This isn't a place you stumble into randomly. Located in the Loop's Palmer House Hilton, Potter's (named for founder Potter Palmer) is hard to find if you're not a guest at the hotel. Once you do find it, though, you'll want to keep it a secret. This lush spot feels like a 1950s Chicago cigar lounge, if you took away the smoke and added some glass-enclosed columns filled with white feathers. Pictures of jazz artists adorn the walls, and remixes play overhead to set the mood.
Hang out at the dimly lit bar or enjoy the comfortable leather chairs and plush sofas-for-two in the main room while you enjoy a bowl of peanuts with your drink. Need something more substantial? Potter's offers an upscale bar menu including goat cheese in a mini crock and a short rib sandwich. And there's nothing like a glass of pinot noir (especially an $18 one) to make you feel like a sweet creme brulee ($8).
Centerstage Reviewer: Beatrice Smigasiewicz
