Attached to Next restaurant in the West Loop and co-owned by renowned Chicago chef Grant Achatz, the Aviary is a libations laboratory that puts a touch of molecular gastronomy into every drink. When you enter, you’ll get a glimpse of the chemists at work, inside what looks like a large, gated-off cage, as the staff pours the time, energy, and thought into each drink that you’d expect in crafting a fine-dining course. One beverage may be served in a scented bag that you have to pop to get inside, while another is in a mini-aquarium-like container, filled with fruits and herbs. My personal favorite, the “In the Rocks,” is an old fashioned that’s served inside of an egg-shaped sphere of ice. You use a tiny sling shot to crack the ice and let the drink spill out. You’ll pay at least $20 for a beverage here, but, if you ask me, it’s worth its weight in stories to take home. Take a group; the surprise presentation is the best part.
Chicago
Travel Guide
Chicago› Nightlife
The Aviary
955 W Fulton Market (at Morgan St.), Chicago, IL 60607
Our Rating
Transportation
Subway/El: Green or Pink Line to Morgan
Phone
312/226-0868
Web site
Aviary
Map
955 W Fulton Market ChicagoNote: This information was accurate when it was published, but can change without notice. Please be sure to confirm all rates and details directly with the companies in question before planning your trip.