"After in the West Loop is a cocktail lounge from the same team behind Ever, the fancy tasting menu spot next door. As would be expected, the place is luxurious—the sleek interior has a glowing bar that looks like an Apple-designed energy core, and a private fireplace area with couches that you can reserve in advance. The drinks are all great, from classic cocktails to options like the smoke blossom made with top-shelf scotch, whiskey, and hints of pear and apricot. We’d also gladly walk in just to snack on their Vietnamese duck wings glazed in a sweet and savory fish sauce. They have crackly skin and buttery meat that made us double-check that we weren’t actually eating ribs. Drinks are pricey (hovering around $23) but it’s perfect for a special occasion." - john ringor, adrian kane
