This sadly short-lived Trader Vic's location opened in late 2008, struggled, and finally closed in 2011. It was on the ground level of the Newberry Plaza Building. The new location used much of the decor from the legendary old Chicago Trader Vic's
Although Trader Vic's has sadly left Chicago, there is a new tiki bar in the River North neighborhood that helps fill the void. Three Dots and a Dash (435 N. Clark Street) has a more minimalist décor, but the drinks are fantastic, the appetizers pretty good, and the bartenders knowledgeable and friendly (at least early in the evening, before the place fills up with a non-tiki bar crowd and the servers get overwhelmed). We visited on a Saturday in October and arrived shortly before their 5:00 opening time. There were already a half-dozen tikiphiles lined up. I hope the place lasts long enough for us to drag some of our friends down from Wisconsin.
Although Trader Vic's has sadly left Chicago, there is a new tiki bar in the River North neighborhood that helps fill the void. Three Dots and a Dash (435 N. Clark Street) has a more minimalist décor, but the drinks are fantastic, the appetizers pretty good, and the bartenders knowledgeable and friendly (at least early in the evening, before the place fills up with a non-tiki bar crowd and the servers get overwhelmed). We visited on a Saturday in October and arrived shortly before their 5:00 opening time. There were already a half-dozen tikiphiles lined up. I hope the place lasts long enough for us to drag some of our friends down from Wisconsin.
While my first visits were wonderful, subsequently the bar took on more of a sports bar atmosphere. Sadly, each return left me more disappointed. Also, friends have reported recently that when they tried to visit, they found the placed closed despite the fact that it was during "open" hours.
Went back on Friday, Feb. 11th, 2011. Was like night and day... Staff was sparse and our waitress was unsure of anything, especially what was on the menu. They thought they were out of Beef Cho-Cho. She stated they were changing the menu and didn't know if it would still be there. The Potted Parrot came in a standard tall glass with no parrot. I asked where my souvenir was, and she said they were out of them. The drinks were tasty, but had no alcohol in them. My wife's salmon was oily. The place was dead. I'm afraid it will not be around much longer. Note, this was my favorite place. Oh well. Tiki places are best left a bit relaxed and the new Trader Vic's was not relaxed.
It really has the island vibe. Not only with the decor, but the uniforms for the waitstaff too. Great drinks served right. Check out the appetizers. It exceeded my expectations.