Friday, August 16, 2013

Review: Chicago Manhattans

I've been known to enjoy a Manhattan, or three. On a recent week-long work trip to downtown Chicago, I had the opportunity to taste a few. Let's rate them and see how they stacked-up - it will be fun!

Monday night: The Bedford
Drinks in the bank vault? Sounds good to me.

The Manhattans and the service were great. The dark cherry was a welcome change from a typical maraschino.

Monday night #2: Bub City
Howdy, pardner!

After great drinks and a nice dinner, live country music and forgettable Manhattans. What more would you expect?

Monday night #3: Snickers
Looks can be deceiving, but not this time. It's a dive.

Ok, Bub City just closed, but we still need some drinks. "Snicker's" across the street? Yes. I believe I may have had a Manhattan and it was marginal at best, but my memory is clouded. Go figure.

Tuesday night: ugh, no Manhattans tonight. Even a badass needs to sleep sometimes.

Wednesday night: Epic
 
Not so comfortable rooftop. $13 Manhattan in a plastic glass?

The Manhattan was lame and overpriced. The bartender certainly wasn't hired for her mixology. One Manhattan and done. Also, Guinness from a can? Let's get out of here.

Wednesday night #2: Rockit
Upscale sports bar? Kind of. Good food.

Had a Manhattan upon arrival, and it was good, but I'm just not feelin' it tonight. Have a Farmhouse burger and a few beers.

Wednesday night #3: Blue Frog
Privacy shower curtains in the men's room are part of the charm of this place. Then hit the stage to redeem myself as the karaoke king of Chicago

Want a drink at this karaoke dive? Stick to PBR in a can - it's the local favorite.

Wednesday night #4: The Hangge Uppe
Try not to touch anything.

Blue Frog closes at 2 (last call ~1:15); Hangge Uppe is open until 4:00. Why not? Definitely did not order a Manhattan - not really sure what I would get. I did; however, stick to the floor for a few hours.

Thursday night: The Benchmark
Decent place in Oldtown. Pretentious ladies and bros who've grown-up.

I had one Manhattan - it was fine, but again, not feeling it. Maybe this is a bad week to judge Manhattans...

And, the winner...

Tall Pinkie with a Splash

At the company picnic Thursday, I drank a raft of these...

INGREDIENTS
  • Pre-made vodka & pink lemonade (no clue on the ratios)
  • Extra vodka
  • Lime wedge
  • Ice
INSTRUCTIONS
  1. Walk-up to the bartender, and using your existing plastic cup as a guide, motion 3/4 of the glass for "pinkie," ask for an extra splash of vodka, and a lime
  2. Bartender looks at you sideways and then obeys - they are getting paid for this after all
  3. Return to friends and associates and their pink drink mockery. Whatever.


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