Ready for your next fun fix? Z Bar, the globally inspired rooftop destination at The Peninsula Chicago has just opened its doors to an unrivalled blend of flavours, sights and sounds from Chicago and around the globe. With a skyline peppered with skyscrapers to enjoy, this new hotspot makes the perfect summer spot.
Two years in the making, Z Bar brings together captivating concepts, skilled industry leaders and expert hosting skills to present one of the most highly anticipated openings this summer. With a name inspired by Maria Zec, The Peninsula Hotels’ first-ever female general manager, the lounge offers innovative cocktails, thoughtfully curated wines and an internationally inspired menu of small plates and shared platters.
Here’s ten of the top things on offer at Z Bar:
1 Dare Devil Drinks. Cocktails are crafted with exceptional ingredients and inspiration, while bespoke glassware and rare garnishes aim to surprise. Z Bar’s drinks are imaginative and sophisticated, international and playful. A Manhattan Royale stars rare Elijah Craig 18-Year-Old Bourbon with truffle or saffron bitters served in handmade crystal over ice laced with 24-karat gold. Carbonated, bottled CoZmos (or Cosmopolitans) can be ordered five at a time in a Champagne bucket. Hic.
2 Iconic Views. Lake Michigan, the Hancock, the historic Water Tower — take in the most stunning sights of the city from Z Bar’s perch high-above Chicago.
3 Lasting Beats. Soulful tunes and funky rhythms from around the world change by the hour, even by the cocktail, courtesy of renowned DJ and international music producer Alyson Calagna.
4 Globe-Trotting Cuisine. Small plates and shared platters nod to the cuisines of Asia, Europe and the Americas as they cleverly pay homage to beloved bar snacks. When paired with cocktails, it’s a wholly inventive culinary journey around the globe. Marrow Poppers, Z Bar’s version of tater tots, hide a decadent filling of bone marrow and Bordelaise.
5 Design to Discover. Conceived by international icons Yabu Pushelberg, the bar is made up of a progression of lounges, each with their own personality designed to beckon you further inside. A study in refined textures, bold patterns and evocative artistry, the lounge is a fitting backdrop to the detail-forward beverages, drinks and cultural happenings.
Scenic murals, a dramatic skylight, floor-to-ceiling windows and portrait of a pug combine to create a visual feast.`
6 Clothes to Covet. The Z Bar team’s Studio 54-inspired outfits, by Ricorso’s Daryl Sneed, exude serious style, tailoring and sway. From wrap dresses and jumpsuits for the women to custom suits and vegan leather aprons for the men, the clothes make a statement of their own.
7 Showmanship and Craft. Tableside preparations and pours abound – from freshly made mojitos from a roving cart and hand-pulled mozzarella dishes, to a 4:00 pm Friday afternoon Champagne tower designed to kick-off the weekend as early as possible.
8 Hands-On Experiences. Z Bar will offer a variety of classes and other experiences to take guests behind the scenes with the experts. Drink and learn with Wanderlust, a monthly series that dives into spirits and teaches new techniques in a way that enlightens as much as it entertains.
9 Inspired Service. Attentive and personalized service is a standard at Z Bar. Interactive experiences and customized preparations incorporating guest preferences along with an educated team take guest’s Z Bar visit to a new level.
10 The Scene. A veritable see-and-be-seen oasis hosted by Bar Director Benjamin Robertson, a wine master with expert hosting skills; Bar Manager David Gonzalez, a connoisseur with international experience; Vlad Novikov, Director of Cocktails & Culture, the charismatic, creative force behind the bar; Executive Chef Toni Robertson, the perfectionist in the kitchen; and more.
Find out more via zbarchicago.com