Aria Bar
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
Neighborhoods: Central, Loop
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.
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 dramatically presented sushi. Hot starters jump from Chinese--crispy and richly filled lobster spring rolls--to Thai--Sriracha-spiked chicken satay. Sushi is about quality and subtlety, like freshly grated wasabi root and expertly formed and seasoned rice. Notable pieces include velvety fatty tuna and briefly torched salmon. Rolls are few but astute: toothsome nori holds creamy tuna and prickly scallion-jalapeno sauce.
User Reviews
ganative79
January 30, 2007
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.
read full review
luvs2travel
November 22, 2006
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.
read full reviewThe 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.
Category:
Payment Methods:
American Express, Cash, Discover, Visa, MasterCard
Restaurant Special Features:
Hotel Restaurants, Late Night Dining, Hidden Find, Date Spot, Happy Hour, Dine At The Bar, Bar Scene
Cuisine:
Message from Aria Bar
- Culturally Inspired
- Sari-inlaid Tables
- Traditional Noodle House
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.
