DATE RATER
Blind date
First date
Seal the deal
Special occasion
Double date
Relationship date
The basics: A truly sexy date awaits at Vertigo, the penthouse lounge atop the sleek Dana Hotel and Spa. Instead of entering through the hotel’s lobby off of State Street, look for the separate club entrance on Erie. The doorman will direct you to the elevators inside to ascend to the 26th floor. The first thing you’ll notice is the floor-to-ceiling windows providing a panoramic view of the city lights. If weather permits, step out onto the outdoor patio lit by giant globe lights and a flaming firepit. If it’s chilly outside, occupy a table for two near the window, admire the pictures of tattooed body parts on the ceiling and sip cocktails served in retro plastic tumblers. Voyeuristic people-watching in neighboring high-rise buildings could give you an idea or two how to spend the rest of your evening.
Noise level: Although there’s a DJ most nights, the best date times are Wednesdays, Thursdays and Sundays. That’s when you’re more likely to hear your honey’s every word and claim your choice of seating, whether it’s near the window or cuddled together in the dimly lit alcove room on the bar’s southwest corner.
What to order: At Vertigo, it’s hard to tell which is more exciting, the libations or the service itself. Catsuit-clad ladies stroll through the club with bars on wheels, making signature cocktails tableside. Beer, wine and cocktails are also available at two service bars. The Honeybee ($11) is a popular pick, made with Flor de Cana dark rum, lime juice and acacia honey. For a prissy drink with a kick, ask your server to whip up a Pink Lady ($11), made with Tanqueray gin, grenadine and a touch of cream. For nibbles, the sushi and sashimi (courtesy of the hotel’s restaurant Ajasteak downstairs) are tasty options ($4-$14 per two-piece order).
Icebreaker: Impress your date with your knowledge of alternate meanings of the name "Dana." The Dana Hotel and Spa was named to pay homage to the city’s original Dana Hotel, which once occupied the same lot; however, upon further investigation, owners discovered that Dana means "generosity" or "the pleasure of giving" in Sanskrit.
Gina B's inside tips
>> If you really want to proclaim your love for all to see, scribble a message to your date on the chalkboard wall in the communal bathroom.
>> The hotel’s usual valet parking rate tops $30, but if you're just stopping in at Vertigo, make sure to score the $12 customer rate instead.
RedEye relationship columnist Gina B. is a Metromix special contributor. metromix@tribune.com
