Located in or within walking distance from the Loop, these new bars can host after-work outings for groups.
1. Bar Novo popped up in the lobby of the Renaissance Chicago Hotel in early October. Spanning 5,300 square feet, the venue houses a semiprivate lounge area that can host groups of 60. In the center of the bar, chefs work at an exposed station, preparing small plates of items such as smoked-prime-rib nachos and oven-dried tomato flatbreads with fresh mozzarella. The bar's cocktail list offers signature drinks such as the Red Champagne Cocktail, made with absinthe, Absolut vodka, and strawberry puree, and the Basil Tangerine Gimlet, which blends tangerine vodka with lime and fresh basil.
2. Sweetwater Tavern and Grille opened on Michigan Avenue in late September. Decked with dark wood fixtures, communal tables, and leather booths, the venue offers 70 kinds of beer. On the food menu, specialty burgers include the "Sunnyside Up," which comes topped with cheese, bacon, and a fried egg; other signature items are a BBQ pork sandwich on honey-butter corn bread and lamb chops in pomegranate-cabernet sauce. Available for full buyout, the Wi-Fi-equipped tavern can seat 200 or host 250 for cocktails; a private party room with two flat-screen TVs holds 16.