Mix
2843 N. Halsted St. 773-528-7569
X/O (3441 N. Halsted St.) may be known for its small plates, but its lounge is pretty hot too. Now the same owners have turned Crush into a new lounge with upscale bar food from the same top toque.
Inside: Three plasma screens behind the bar boast music videos for a conversation starter. (Think Gwen Stefani, disco divas and Suzanne Vega co-mingling in a playlist, like Jack FM.) Pop a squat on super-comfy, woven leather barstools or sink into low-slung lounge seating in neutral tones.
We loved the airy appeal of sliding doors and a garage-style door in the front bar. DJs and local bands turn things up a notch on the stage in the big back room.
Food and drink: Chef Bob Zrenner of X/O whips up a fancy bar food menu of fish tacos with diced Mahi Mahi ($6.95); grilled pizzas with toppings like pesto and tomato, or a quirky pumpkin puree and sage cream sauce ($8.95 each; $5 on Fridays); and mini burgers ($7.95).
Unfortunately, Mix misses out on taking advantage of its name; a cocktail menu’s still in the works. But you’ll find bottle service ($150-$200) and mixed drink faves like Belvedere cosmos ($7) and Effen Black Cherry and Diet Cokes ($6).
Bottom line: Near plenty of bars that scream still-in-college-and-happily-downing-Jager, Mix provides a laidback lounge for the more mature Lakeview set.
Luxbar
18 E. Bellevue Pl. 312-642-3400
Folks flock to Chicago for classic steaks at the famous Gibsons (1028 N. Rush St.); now the same restaurant group’s got a bar that serves hearty cuisine.
Inside: Expect a more masculine decor with wood everywhere, a few plasma TVs, marble accents, mirrored walls and brass railings, and fixtures that come together for an over-the-top touch. Our favorite spot? The second floor balcony overlooking Rush Street.
Overall, we thought the place–though it has a modern edge–still fits that outdated, trying-too-hard State and Rush Street stereotype. Right down to the leering, over-40 set.
Food and drink: We loved the filet mignon Gold Coast Slider ($4) with a subtle chive and garlic spread; the pulled pork option was tasty, too ($2.50). But ribs with a tangy, Memphis-style rub ($10 for appetizer) were overcooked.
A classic bellini ($8) with fresh peach puree was a slightly sloppy sipper and lacked bubbles. Grey Goose martinis ($10.50) disappointed when served in what appeared to be a tiny fishbowl on a glass stem. Tip: If you focus on classic cocktails, don’t ditch signature glasses.
Bottom line: Luxbar should separate itself from surrounding competition, not blend in.
