Aria Bar

3 reviews

The slick spin-off of the Fairmont's adjacent Aria aims to draw hipster and foodie attention to the East Loop.

(312) 444-9494

200 North Columbus Drive
Chicago, IL 60601 41.885803 -87.620661

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Neighborhoods: Loop, Central

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Hours:

Lunch - Sunday to Saturday 11:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., Cocktails - Sunday to Thursday 11:30 a.m. to 12:00 a.m., Friday to Saturday 11:30 a.m. to 1:00 a.m., Sushi Menu - Sunday to Thursday 2:30 p.m. to 11:00 p.m., Friday to Saturday 2:30 p.m. to 12:00 a.m.

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Aria Bar

Last updated 5.20.09

What People Are Saying About Aria Bar

The Owner

Aria Bar

Owner

Blending equal parts restaurant and lounge, Aria Bar is an adult's playground, anchored by a gold amorphic sofa and an illuminated sushi station, Aria Bar is a sensory experience set to a global soundtrack. Sari-inlaid tables, influenced by traditional noodle houses in Japan, provide communal space to enjoy aria bar's noodle menu, while private recesses enhanced by gold and amber shears provide a discreet getaway to experience aria bar's exemplory sushi and sake. East meets West at Aria Bar, Chicago's only sushi club.

The Editor

Fred Schlatter

Citysearch

The Scene – Amber and violet lighting wash the oval room. Metallic tiles play nicely with shimmering drapery. The bar to the right offers stool seating, but modish lounge configurations throughout are more inviting for cocktails. A central communal sushi bar is glass and glows blue and offers a more serious eating space for loners or couples. Techno is perhaps too aggressive, and maybe too loud, but reinforces an intended nightlife vibe. – – The Food – From the illuminated sushi bar (and hidden hot kitchen) comes a pan-Asian menu focused on well prepared and…

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User Reviews (3)

01/30/07

Nice atmosphere, Minimal wine selection

by ganative79

Visited the Aria Bar while staying at the Fairmont. I liked the atmosphere and would imagine that there?s plenty of people watching during the weekend. I was very disappointed in the wine selection, only 8 selections or so split b/w reds and whites, with the cheapest glass being $12. The food was subpar at best. While the miso soup was good, the beef noodle bowl was practically inedible. The broth was over-flavored and of course the veggies and noodles absorbed the unpleasant flavor. However, the beef strips were good, all 4 little pieces of them. My coworkers said the food in the main restaurant is better.

Pros: Atmosphere, plenty of seating
Cons: Poor wine list, pitiful food

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11/22/06

Great place to sit and have a drink

by luvs2travel

We visited the old Aria bar which was very nice and the very next day were astonished to see that it was entirely torn apart for remodeling. When we returned it was an entirely new bar which looked great. It has a sushi bar that looks pretty good, we haven't tried it... yet. This is definitely a great people watching place and has many interesting spots to sit and talk. The waitresses are prompt and friendly. And on this visit we had a waitress when had served us before in the Fairmonts reception/lounge area. Unfortuantely we cannot remember her name, but she was really nice and attentive. And she knew her wine list, she was able to give a good description of and recommendations of the various wines.

Pros: Great people watching, after work, before/after dinner spot

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The Details on Aria Bar

Where to Sit:

Those craving privacy can slide into one of several nooks created by coiled drapes and angled seating.

Know Before You Go:

Adventurous eaters should put their dining fates in the practiced hands of Chef BK, who, with a nod, will happily create a customized menu based on preferences and what is particularly fresh that day.