The Berkshire Room

"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. " - sam faye, adrian kane, john ringor, veda kilaru, nick allen

"Have a drink back at your hotel or one of downtown’s many excellent cocktail bars. The Berkshire Room has an extensive menu organized by flavor, spirit, and glassware." - Samantha Nelson

"This mid-century-looking lounge in The Acme Hotel has great classic cocktails. But if you’re a rebellious, liquor-drinking trailblazer, get the Dealer’s Choice. There are no complex menu descriptions to parse—you just tell the friendly bartenders the spirit, flavor profile, and glass you want. And while it might take a while to get your drink (sit at the small bar for a faster alcohol-to-mouth pipeline), the result is usually good. Come early in the evening, 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. " - veda kilaru, john ringor

"At one point, whiskey, sugar, and bitters went out of style in favor of gin or vodka-based drinks—which led to the term “Old Fashioned.” And at this mid-century-looking cocktail lounge in The Acme Hotel, you can show everyone what a rebellious, liquor-drinking trailblazer you are. By ordering the Dealer’s Choice, you can tell the staff what spirit you want, the flavor profile, and the glass you want it in if you think rocks glasses are so 1880s. Rum or whiskey. Fruity or earthy. The possibilities are endless—go forth and be a fearless pioneer." - john ringor

"The Berkshire Room is a bar in the Acme Hotel serving craft cocktails, draft cocktails, and snacks (including oysters). The space has an art deco design, and a low-key feel that makes it great for drinks before going out in River North." - Adrian Kane