Rodan
(773) 276-7036
1530 N Milwaukee Ave
Chicago,
IL
60622
41.9094
-87.6761
Neighborhoods: Wicker Park, West Side
What People Are Saying About Rodan
The Editor
Contributor
Citysearch
The Scene
There's dynamism in the well-incorporated details of this lounge's future-forward design. A large projection screen displaying abstract patterns, video art or movies is the focal point in the rear. Handsome millwork throughout demonstrates the beauty of exotic woods and right angles. Seating for the stylish, diverse crowd ranges from bar stools and a trio of dining booths to low gray couches and electric-blue ultra-suede banquettes at silvery tables.
The Draw
Rodan serves creative entrees (grilled fish tacos and chimichurri beef) for dinner, but unique appetizers are available late into the night. Don't miss crunchy wasabi fries or the Rodan 3: barbecued pork, cigarette (shrimp) rolls and grilled shrimp. Asian beers (like Kirin) in bottles go well with these nibbles, but British ales such as Boddingtons and Bass are also on tap. DJs and VJs and live performances are frequent, and loungers may hear techno, lounge, indie rock and jazz in one sitting.
User Reviews
ClassyBA
June 09, 2009
Rodan Is a great place to start or end your night. I hang out at events on Miwaukee a few times a week. I typically try to pregame here; but if one of those events doesn't live up to expectation - I head back over to Rodan. I'll plan to spend my night at Rodan if I am going out with only one or two people. The perfect place to grab food, chill, talk and catch up. Rodan is the only constant on that street. Always there for me.
read full reviewmssvattk
May 10, 2009
i remember people saying how cool this place was .. it had a vibe. fun, wih no look-down-your-nose attitude. I imagine those were the good ol' days. Now its like a ti*&#y bar without the "class." - or the service. an also-ran with a lot stronger competition just down the block, in either direction. it had no flair except for the nice woodwork - must be their signature. The clientele was identical to most of the crappier lincoln park bars I had the displeasure to find myself in. the music was tired and the server seemed annoyed. (maybe with the music, too? - we never found out since we barely saw her again..) like poe said: "never more.."
read full review
JacobBlair
October 20, 2008
Rodan is the place I go after work, the place I'd take someone on a first date, the place I'd go for brunch on Sunday, the place I'd go to relax on a Monday night, and the place I'd go to get rowdy on the weekend. Such good food (from the wasabi-battered fish&chips to the sesame-tofu crepes to the empanadas to the sushi), not to mention awesome service (Jamie, Nandini, Rolan- you rock). The interior- ambiant blue lighting w/sleek wood paneling througout and projections on the back wall as well as the line waiting for the bathroom. And those trick effects mirrors above the sinks- ingenious! The crowd can get a little uppity on the weekends, but during the week its a regular artist hangout all the way. Go on Sunday/Monday for the $3 Lychee Champagnes! Also cheap specials during the week as well.
read full reviewThe Details on Rodan
When to Go:
For a more buzzing lounge, hit Rodan on Saturday nights, but don't expect prompt service. Or come early in the week for an intimate snack for two in the back.
Know Before You Go:
Techie stuff is part of the bar's draw, with camera and video-screen bathroom "mirrors"; the women's room has a more reactive screen.
Category:
Bars & Clubs, Singles Bars, Unclassified, Lounges, Bars & Pubs
Payment Methods:
American Express, Cash, Visa, Diners Club, Discover, MasterCard
Bar & Club Type of Music:
Alternative Rock, Jazz, Funk, Soul & R&B, Techno & Industrial, Electronica
Bar & Club Special Features:
Minimum Age:
21
Smoking Permitted:
No
