"Start off a night in River North at this mid-century-looking lounge in The Acme Hotel, which is great for classic cocktails. But any rebellious, liquor-drinking trailblazers should order the Dealer’s Choice, which doesn’t have complex menu descriptions to parse—just tell the friendly bartenders the spirit, flavor profile, and desired glass. Come early in the night, before the dark nooks and low tables are filled with people trying to impress their party with a tolerance for something strong and stirred when they secretly wish the drink was sweet and sour." - john ringor, adrian kane, nick allen, veda kilaru, sam faye