Inside: Minibar

There may be no cigs allowed at minibar, but those bartenders are smokin' hot

By Karen Budell

August 31, 2007

 

Minibar | Winebar
Address:
3339-41 N. Halsted St., Chicago, IL, 60657
Phone:
773-871-6227
Overall User Rating:
4 (28 ratings)
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Hours:
Minibar: 7 p.m.-2 a.m. Monday through Friday; 5 p.m.-3 a.m. Saturday; 5 a.m. -2 a.m. Sunday Winebar: 5 p.m.-midnight Sunday through Thursday; 5 p.m.-2 a.m. Friday and Saturday (last dinner seating at 9:30 p.m.); brunch available 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Saturday and Sunday.
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When we first heard new Boystown lounge minibar would be smoke-free, we were psyched. But, once seated at the bar, we were more captivated by the delicious men serving our cocktails than the absence of cigarettes. Both are great reasons to stop in, but be warned: Bartending skills may not have been a prerequisite for servers; our drinks were inconsistent.

Inside: The tiny bar flips the spatial layout and ditches the dark interior of former occupant Felt, allowing more seating and an airier atmosphere. Exposed brick and modern decor-including a super slick mirror that doubles as a TV-create a vibe similar to a swanky, loft-like bachelor pad or sophisticated hotel lobby. Smoke-free: Ditch the Febrez. We can't gush enough about how much we loved not smelling like an ashtray. And depending on the outcome of upcoming City Council meetings, more bars on the block could join this spot's efforts. (Smokers can hang outside and chat with the friendly doorman while getting their fix.)

Drinks: The spotlight here's on infused liquors, so look for changing flavors displayed in large glass canisters behind the bar. On a Friday night, we spied hunks of watermelon soaking in vodka and fresh orange slices submerged in a house-made Long Island mix. Our classic Long Island iced tea was smooth and delicious ($6), but a martini version ($12) was not mixed well, pricey and too stiff.

Service: Did someone order the Abercrombie catalog in the flesh? These guys are model material and, after a chat, we found out at least one of the boys has posed professionally for the camera. That might explain the questionable bartending skills, but how can you complain about the eye candy? Though, fellas, don't get your hopes up; something tells us they don't all play for your team. Staff was beyond nice, and we're happy to see the infamous Felt attitude is long gone.

Crowd: A great date place for cocktailing couples, but also a little cruise-y for scoping the scene. Guys were decked out in mainstream Boystown attire; think Gap and Banana. Though owners insist minibar is straight-friendly, it's clear you're in the heart of Halsted Street.

Bottom line: We heart minibar. For the pretty boys. For the smoke-free environment. For the welcoming staff. And for checking the attitude of a brand-new, buzzed-about spot at the door. Though we wouldn't mind if your beautiful bartenders sharpened their skills to match their looks.

Karen Budell is the metromix nightlife producer.

Originally published October 25, 2005.

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