Yep, more Paul McGee (see No. 1), this time showing off a collection of rare spirits in a tiny nook of the Chicago Athletic Association hotel. In exchange for some inconvenience—you have to put down $50 in advance to reserve one of the eight stools for a two-hour seating—you’ll sip some of the smoothest cocktails of your life, mixed by brilliant, easygoing bartenders. One downside: the tab. A single drink here can run up to $100. 12 S. Michigan Ave., 773-792-3515
Crowd Wealthy whiskey freaks
Food Light bites
Top Tipple Sazerac (Redemption rye, 1975 Delord Armagnac, bitters, absinthe), $34
Three to Try
Some hard-to-find oldies that Paul McGee loves (and pours at Milk Room)
$95 a pour
1940s Amer Picon bitter orange liqueur
“Subtler and drier than the current incarnation.”
$60 a pour
1960s Drambuie honey-infused Scotch
“More viscous than today’s versions, with a slightly smoky character.”
$80 a pour
1985 Old Taylor six-year bourbon
“Bottled a couple of years before Jim Beam bought the brand.”