baracks on the Rocks cocktails will be flowing.