Nothing Shy about Chi-town

While traveling I get the normal question of "where are you from?" Answer: Chicago. Response: "Oh! I've always wanted to go. What's Chicago like?" It's a city known around the world and I love telling people "It's just like you see in the movies; fantastic!" Tall buildings, world renowned architecture, some of the best museums in the country, the famous Lake Michigan, Millennium Park...and we haven't even gotten to all the restaurants, live show venues, shops, sports activities, clubs and bars. It truly is a well rounded city...all be it a very different city summer compared to winter. Year round you have your iconic Chicago landmarks and events—Sears Tower (though the view is better on a clear spring day), the Art Museum and south-side Museums (which, let's face it, are better on a cold winter's day), Millennium Park has winter ice skating, and Navy Pier has a range of indoor activities. Restaurants are also something to be enjoyed year round.
However there is something to be said for summer in this city. A typical summer day could be complied like this...start out with an early morning walk along the lake (before the summer heat and humidity kick in). Next have a lavish breakfast at Anna Sather's on Belmont. Next hop on the "El" to the CBD and take a stroll through the gardens at Millennium Park. Make your way over to Navy Pier where you can grab some light lunch or head over to the Mag Mile and do some power shopping. In the afternoon catch a Cubs or Sox baseball game and soak in some true Chicago culture. Your evening starts with dinner either up in Wrigleyville (north side) or in Little Italy or Greek Street (south side) after which you can catch some live music, this city is known for it's blues, or perhaps take in a play/musical/comedy act/etc. I would recommend a drink up the Hancock Building (or at least a peak of the amazing view!) then it's off to one of Chicago's amazing night clubs or bars where you can sit outside in a beer garden til the wee hours of the night.

Quick Tips:

Use hotwire.com to get good prices on nice hotels in the city.
Rent a tandem bike from Millennium park for an hour - an hour is plenty long and you can cover more of the lakeside on a bike.
Grab the free trolleys around the city in the summer - takes you from the train station to Navy Pier.
Be careful which L-train you get on at night. Not all are so safe.
Check out the city of Chicago tourist webpage.
http://egov.cityofchicago.org/city/webportal/portalEntityHomeAction.do?entityName=Tourism&entityNameEnumValue=41

Best Way To Get Around:

Chicago is a walkable city in chunks. Best way to get around is taxi. Cheapest is the El or bus. But be warned about taking certain trains at night...NOT SAFE alone, and sometimes not safe with a friend.

During the summer you can bike along the lake to get places, but the fact is Chicago is just too big. A car is great but parking is horrible and expensive.

Trains from the 'burb is another great option to get into the city. From there you can walk down to the beach, parks or mag mile. Any place further - during summer grab a free trolley to tourist places. Other times grab taxi, train or learn the bus system.

If you are looking for a hotel that encompasses the words impressive, fantastic view, and plush rooms this is the place for you.
With basic rooms starting at $130 USD per night its definately not your budget accomodation, althought neither does it break the bank. Situated right on the north side of Chicago river this hotel boasts views of both the river, the lake (oh yeah, and the city). The rounded main lobby is grand with shinny marble floors, wooden inlays and plush carpets. You'll need to show your room key to get past hotel personel by the elevators, so you'll feel even more VIP.
We had a room overlooking the river and a slanted side view of the lake. So if you are looking to impress someone on their first trip to Chicago or just like looking at the twinkling lights of the big city, the Sheraton is the perfect hotel for you.
It is walking distance from Millennium Park, Navy Pier and shopping on the Mag mile.
The hotel boasts four eating establishments, one being seasonal (meaning closed in the winter) and another one on the way for 2006. There is also a sports bar that boasts drinks to compliment their view looking out over the city. Of course there is also always room service if you just can't bring yourself to leave the cozy five pillow beds. Our room had two full size beds, each with five large pillows and thick bed spreads.
There is also a work out center but I was unimpressed about being charged a fee. $10 dollars a one day or $15 for your stay, which I guess if you are staying a few days could be worth it. There is a pool, but again, you're going to have to pay.
Check discount websites for cheaper room rates.

For the reputation the Hyatt Regency has, I was unimpressed with this four-star hotel. Starting at $159, this hotel boasts more hype then I think it lives up to.
First off, you walk into the lobby--but wait, it's not really the lobby. You still have to go up the escalator to get to the check-in area. I must admit the Hyatt's new self check-in computerized system is pretty neat. The idea being that if you purchased or reserved your room with a credit card you can pull up your information on the screen and avoid standing in long check-in lines. This process even allows you to get your keys.
Room sorted you are directed to one of two towers, aptly named the east tower and the west tower. This is the only hotel I've ever stayed were they give you a map of the hotel.
We were able to grab a room with a king-sized bed. The view was less than stellar, as were at the back of the building facing an office building.
Rooms come standard with air purifiers and curved shower curtains for added elbow room.
Watch out for the mini-bar! Everything is on scenors and if you even move something you WILL be charged for it. And while room service is usually pretty pricey they take inflation to a while new level with bottle of call liqour ranging from $130 to $200 dollars.
There are several eateries in the hotel, most being chain resturants. Being in the heart of the city, there are better places just blocks away.
The hotel also boasts about having the "longest" bar in town and they offer "real big" drinks. Their "big drinks" come with big price tags, so it's not much different from any other bar. And don't even waste your time with their night club, Hard Drive. Placed in the main floor glass atrium lobby in the middle of the reflecting pool Hard Drive is trying to be something more than it is. It is small, cramped and in my opinion, not worth it.
The concierge was extemely helpful when we asked for a dining recommendation and seemed to know the entire city (not just the Loop) very well.
Work out facility offered to guests. I do not believe there is an extra fee.
While I was not thrilled by my inital impression of this hotel the room was very comfortable and I guess that is the main thing that counts.

Just a few blocks from world famous Wrigly Field sits Cozy. One step inside this small Thai resturant and you'll know they live up to their name. The walls are lined with toys and knicknacks ranging from giant waving cats to old style wind up tin turtles. Each table has a base from an old sewing machine and the bathroom is decorated in dozens upon dozens of pez despensers.

However, it's the food Cozy has to offer that will turn you into a repeat costumer. Appetizers range from 3.50 to 5.50. While their entree portions are big enough that you don't need an appetizer I would recommend the satay chicken to start with. The chicken comes seperate from the sauce so you control how much (or little) you want to spoon on. If you are a lover of the peanut you might want to request a second cup of the sauce as it tends to go fast!

Main meals are all priced under 7 dollars. You won't be lacking in choice as the menu offers selections from stir-fry to curry's to traditional thai noodle creations. When you see these jumbo plates heading your way you might be tempted to check the price menu again. The portions are huge and both the currys and entrees come complete with jasmine rice.

Take heed; when they say something is spicy, they mean it. Those that love hot food will find themselves right at home here. My boyfriend had the Thai green curry. And while it is spicy they don't over power the flavor with heat. For those of you who don't want to sweat while you eat they have plenty of other options. I chose the mild curry. While the curry sauce and chicken were lovely my potatoes were undercooked. Really this was the only kink in our meal.

While Cozy offers a wide range of teas they are a BYOB, so be prepared to bring your favorite wine or beer. Business hours are Sun-Thursday 11am til 10pm and until 10:30pm on Friday and Saturdays. Lunch is served until 3pm with lunch specials each day saving you 2 dollars off entree prices. Take-out and delivery options available.

The resturant is small and while they do take reservations you don't really need them, unless you have a large group.

They accept most major credit cards. There is a second location in Evanston at 1018 Davis Street.
So what are you waiting for? Cozy up to a table now.

A trip to Chicago would not be complete with out a visit to one of the 30 Portillos located in and around Chicago. Portillos built their business based on their all beef, great tasting hotdogs. It is that quality that brings them the high success they enjoy today. The buildings are decorated in old fashion decor. Neon lights, old juke boxes, James Dean posters, vinyl booths and '60s music adorn many of the stores.

While the price has gone up over the years, this eatery is worth the few extra bucks. Their Italian beefs are made on fresh bread brought in daily. The hotdogs are still all beef and are definitely the best in town. The fries are crinkle cut and 9 out 10 times perfectly crunchy on the outside and soft on the inside. They offer ketchup to pump into small cups or you can go the cheese route. The cup of hot gold might not be real cheese but darn it's good. The menu has expanded over the years. Good choices are the combo beef and sausage, broiled chicken breast on croissant, and the onion rings. A recent addition to the Portillos family is Barnelli's Pasta Bowl, which serves up Italian dishes and chopped salads.

For that something sweet, you cannot beat their chocolate cake. Only your mother might be able to top this dessert. (And even then, it would be a close call.) Portillos is also one of the remaining few fast food joints to offer malted milk shakes. For those who can't choose, just combine the two for their chocolate cake shake.

And for the over-21s, Portillos serves beers on tap for dine in. A typical meal of a hot dog, fries, and a drink can run you upwards of $7. So save your pennies: it's worth it.

Walking into the Signature Room on the 95th floor of the Hancock Building feels like you've stepped into a dream. For me, it was the most romantic date I've ever been taken on.

First off you get priority on the elevators, so you get to skip the line and go straight up. The view once you get up is spectacular! With windows around 3 sides of the dining area (the bar area 1 floor gives you a better view looking west) you can see the city and the lake lie below you.

My date wasn't able to get us a window seat but it didn't matter. The view wasn't that restricted. If you do book for dinner my tip is to book a table for about 30-45 minutes before sunset. That way you get the best of both worlds, the city by day and the twinkle of Chicago at night.

The food was lovely, but be warned-it's expensive. I believe I had a steak, which cost just over $20. I was there a few years ago and at that time most of the mains cost between $25-35. You'll spend extra on the side dishes of veggies. The wine list is expansive (250 from around the world) and the servers really know their stuff. They know the food and they know what wine will best go with it.

They have daily specials and a dessert menu with dishes that taste even better than they are expertly presented. Oh! And there is live jazz.

I highly recommend you have dinner (or lunch) here at least once while in Chicago. Lunch is 11-2:30 Mon-Sat. Dinner is 5-10 Sun-Thurs 5-11 Fri-Sat. Brunch on Sundays 10-2.

If you're just after the view head to the observatory for $10. Open 9am-11pm every day. The bar area (96th floor)is free but has a 1 drink minimum (about $12 for a signature cocktail).

Lalos isn't the best Mexican food you can find in Chicago. But it isn't far off. This chain restaurant is known for its atmosphere, club-like bar area and killer margaritas. If you are after some great guacamole, you are in for a treat. The waiters make it fresh at your table, adding in only what you want. I wouldn't tend to recommend a reservation but for weekend nights, if you have your heart set on eating here, it's not a bad idea just to ring ahead as to avoid disappointment.

For starters...if you are a guacamole lover, it's a must. They also bring out chips and fresh salsa for you to graze on while you decide which margaritas to order. (I recommend the peach-yum!) Once you've ordered they bring out small cups of soup (ours was chicken noodle that night and this might only be a winter treat). Our guacamole was about $15 but there were 6 of us sharing. Most starters run around $7.

Mains... I always order the fleutas. Deep fried tubes of happiness, as my friends call them. They are filled with shredded beef or chicken. The last time I was there they were a bit dry... nice with sour cream, however. Two of my friends love the battered shrimp. I know, I know... shrimp at Mexican? All I have to say is-They are lovely! Another friend had the enchiladas, which came with a blanket of cheese on top. However, you really can't go wrong with the soft tacos and burritos. Your choice of filling, beef, chicken or bean. Mains run between $9-13.

Dessert... If you are not busting at the steams already Lalos has a pretty impressive dessert menu. From cheesecake to the traditional fried ice cream and many cakes in between. A favorite of mine is the fried ice cream, the shell always seems to impress and it's dusted with cinnamon and chocolate. One is enough to share with 5 others and it will run you $5. As is the price with most of the desserts.

Those lovely boozy margaritas I keep talking about; they will run you about $7 for a glass of regular or if you are with friends you can get the party pitcher for $25. This fills 5 glasses. I would recommend picking your designated driver before you head in.

Since Lalos is a chain you can find them in Oak Park, Berwyn, Glenview, Des Plaines, Schaumburg, Midway Airport and several Chicago locations.

The menu at Francesca's is printed on a legal size photocopied piece of paper. Sound tacky? It's the best option to accommodate a menu that changes weekly. They still have their set daily specials and the dessert menu doesn't seem to vary too much. (Why change a good thing, right?).

I've been to the Elmhurst location twice in one weekend. To start I recommend the caprese: fresh tomato, mozzarella and basil. They also provide fresh, warm bread and real butter. But don't fill up on this! The main portions are huge and you'll need a mostly empty stomach to tackle them. The wine list is impressive and the bar tenders (and waiters) seem to know their types and which one will go best with your meals or your mood. They also make great cocktails, but they cost $10-12.

I can't recommend a main for the simple fact that every time I've been there I've had new choices. I can say they have all been good. I am a huge fan of creamy sauces and they don't disappoint. Please note, their creamy sauces tend to be on the rich side. The seafood options that friends have tried always taste fresh, never "fishy" tasting and like I mentioned above, the portions are large. If you are thinking of desserts I'd recommend a doggie bag. They also have pizzas for those pickier eaters, or those wanting a lighter meal. Mains cost $12 to $25. The pricier side are your steaks. Pizzas tend to cost around $8. Desserts... I've tried a few. The tiramisu has just the right amount of chocolate, espresso and cake. The crème Brule is extremely creamy (and cold). And the banana bread pudding with banana ice cream is fantastic. All cost around $6.

Francesca's has locations all around Chicago and the suburbs. They even go as far west at Naperville. So chances are you can find one not too far from where you are.

Skate on State has now transferred homes and names. Chicago's impressive Millennium Park now houses the McCormick-Tribune Ice Rink. Skating is free for those who have their own skates and  is only $7 for those who need to rent. There is no time limit on renting skates. From mid-November till early March the rink is open at 10am all week long. It closes at 8pm Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, and Saturday. The closing time extends until 10pm on Sundays, Mondays, and Fridays.
The rink is a reasonable size, and they get everyone off the ice for about 10 to 15 minutes a few times a day to touch up the ice. Watch out for out-of-control kids (and a few adults!).

Formerly known as BIG WIGS, Four is hoping its swank inside appearance will help it establish a name for itself. Unless you are there for a private party, don't bother arriving before midnight. The place only starts to fill at 11pm. The club features three bars and a very open-air plan. It has a bit of a warehouse feel to it. Walk in and immediately you are at bar number one on your left. Walk 15 feet and you are at bar number two on your right. The third is in the back room past the toilets. Men, don't think you'll just breeze in and out, since when I was there, both the men's and ladies' toilet lines were at least four people deep and moving nowhere fast. Small tables with covered bench seating occupy a space on your right (across from bar one) and in the back on your left (across from bar two). We got there just after 10pm and already there were reserved signs on the tables.

The DJ booth is upstairs. To get up there are two sets of stairs on either side of the main dance floor. We got up there early and claimed a seat. However, as the night went on, it seemed only VIP and those wanting to get bottle service could go up.

That Saturday night men were $10 and ladies got in free. And with drinks of T$T and White Russians priced at $7 a piece and full bottles of vodka for $150, it's not the cheapest club in town. Then again, the bartenders do know their drinks and do a darn fine job of making them strong. Waitresses wear skirts that would otherwise occupy men's shirt pockets.

Tunes on that Saturday were mostly popular hip-hop and dance songs. There was some fairly decent mixing of tunes, but don't expect to get a request in. With the DJ all the way on the second floor, it's not likely you'll get up there to actually see him.

If you are in the area and in need of a stiff drink, I'd recommend going, but I wouldn't search it out. Four is open until 4am Sunday to Friday and 5am on Saturday.

Just two blocks from the heart of Chicago's busy Rush and Division club scene sits The Hunt Club. Decked out in white lights for the holiday season, the Hunt Club boasts an atmosphere of slight sophistication and their website states they are one of the "hottest sports bars and night clubs in Chicago." It's a strong statement for a small club.

Walking into the main level you are immediately in front of the first of three bars. Towards the back of the club you'll find two sets of stairs. One leads up; the other, down. Upstairs to boogie. Downstairs to chill. In either direction you'll find another bar.

There is fairly amply seating with chairs at the bar and high tables and chairs scattered around the main level. The downside to this is that on a Friday/Saturday night past 11:30 you will be hard pressed to find an open seat and it's a lot harder to get to the bar.

The music is mostly popular rap and R&B. Mixing isn't stellar but they do keep your feet moving. And if you choose to dance near the railing you can keep an eye on who you choose or try to catch the eye of those you want to impress.

There is no cover and drink prices range from $3-$4 dollars for domestic bottle beer to $6 dollars for a plain vodka and sprite. (However, they do tend to make those mixed drinks strong.)
The Hunt Club is open til 4am during the week and til 5am on the weekends. They are open during the day for lunch or dinner.

I would suggest this club to those who are tired of going to the same bars again and again on Rush and Division. The Hunt Club seems to have a bit of an older clientele than say Bar Chicago and usually isn't as crowded as Hang Ups.

A 10-minute ride north of Wrigglyville is BIG MIKE'S bar. This corner street bar is a hidden gem in Chicago. Definitely considered a local in its neighborhood, this bar holds more personality than your average dive bar.

Every Friday night, Big Mike's plays host to turtle races. This is how it works. For every drink you buy, you are given raffle tickets (and not just one per drink; they will hand out a few). As the night goes on, they have four to five races. At the beginning of each race, a raffle number is called out. If your number is called, you get to go up and pick a turtle. There are six turtles, all with different names and numbers on their backs. The turtles are kept in a box until race time, at which point they are transferred to a table and briefly kept under a cake plate top. The countdown begins, the top is lifted, and, well, some take off and some stay staring into space.

To win, you want your turtle to reach the outside circle first. The loser receives a free drink. The winner gets a T-shirt and the chance to compete in the winner's race. If your turtle wins that race, you get put into the running for two free tickets to Vegas.

Even with a small crowd, this event is still fun. Where else can you yell and scream at a turtle to hustle its tail? The guy that MC's the races is quick with a comeback and great with the mic.

Mostly everyone gets into the races, and it's advisable to get there early to grab a table. The music when the races are not on is decent, and there is a jukebox. Drinks are reasonably priced and they have a standard range of beers, including Stella on tap. I asked for a glass of wine and received a raised eyebrow.

It's a small pub with only one bar on the main level. Up three stairs is the second level, where the toilets and races are. Off-the-street parking is available and there is never a cover charge.
It is a big of a hike but is well worth the trip.

Let me start out by saying not to expect a lot from this club. If you’re smart you’ll use Hangge Uppe (or Hang Ups) for what is it, an after-hours club... somewhere to go when you are just drunk enough that you’d rather dance than go home.

The first thing that rubs me wrong is the cover charge, $3 to $5 just to get in. I can stomach the larger clubs charging a cover fee of $20; they promote top DJ’s, large dance floors, light shows, and swank atmospheres. In other words, you know what you are paying for. With Hang Ups, you wait in line to pay for entry into an over-crowded bar that plays over-played R&B on the entry level, and cheesy over-played 70’s and 80’s music on the lower level. The dance floors are always packed, and not always with bodies dancing. Most of the time drunk people just stand there and sway, staring at the crowd. Also, there is a high chance if someone doesn’t slosh their drink on you then they’ll bump YOUR drink onto you or the floor.

The pluses for this club are that there are four bars; one right when you walk in, and three downstairs. The name comes from all the knickknacks tacked to the walls and ceiling, however it seems in recent years they’ve taken quite a lot of the knickknacks down, reducing some of that cluttered feeling.

If you are in the right mood, the music downstairs can be fun. It’s mostly older, and you're lucky if you can find a spot on the dance floor to boogie.

The negatives are the cover charge is usually $5, the dance floors are way too crowded, usually there is a line to get in, and the women’s toilets always have a long wait (only 3 stalls for the entire club!).

Club hours are 5pm to 4am weeknights, 3pm to 5am on Saturday, and 3pm to 4am on Sunday. They do valet for around $12 to $15.

This is another club where you have to take it for what it is if you are going to have any fun. It's a suburban club trying to act like a downtown club where guys go to mack on women and women dress...well, in not much at all.

There is a cover charge on Friday and Saturday nights that goes anywhere from $5 to $15 dollars depending on the night. You must be 21 years old to enter. Drinks are downtown prices too, with a bottle of domestic beer costing $5 to $6 and mixed drinks are $7 to $10.
There are four bars scattered around this fairly large club; three on the main floor and one upstairs. There is a large dance floor in the middle and upstairs forms a ring around the dance floor...where you will always find guys staring down. At the top of the stairs you'll find the DJ booth, but good luck requesting a song. Chances are unless you know sign language or have a pen and paper, he's not going to hear you. An interesting feature this club has is the two drummers, sat high off to one side of the dance floor. This has potential to work really well, however the poor music selection and shabby mixing doesn't really challenge these drummer boys and they are left to bang away basic beats.

The shot girls, the server girls, and the beer tub girls...All I'll say is if getting tips equals dressing like a hooker then these girls must be raking in the cash.

As for places to sit, unless you are lucky enough to be invited into the VIP area your choices are limited. There are a few black leather couches and tables but most have the "reserved" sign already on them. The club is connected to a restaurant next door. The first time I was there (yes, I'm a repeat offender) we were able to sit on the restaurant side (and pay no cover to the club). However that was St Patrick’s Day. The second time the restaurant was closed and cover was $10.

Final words, I'd only recommend this club if A) you are looking to hook up or B) really need to dance and can't be bothered to go downtown.

As far as good clubs go, this one rates tops on my list. Sound bar is two levels. Unless you are on there email list (which gets you discounts on cover) or you are with a party (again discounts on cover) it's going to cost about $15 to $20 to get in the door after 11pm. However, this club tends to attract many local and international DJ's who spin in the early hours of the mornings.

If you can find off-street parking grab it, otherwise they have valet at a standard $10. The entrance is down an alleyway off to the side. Upon entrance there is a coat check (which they say is mandatory but no one made me check mine) and immediately following, a bar. Drinks are a bit on the expensive side. A domestic beer runs $6 to $7 dollars while a standard mixed runs $8 to $9 and a cocktail runs up from $12 to $15. Take note, they do make 'em strong.

On the main floor you'll find three bars and a large dance floor. This is where the DJ's spin and you're treated to all sorts of light, laser, and smoke shows. The decor is mostly metal, glass, and mirror with a few lights behind the bars, stairwell, and a few lights in the floors.

Downstairs you'll find a bit more wood in the decor and another small dance floor. You'll also find three more bars and at least two areas to chill out in, complete with comfy chairs to relax in. The music mix downstairs is R&B, some pop, some techno, and some Spanish grooves.

We did get a few older men trying to pick us up but for the most part no sleaziness on the dance floor and most of the women were dressed tastefully.

I would highly recommend this club for those who are looking for great music, a good boogie, and a swanky night out. Make sure you have your dancing shoes on!

They have VIP rooms and can host small or large functions.

Dress to impress. Fridays 10pm til 4am. Saturdays 9pm til 5am. All major credit cards accepted.

Occupying the space that was once called The Alumni Club (both downtown and in Schaumburg), Finn McCool’s is anything but Irish. It's the same bar/club as before, with a special new name.

The $5 entry fee and the upstairs dance floor remain the same, as does the fact that they have two massive bars: one on the lower level and one on the upper. And same is that rule they have to make you wait (if the bar is busy) to go upstairs. New is the addition of a "shadow box", where women (or men) can go and shake their shadows and still be anonymous, but the whole rest of the downstairs bar can see on a few of the TV sets.

While the Alumni Club wasn't that specular, at least it had the reputation of their name to fall back onto. The club that strictly checked for two ID's had every newly 21-year-old and college graduate wanting in.

Now, the attractions are the drink and food specials. Monday nights you can get $1 domestic draft beer and Wednesday there are half-price drinks. Thursday they have $2 burgers.

So bottom line: cheap drinks and food during the week and a large, darkly light dance floor for those wanting to groove (or pick up). But Irish? Well, you make up your own mind.
Hours: Mon-Wed 11:30am-2am. Thurs-Fri 11:30am-4am. Sat 11am-5am. Sun 3pm-2am. No valet parking.

It you are looking for an upscale live jazz venue in Chicago Pops for Champagne is a good start. This posh bar/jazz club has two floors to it. The main entrance puts you into a large wooden decor bar with large TV's, pop music and fashionably dressed 30 something Chicagoan's out for a drink. To your right and down a flight of stairs is the Jazz lounge.
This area is much smaller, and darker, creating a cosy, more sophisticated atmosphere. Walking through the door to your right is a small stage, to your left the bar. A few tables for 2 or 3 people are situated next to the stage, stools around the bar and tables surround the outer walls, so there is plenty of seating.
They are serious about their jazz here and you are asked not to talk over the band. With how loud the music usually is in that small space you won't be able to hear what your partner is saying anyhow. The music set changes day to day and month to month so there is always someone new to discover.
Drinks - as the name would suggest the bar offers over 125 different champagnes to choose from, along with the usual spirits and bottled beers. There were cocktails too, which from memory were pretty good and strong. But then again for $12-15 you'd want them to be.
They offer bar snacks of a posher kind. An oyster shooter is $6 while a fondue plate is $12. My partner loves cheese, so for us it was the 3 cheese platter for $12.
The bar staff was helpful, not snooty and while I had a two-for-one entry ticket, somehow we only paid $15 for the 3 of us.

All major credit cards accepted.
Tues-Thurs there is no cover, Fri-Sat $15 per person.
jazz club hours
tues-sat: 8pm - 2am
music begins at 9pm

champagne bar hours
daily: 3pm - 2am