After

After is a cocktail lounge in the West Loop from the same team behind the fancy tasting menu restaurant Ever. As would be expected, the place is luxurious—the sleek interior has a circular glowing bar that looks designed by Apple, and there's a private couch area with a fireplace that can be reserved in advance. The drinks are fantastic, from classic cocktails to options like the smoke blossom made with top-shelf scotch, whiskey, and hints of pear and apricot. We’d also gladly walk in just to snack on their crispy Vietnamese duck wings—glazed in a sweet and savory fish sauce and with plenty of buttery meat. Drinks are pricey (hovering around $23) but it’s perfect for a special occasion.