Acrophobic alert: This 4,100-square-foot rooftop lounge, which offers indoor and seasonal outdoor seating, is slated to open on the 26th floor of River North's new Dana Hotel and Spa mid-August.
See if you get vertigo when you peer out the wrap-around, floor-to-ceiling windows of this posh lounge, complete with a DJ booth, two bars and three martini "pass-throughs"-- you’ll just see the mystery bartender’s hand positioning your drink on a ledge; the wait staff will take it from there. Interior design elements include suspended, super-imposed images of tattooed body parts (no word yet on which parts), sculptural artwork and a wrap-around banquette. The 1,000-square-foot outdoor area is decked with cedar and cypress wood benches and tables situated around a central fire pit. Expect a small bites menu featuring sashimi and maki rolls (We like the Marilyn Monroll, a crab salad, shrimp tempura and scallop concoction), plus cold apps such as ceviche and oysters. The premium cocktail list includes fun choices such as the Smoking Dragon, a blood-orange vodka, OJ and champagne mix with a side of "smoking" dry ice; match your maki with a selection from the boutique sake list.