5 hotels with great lobby bars in Chicago

Though technically a full-service restaurant, Cira’s footprint is so large, there are plenty of pockets for everything from coffee dates to solo scrolling by the always-roaring fire. By day, comfortable couches and a welcoming, naturally lit bar welcome leisurely lunches, and the local after-work crowd moves in for happy hour as the lights dim.

The size of this little coffee/cocktail bar lends it an intimate feel that’s immediately cozy. With eye-catching portraits on the walls, leather chairs facing a custom limestone fireplace, and low-slung couches and coffee tables stacked with art monographs, it’s as comfortable as a posh friend’s reading room.

A welcome respite from buzzy Rush Street, this understated lobby bar is a quiet and comfortable location for a solo glass of wine or a shared bottle and bites. Though the hotel’s check-in desk is nearby, a fireplace and club chairs break up the room, creating space to spread out.

With tall ceilings, dark lighting and handsome leather, the aptly named Drawing Room is a comfortable gathering place for comings and goings of locals and travelers alike. Library tables, cozy nooks, and fireside leather couches are all up for grabs, and unobtrusive staff regularly make the rounds offering beverages and bites, if you’re hungry.

Fuzzy wall hangings, a red brick fireplace, retro totems and yellow table-lamp lighting lend this famous cocktail spot a kitschy vibe that’s ideal for killing a few hours. Banquette seating is mixed with low-slung couches and side tables for a range of seating options, and a recently added all-day menu means you’ll never go hungry.