A good Loop bar is a hard gem to unearth. Due to the few hours of business they get from the average working stiffs in the area, most bars in the Loop either pour on the swank and make themselves a destination, or just roll with the punches and have a group of regulars to keep things running. The 14 Karat Lounge seems to have the latter down, but in reality there are several types of guests who consistently patronize the bar: five o'clock party animals, School of the Art Institute students coming in from across the street, and older couples/singles who look like they've wandered in for the soup at Ada's and got just a little distracted on the way back to the restaurant. They all manage to squeeze in thanks to the unique question-mark shape of the bar, which lets everyone have some group space without sacrificing the overall pleasantness of a room full of happy bar-chatter.
At each table sits a bowl of popcorn and a tiny placard that passes for a menu. While there are only seven items, it's all decent bar food, and the Greek bruschetta even breaks the mold a bit with some herb-marinated feta for $7. If you ask nicely, you can also order off the full Ada's menu; but really, you should be coming here for the the drinking atmosphere.
Centerstage Reviewer: Dan Morgridge
