So it’s winter in Chicago, again! And while you might look forward to all the holidays of this season, once the fun of Christmas, Hanukkah, and New Year’s Eve is over, it feels like the winter just drags on. By January 1st, you’re ready for summer. But judging by that snow on the ground, it’s not coming for a while…unless you can step into a bar and feel whisked away to a warmer season! Luckily for you, Chicago has a few bars that are tropical-themed so you can feel like it’s summer in the middle of a Midwest winter. So how can you find a bar of this kind? Here are the top features to look for in a bar when you need a break from winter.
Beachy Décor
The main way you can tell a tropical bar apart from your average big city bar is the décor. Basically, you have to be able to feel like you’re suddenly on a desert island the minute you pop your head in the door.
That means the furniture had better be made of wicker, bamboo, or a similar wooden, outdoorsy material that will make you feel like you’re sitting at your favorite beachside bar, not in the middle of a big, cold city. When you look around the bar, you should be able to spot some Hawaiian leis, grass skirts, tiki torches, overgrown plants, surfboards, and more. Hammocks are optional, but can be a nice touch for any beach-themed Chicago bar.
Tropical Drinks
If you can’t stomach the thought of yet another hot toddy or Irish coffee this winter, you definitely need to head to a beachy Chicago bar, preferably one with all the island-themed drinks you can swig. In fact, you can’t have an authentic beach bar without some tasty tropical drinks!
So what makes a drink tropical? Well, to start, it should be cold, either on ice or blended. Sure, an ice-cold beer or frozen margarita counts, but what’s even better is when the bar has some more unique, intricate cocktails to try. Ideally, they’ll be fruity, almost too sweet, and always garnished with cherries or a slice of pineapple—or even a cute little umbrella! Just think of your favorite drink to sip by the beach or pool in the summer, and check the menu for that before you get comfortable at your local Chicago beach bar.
Great Music
The best part of the beach isn’t always the water. After all, you might not even do more than dip your toes into it while you’re there! The real benefit of the beach is the relaxation you feel while you sit or lie next to the water, either in a lounge chair or a bar stool at your favorite place to drink. And what do you listen to while you’re there? Music!
In fact, good music can really set the scene while you socialize, especially if you plan to dance. Whether it’s a live band playing traditional island songs or a DJ spinning the latest tunes, the best tropical bars have great music. So make sure the Chicago bar you choose has some good songs to enjoy as you sip those tropical drinks this winter!
If you’re not sure which Chicago bar features all these tropical details, we know of one: Coconutz! From the moment you walk into Coconutz, you’ll start to feel your winter blues subside as you take in the island décor, grab a tropical drink, and listen to the upbeat tunes. And this bar should get bonus points for being near a body of water, as it’s in the Gold Coast neighborhood, right by Lake Michigan. If you’re ready for a winter pick-me-up, stop in at Coconutz today!
