JOE’S SELECT: HOT SPOT
Chicago, IL: Crocodile Lounge
Mere blocks from the Board of Trade, the neighborhood is a bit on the underdeveloped side but that only entices you to find out what’s behind the battered steel door of this tiny downtown gem. Crocodile Lounge holds down a day job as an after-work hang; during the week, traders clamber in for chicken wings, calamari and cocktails. At night the lounge morphs into any of the following; Tuesday Nights: showcase for up-and-coming hip-hop artists, Wednesday Nights: a venue for house music or comedy, Thursday and Friday Nights: a variety of hip-hop, R&B to mainstream and or Saturday Nights: an occasional gig spot for live jazz and reggae bands. Despite the "anything goes" mentality, a few ground rules exist: Sneakers and baseball caps are generally not welcome, and guests must be prepared to shell out a cover charge of $5-$20, which is quite reasonable.
Combined crocodile-chic decor with Gotham City glitz: brassy, faux croc skin upholsters the banquettes; a curvy, metal fixture crowning the bar resembles fins on a sea monster; and hues of amphibian green, gold and chocolate brown lurk in every corner. Bask in the warm candlelit glow of curling metal chandeliers, which are bumped up just enough to illuminate the sculpted wall hangings, and low-slung seating arranged around glass-topped tables and hardwood floors. Exposed brick walls lend an industrial feel to the space while sinuous metal chandeliers and twisted sculptures spell out a downtown vibe. The soundtrack of house, neo soul, R&B and hip-hop is eclectic and sexy—as is the crowd, mostly after-work escapees from the nearby financial district, wearing cubicle casual or, occasionally, a bespoke suit.
When it comes time to imbibe, pick your poison from a full bar. Order yourself a signature Cocktail of Citrus Vodka and Melon Liqueur with a dash of Sweet and Sour and settle in at the wood and sculpted-copper bar or head out to the patio for an alfresco good time. Satisfy your munchies with a newly expanded menu of crab cakes, pizza, pasta and brochette as well as all the regular bar featured appetizers which include sandwiches like: Italian chicken and fried white fish and much, much, more.
—Andre J Durall
