By now, there's a good chance you've heard about Lonesome Rose, the latest concept from the folks at Chicago-based Land and Sea Dept. (Longman & Eagle, Lost Lake, Parson's Chicken & Fish). The all-day Logan Square restaurant opened last month and serves breakfast tacos, guacamole, chilaquiles, margaritas and other Tex-Mex–inspired dishes. Breakfast tacos alone pique our interest, but we're more intrigued by what's happening downstairs.
The restaurant's mysterious subterranean bar, Golden Teardrops, stands in stark contrast to the upstairs space. If Lonesome Rose is the indie-skewing, sunshine-loving kid in the family, Golden Teardrops is the ultra-dark (albeit very chic) goth stepchild. Guests enter through an alley (marked only by a small black sign) and descend a staircase to enter the 40-person space. The jolting focal point of the dimly lit bar is a neon sign that reads "Weddings & Funerals." The overhead menus outline nine drink options—eight cocktails and "beers on draft." Guests are invited to sip lesser-known classics, priced at $9–$13, like the Jack in the Box (apple brandy, pineapple and lemon) and the Alaska (gin, dry vermouth and Chartreuse). Golden Teardrops is open Thursday through Sunday from 5pm to 2am (3am on Saturday).
The minds at Land and Sea Dept. have really outdone themselves with this secret speakeasy. Equal parts sinister and inviting, we have a feeling Golden Teardrops will become a fan-favorite this winter. Take a look at some of cocktails available at the bar below.
Clayton Hauck
Clayton Hauck
Clayton Hauck
Clayton Hauck