Cool bars with food downtown or thereabouts?

Hello LTH -- i've tried several search terms on this topic but to no avail. I'm good with the restaurant knowledge but not so good with the bar knowledge. I'm looking for a fun/funky place to have about 10-15 folks gather for cocktails and apps for a holiday thing. I'm looking more towards the bar end than the restaurant end -- in the past we've done this at Bin 36 and Carnivale -- I've got an inquiry in at Delacosta -- but I'm wondering if any of you folks who haunt watering holes would know some good places to do this -- essentially a bar with good food. Any ideas would be appreciated. I'm aware of pubs like the Gage and the Pepper Canister and other places of that ilk -- but i'd love something a bit more fun or slightly twisted, if that's possible. Not horribly young though -- we're dealing with accountants here.

Thanks!

Shannon

If you're willing to go between 3:30 & 5 on a weekday, I'd suggest Avec.

"a bit more fun or slightly twisted"

Violet Hour?

Avec is an interesting idea.

Isn't Violet Hour strictly cocktails? I need food too...

Violet Hour does indeed have food (fried pickles, chorizo, deviled eggs with candied bacon, sandwiches).

Not particularly edgy, but The Tasting Room (adjacent to Randolph Wine Cellars) is a very comfortable place to drink and eat with friends. And there's a great view from the upstairs. More wine than cocktail focused, though, so that might be a consideration.

Kristen

Does it have to be like literally "downtown"? If it doesn't, and you can make it up north, then i would suggest the Hopleaf

This place gets busier and busier as the night goes on, but since i've been going, showing up for dinner around 6 or so and staying for drinks for the evening should treat everyone well.

hey everyone -- just thought I'd let you know that we're going with a party at the Landmark Grill & Lounge on Halsted. It was mighty slim pickins out there right now -- and minimums are jacked the hell up.

I've never eaten at this place -- but it looks fun and has a decent rep. So i'm hoping it gives some nice accountants a good party.

I'll report back when it's all over.

My wife and I had dinner at Landmark once. We were in a hurry so only ordered sandwiches, but they were both good. The rest of the menu was more intriguing than your standard North Side bar/grille. I think you should have a good experience.

I've been recommending The Paramount Room on Milwaukee (415 N. Milwaukee Ave near the Chocolate factory). A little outside downtown, it fits the 'slightly twisted' description with a downstairs ex-speakeasy feel. Too small upstairs for a group gathering of even your size, unless you reserve the big booth that might sit ten or so.

Much more causal (but not less expensive) than some of the mentioned bars. The food is beyond good, with excellent Scotch Eggs, tartare and even a bit of foie, and an interesting, varied beer selection (several on tap Belgians and American crafts not seen everywhere) as well as a list of other funky/fancy cocktails.

http://paramountroom.com/

Having worked in the Hotel industry I tend to be partial to Hotel Lounges and Restaurants. Below are two off the top of my head:

Wave
W - Hotel Lakeshore
644 North Lake Shore Drive
Chicago IL 60611 [map]
(312) 255-4460
http://www.waverestaurant.com/default.html

China Grill
HardRock Hotel
230 N Michigan Ave
Chicago, IL 60601 [map]
(312) 334-6700
http://www.chinagrillmgt.com/chinaIL/main.cfm

~GS