The Motel Bar
Chicago, IL 60610
Phone: (312) 822-2900
- Cross Street:
- Larrabee Street
- Directions:
- El: Brown Line to Chicago; bus 66 to Larrabee.
- Best of Citysearch:
- Lounge 2007
- Hours:
- Mon-Fri 11:30am-2am, Sat 4pm-3am, Sun 4pm-2am
Editorial Review for The Motel Bar – by Elisa Kronish
The Scene
With pricey condos above and hot spot Japonais adjacent, it's no wonder that the crowd of couples, singles and groups of girlfriends is happily beyond cheap-beer-and-pretzels age. They arrive early and stay late, reveling in the appeal of this faux hotel bar. Square ottomans, low leather couches and cool metal bar chairs provide seating. Oversized hanging cylindrical lights cast dim down-lighting for a moody vibe.
The Draw
Classic cocktails cover everything your mom might order like sidecars, grasshoppers, pink ladies and champagne cocktails; and everything your dad might choose such as vodka martinis, gin slings, Harvey Wallbangers and gimlets. The pink lady is particularly fun, getting its color from grenadine and cream, and its kick from Hendricks gin. The "room service menu" includes basics like buffalo wings and chicken fingers, but leans toward gourmet with Caesar salad, steak tartare, shrimp cocktail and french fries with truffled aioli sauce.
Editorial content is independent of paid advertisers. Any expenses are paid for by Citysearch.
Insider Tips
ParkingA pay lot is available directly across the street from the bar. Valet parking is also available at next-door neighbor Japonais.
When to GoLadies can enjoy mini manicures and chair massages on the last Monday of the month during the summer from 6pm to 8pm from Fingers & Toes Nail Spa. The $20 package includes either a manicure or chair massage with a complimentary Cosmopolitan. Call (312) 833-2900 to make a reservation.
Outdoor SeatingStarting June 1, sip beers and watch cult movies on the patio every Monday starting at 7:30pm.
User Reviews for The Motel Bar
03/13/2008 Posted by johnnygolightly
This place is favorite among my coworkers sinply because there isn't really anything else close by. It scores for convenience. I do like atmosphere for the most part, however the wait staff, though very pleasing to the eye, are very displeasing service wise. Even on slow nights we need to go to the bar to order or else we are left waiting with empty glasses. The bartenders are very good, friendly, and knowledgeable. The waitresses really ruin the experience.
Pros: Good food, good atmosphere
Cons: Abysmal waitstaff
04/02/2007 Posted by johnniebgud
My partner and I went there on a Sunday night. Not too busy. We sat at the bar and was happy to learn that they served food. Loved the classic cocktail list. The grilled wings were AWESOME! The burger was okay and the house salad was quite large. I couldn't get over the prices. Very inexpensive for a Chicago bar. My house salad was only 3 bucks! Paul ordered a Maker's Old Fashioned and I had Dewar's Rusty Nail. Each of those were only 8 bucks. I can't get a classic cocktail anywhere for under $12. The decor was awesome. Loved the high ceilings and the upholstered wall and ceiling. Very cool! Our bartender Audrey was amazing!
Pros: Great Service, Inexpensive
Cons: Parking
Users Like You Also Viewed
Bijan's Bistro
663 N State St
Chicago, IL 60610
Villains Bar & Grill
649 S Clark St
Chicago, IL 60607
