King of Cups

King of Cups Royal Cocktail Lounge Opens in Lincoln Park | Eater Chicago

"I visited the new royalty-themed Rococo cocktail lounge King of Cups, which opened today in Lincoln Park at 2238 N. Lincoln Avenue and offers an eclectic cocktail menu, over-the-top decor, and a full suit of armor. Candelabras and busts sit on a long dark-wood bar while maroon fabric draped regally overhead softens metal fixtures and an exposed brick wall; gilded chandeliers hang from the ceiling and cozy leather booths and banquettes fill the intimate 1,000-square-foot space that seats 60. An elevated throne along a side wall faces the bar and is flanked by a full suit of armor, and elaborate framed portraits and monitors feature royals — by blood or fame — including “the King” Elvis, Queen Victoria, and David Bowie. Festivities begin tonight and will continue beyond grand opening weekend with burlesque performances, live music, and tarot readings; paranormal researcher and medium Chris Fleming will appear Friday from 6:30 p.m. to 10:30 p.m. and plans to drop in around 9 p.m. on Saturday. The owners describe the cocktail list as “approachable” to both newbies and connoisseurs: 20 drinks named for performers and local industry figures (including “Smerch’s Swizzle,” which honors original owner Bob Smerch) cost $12 each, larger cocktails for two-to-four people are coming soon for a few more ducats, and a zero-proof cocktail list is planned for the end of May. King of Cups will not serve food and is open 5 p.m. to 2 a.m. Wednesday through Sunday." - Naomi Waxman