Much more than just the corner bar experience, Stone Lotus serves drinks and food while pampering its patrons with luxury and style. The hip Asian-style design of the space, the not-cheap but decadent drink concoctions, and the amazingly attending wait staff have made this a Chicago hot-spot
This 'liquor-spa' occupies 5,000 square feet of space, all of it in one long, narrow room. The tranquil experience provided by the 60-foot waterfall, bamboo, cherry blossom trees, aromatherapy and wenge wood is an interesting blend with the non-stop partying that fills the room. The wait to get in can be long, but you can call ahead for table reservations. Just make sure you show up on time and without any extra guests for which you hadn't reserved seats. Even if you do have to wait, you'll still enjoy the royal treatment: the staff serves complimentary drinks to waiting patrons--hot cocoa in the winter and bottled water in the summer. Once inside, enjoy rums, champagnes, and of course, succulent mixed drinks. The food on the menu is also exceptional, with such dishes as pork loin and rosemary mustard with a sweet corn-bacon muffin and thistle-honey frosting, or lighter fare such as jerkspiced prawns, plantain chips and tropical fruit profiteroles with rum caramel.
Cost to get in is $20, but that is subject to change without notice. Cocktails range from around $11-$20, or full bottles are available. If you bring your own car, there is valet parking, but you can get there on the Brown Line train. All major forms of plastic accepted (Visa, MasterCard, American Express, and Discover). The lounge is wheelchair accessible.
Hours: 9 p.m.-2 a.m. Tuesday through Friday; 9 p.m.-3 a.m. Saturday
