For a laid back drink in a contemporary atmosphere, visit Empire Liquors. At this raw yet sleek environment, you can enjoy everything from beer and champagne to create-your-own drinks, such as spiked Italian soda-like cocktails.
The building itself occupies the space of what used to be the Reservation Blues, and is decorated with a concrete bar, metallic walls with stenciling, Gothic archways, and a herringbone slate floor. To get here, it is best to take a cab, the CTA bus, or the Blue Line train, since street parking is difficult. The bar honors about any type of plastic, and cash is always accepted. If you have a large group, take a seat in that back at the "Gangster" booth that seats 17.
