CheekyChicago

Are you a voyeur? Or an exhibitionist? Either way, you are sure to feel a wee bit naughty when chilling at the Vertigo Sky Lounge. Located on the penthouse floor of the posh new Dana Hotel, Vertigo has been specifically designed to look and feel like your best friend’s- boyfriend’s- brother’s- business partner’s-super rich friend’s bachelor bad. He’s no one you really know, but boy are you glad that you sorta do. My point is: the place looks less like a bar and more like someone’s condo. With floor-to-ceilings windows, fine carpeting, leather plush sofas, a sweet outdoor patio and, best of all, a stone’s throw away distance between you and your surrounding condos, Vertigo is most definitely the city’s sexiest new hot spot. There’s not even an actual bar; just pretty girls serving you drinks. Even the bathrooms make you feel exposed (you must see to believe). And did I mention the waitresses walk around in cat suits and hot pants? Um, yeah.

Perhaps, with such a tantalizing atmosphere, it’s easy to forget the reason you came out to the bar in the first place. The drink menu will snap you back to reality (almost) with cocktails such as the “Peach Pussycat” (with Maker’s Mark, peach schnapps, pineapple juice and a cherry over ice) and the “Singapore Sling” (with Beefeater gin, cherry brandy, Benedictine and fresh lemon). My choice was “From Russia with Love”, which is pretty much your typical straight up vodka martini. But like I said, nothing about Vertigo feels (or tastes) typical. This drink was tall, big and stiff. Just the way I like my…drinks.

After all that staring (at your neighbors across the way), drooling (at the gorgeous patrons) and drinking (did I mention they have a great wine list too?), one starts to work up an appetite. Good thing Vertigo inhabits the same space as the amazing Ajasteak, down on the first floor of the hotel. The appetizer menu at Vertigo mirrors that same Asian flair, with an amazing list of sushi rolls (spicy yellowfin tuna with cucumber is a standout) as well as hot dishes such as garlic prawns, Vietnamese grilled chicken and a spicy catfish sampler.

Whether you are into show and tell, showing all or the peep show itself – just be sure you are not a no show. Get your sexy little hiney over to Vertigo ASAP. Because everybody is into something.