THE OFFICE (CHICAGO, IL)

The Office
955 W. Fulton Market
Chicago, IL 60607
The Office
Tel: 312.226.0868
Cuisine: Bar, Speakeasy
$$$$ ($50+)
Sun, 08/07/2016, 8:15pm reservation
     (5 Piglets)

Hidden in Grant Achatz's The Aviary is a really cool, sleek, old school bar. It isn't just any bar; it's a speakeasy. These days, you can get tickets for the Office online rather than having to know someone to get you in. 

Upon entering The Aviary, you are taken downstairs to a door with no sign. It is the door to the Office: no signage, hidden and classy. The space itself is very small, cozy, with two couches, multiple leather chairs, one table that seats four, and a small bar countertop. The decor reminds you of a cigar room (not that I've ever been to one, but it's what I envision it to be). Persian rugs, whimsical art and dark mahogany wood paneling constitute the decor. Upon arrival, you are given the biggest alcohol book you'll ever receive in your life. 

The stairs to the Office from the Aviary

The door to the office

The bartenders are hardcore here. When it comes to liquor, they know their stuff, majority of them having at least 15 years of experience plus. If you're not sure what you want, you can simply tell them what liquor base you'd like for your cocktail and they'll whip up something magical. They also serve appetizers here if you want food to compliment your alcohol of choice (I highly recommend the jamon iberico). 

The interior

The key to the Office entrance

The other view of the entrance

Look at all these liquids to make up your drink! 

Just a handful of what they have for their stash

The bartender aka a mixologist creating the drinks

MY COCKTAIL ($20). I told my bartender I wanted something slightly sweet, but isn't overpowering. Somehow, she created this well-balanced drink that was super delicious, but wasn't like you were drinking grape juice. There was some peppercorn vodka and bing cherries amongst a number of things, which I don't quite remember. It definitely was strong, as most of the drinks here are, but it was perfect. 

Overall, the Office is an awesome speakeasy bar that screams classiness and sophistication. I appreciate that the mixologists are fully knowledgeable on all aspects of the alcohol realm. If you want something sweet, strong, bitter, sour, or fancy, they got you covered. It's not crowded and it's a great place to grab drinks after dinner and hang out. I also enjoy that they have little touches like a handwritten bill with an ink stamp. If this was closer to me, I'd be here more often.

The ink stamp

The bill

Notable dishes: Any drink of your choice!