The sharp, Japanese style is very obvious upon entering the hotel (formerly the Hotel Nikko), with palm trees, canvas window treatments, polished woods finishing, and ultra low chairs. Like a deceptively shallow soup bowl, the Hana Lounge resides two steps below the main lobby and its bustling pedestrians heading to the nearby elevators, front desk, and meeting rooms.

An ideal location for both cocktailing and appetizers, The Hana Lounge accompanies its trendy martini list with a Kamehachi Sushi Bar menu (a welcome alternative to typical burgers, chicken wings, and club sandwiches). This Japanese-American hybrid creates more of a San Francisco hotel lobby feel—and Chicago is better off with it.

Centerstage Reviewer: Larry Majewski