The Sheraton Hotel's swanky lounge conjures up memories of fieldtrips to the Art Institute. Sharp-edge rectangles contract the curvy space in the manner of an Abstract Expressionist painting. In non-art terms: Guests at Chi Bar swig cocktails in a gorgeously well-crafted environment.

Glass rectangles in shades of yellow, blue and grey color the space, while plenty of dark wood, chocolate leather and sepia-tone photographs add a debonair feel. All this uber-design comes complements of one Mr. Jeffrey Beers, the decor-guru behind Japonais. Like its Japanese cousin, Chi Bar looks out onto sparkling views of the Chicago River, and patrons tend to be of the rollin'-in-dough variety.

The well-edited menu is divided into sections of cocktails, wines, light food, flat breads and desserts served in shot glasses alongside creme-de-la-snifter selections of scotch, port and cognac. Signature cocktails come with cutesy but appropriate names; the Southsider stirs Tanquery Ten with sour mix, soda and fresh mint, and The L combines Level Vodka with Chambourd and fresh guava. Before you allow the Gold Coast Margarita to push you over the drunken edge, order above-par bar food like truffle potato chips ($5), crab nachos ($13) and brie bruschetta served with a pecan-lavender-honey-apple julienne ($8).

Centerstage Reviewer: Jennifer Berg