Wine bar
Unclaimed profileThe Press Room
Chicago, IL · $$$
Inebrious
Beverage Program Score
The editorial take
The Press Room balances a serious cocktail program with a compact wine list, anchored by a rotating Wine of the Month and a $50 absinthe tower. Cocktails are organized by body weight, from light to full, with creative house interpretations like the Yuzu Sidecar and Bitters & Bloom. The wine side, though less documented, offers a notable Merlot and a Champagne-oyster pairing. A lively West Loop spot for drinkers who want both craft cocktails and a decent pour.
- What should I order?
- Start with the Summer Pearl, a lychee martini twist with makgeolli and passion fruit. For a stirred drink, the Bitters & Bloom brings Buffalo Trace and High West Double Rye together with strawberry and amaro. If wine is the goal, the Orin Swift Merlot is a fruit-forward choice; the Oysters & Ooh La La! Pairs a dozen oysters with Laurent-Perrier Champagne.
- Who will enjoy this place?
- Cocktail enthusiasts will appreciate the structured menu and creative ingredients. Wine drinkers looking for a curated selection and a lively bar scene will find a fit, especially those who enjoy monthly features and a happy hour with bottle deals.
- When should I go?
- Evenings suit the bar's lively atmosphere; happy hour is mentioned as a draw, with half-off wine bottles.
- What should I expect to spend?
- Cocktails run $14-$17, with a $50 absinthe tower for groups. Wine by the bottle starts around $55; the Champagne-oyster special is $120.
- What makes the beverage program distinctive?
- The cocktail menu's body-weight organization is a thoughtful touch, and the inclusion of a $50 absinthe tower signals a playful side. The Wine of the Month program and a private barrel tequila in the Santino's Corner add exclusivity.
Beverage categories
We only score what a venue sets out to do. Categories a venue doesn't attempt are left unscored rather than penalized.
Cocktails
A well-structured cocktail menu with 15 drinks organized by body weight, featuring creative ingredients and house interpretations. Prices are fair, and the menu includes a seasonal Cocktail of the Month and a show-stopping absinthe tower.
Menu strengths
- — Diverse menu with clear sections by body weight
- — Creative ingredients and house interpretations; Seasonal specials like Cocktail of the Month
Standout selections
- — Summer Pearl: Wheatley Vodka, makgeolli, lychee, passion fruit, coconut cream, lemon
- — Bitters & Bloom: Buffalo Trace, High West Double Rye, strawberry, amaro, cacao bitters, shiso
- — Yuzu Sidecar: Torres 10 Brandy, yuzu liqueur, barrel-aged maple syrup, lemon
- — Fountain of Dreams: absinthe tower at $50
Pricing: $14-$17 per cocktail; $50 absinthe tower; $8 Oyster Shooter
Wine
The wine program is minimal but curated, featuring a monthly selection and a Champagne pairing.
Menu strengths
- — Curated Wine of the Month feature; Champagne and oyster pairing option
Standout selections
- — Orin Swift 'Advice From John' Merlot 2024: rich, fruit-forward with blackberry pie and espresso notes
- — Laurent-Perrier Champagne in the Oysters & Ooh La La! Special
Pricing: Wine of the Month $55; Champagne-oyster special $120
Spirits
A broad range of spirits appears across the cocktail menu, from vodka and gin to whiskey, tequila, mezcal, brandy, rum, and absinthe. Specific brands indicate a well-stocked bar, though no standalone spirits list exists.
Menu strengths
- — Specific premium brands like Maestro Dobel and Mezcal Derrumbes
Standout selections
- — Maestro Dobel Press Room Private Barrel tequila in Santino's Corner
- — Mezcal Derrumbes in Naked But Not So Famous
- — Kübler Absinthe available for the Fountain of Dreams
Pricing: No dedicated spirits pricing; included in cocktail prices
How it sits with the food
Oysters and Champagne form a classic pairing, while the cocktail menu's range can match bar snacks; the Bitters & Bloom's rye and amaro could stand up to heartier fare like steak.
Inebrious does not score kitchens, food or the restaurant overall. We review the beverage program only.
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