photo: courtesy of Volcano Room Rum Bar
Forced relocation doesn't always have to be a bad thing; take the
Bottom Lounge, for example. When they lost their space in Lakeview thanks to CTA expansion, many music and cheap beer fans thought that'd be the end of it all. Now they've got a sprawling space in the West Loop that's so big there’s an entire second level with a whole different atmosphere – the Volcano Room Rum Bar.
Walk up the stairs and open the doors to find a spacious 5,000-square-foot space. There are a few tables, but most of the space is open, which is great for viewing the local indie bands that play here on a nightly basis.
Somehow the Volcano Room manages to combine a tiki theme yet stay true to its rock clientele. There are a few tiki statues, wooden accents trim the bar and windows and lots of rum bottles are on display to tempt patrons. But easily, the star of this space is the gorgeous outdoor patio. Sure to be a popular spot for private parties and events, there's plenty of tables and a great view of the downtown skyline, making it the perfect place to escape the loud music inside or stop in for an after-work drink and unwind.
In fact, West Loop residents are in luck: Bottom Lounge serves lunch and has nightly drink and dinner specials.
Centerstage Reviewer: Maya Henderson