Mercer 113

This sprawling Hubbard Street spot hypes itself as “Chicago’s first and only resta lounge.” Of course, in this context, lounge does not mean relax: Lining the walls, holograms of grass glow intensely, entrées like sautéed scallops sit atop fussy rectangular plates and a preponderance of cocktails with agave nectar provides a guaranteed sugar high. Yet when we left, the bar was as empty as when we arrived: So much for all that activity.