"This place is big on atmosphere, to the point that you may even feel like you’re in a themed hotel. But unlike the spaceship room at the Adventure Inn off I90, the design at Beatnik—which we’d describe as "Wes Anderson movie chic"—is tasteful, and adds to the fun of the place. So come ready to drink cocktails in a jungle of tropical plants, or eat dishes like mole verde gnocchi or chicken musakhan on a gigantic daybed. The food and drinks don’t disappoint, so this place is perfect for cocktails or a bohemian-feeling group dinner." - adrian kane, veda kilaru, john ringor, nick allen
"Bohemian culture first emerged in Europe as a way to describe the lifestyles of anti-establishment artists, writers, musicians,and actors living a free spirited, deconstructed lifestyle. It's fitting that a place like Bohemian House has found a home in River North, a neighborhood made famous through its artistic community. Enjoy the restaurant's eclectic decor and carefree essence while sipping on cocktails derived from traditional European recipes. The dinner menu, which is constantly shifting to reflect what's in season, is not one to miss. La vie boheme!" - One Design Company
"Romance doesn’t just mean love and courtship — it can also be a fantasy, or a yearning for far-away places. Beatnik in West Town, an homage to the hippie trail of the 1950s and ’60s, is opulently furnished with antiques and green plants. The Mediterranean-inspired menu similarly evokes a time and place that’s warmer, more colorful, and more romantic than the present." - Lisa Shames
"This is the kind of place where you could stomp around like you had your own personal wind machine and no one would think twice about it. Beatnik is all about atmosphere, and letting you eat things like veal sweetbread kebabs in a jungle full of tropical plants while a DJ plays. It’s perfect for cocktails, small plates, and pretending you’re on a movie set. Unlike on a movie set, though, you won’t have someone constantly touching up your hair, so thankfully there is no actual tropical humidity." - adrian kane
"You can be completely sober at Beatnik in West Town and be entertained solely by the over-the-top atmosphere. You’ll be surrounded by a jungle of tropical plants, sitting on silk cushions or antique furniture from Bali, with a DJ playing the whole time. It’s a fun place just to hang out, but it also has some interesting alcohol-free cocktails - like the slightly spicy El Nino, made with fresnos, mint-infused agave, grapefruit, and lime. Overall, this place is perfect for people-watching, eating light bites, and pretending you’re in a Wes Anderson movie." - adrian kane