Although at first glance the Lobby Court doesn't seem to be anything other than a standard hotel bar, its focus on jazz puts it in the company of the Jazz Showcase, not the Sheraton. Located near the lobby in the Renaissance Chicago Hotel, the long narrow bar offers a classy venue for sipping cocktails and taking in jazz. During the week, the bar features live piano music from 5 to 7 p.m., but the music tends to drown into background for the largely after-work and business meeting crowds.

That's far from the case on Friday and Saturday nights, when an eclectic mix of music lovers file in for the bar's jazz duet of multi-instrumentalist Terry Higgins and guitarist Dale Prasco. In addition to the jazz music, the bar's plush chairs and dark wood tables make it an ideal setting to enjoy a specialty cocktail. Order up a "Lush," a delicious combination of vodka, cherry liquor and white creme de menthe, or try the bar's variation on a old favorite and order a "Cider," a lively blend of apple cider, 12-year-old Macallan scotch and caramel. Lobby Court also offers several appetizers, like the popular shumai (steamed, shrimp-filled wontons). Be prepared to shell out a hefty wad of cash for the drinks and appetizers, though: there isn’t too much on the drink menu below $9.50 and most of the appetizers will run you about $10.

Centerstage Reviewer: Ann McDonald