Address: 601 N State Street
Website: http://popsforchampagne.com/
http://watershedbar.com/
Type of Meal: Drinks and Snacks
Wanting a relaxed environment for
drinks and small bites, we ended up at Pops of Champagne. I loved the mix of
modern décor (beautiful metallic high top tables), yet Pops hired a jazz band to
mellow out the mood.
Of course, Pops is known for champagne with 100+ bottles on their menu ranging from $42 (for a half bottle) – $700 (for
a jeroboam one). Not wanting an entire bottle, my friend and I ordered
champagne cocktails instead. Her the stunning La vie en rose ($14) an
easy going drink made with elderflower liqueur, bitters, Brut champagne and a
sugar cube. While I got the high sage ($11), a beloved concoction of Hendrick’s
gin, prosecco, cucumber and sage syrup.
Oysters go so well with
champagne. We ordered a dozen for the table ($28), containing a selection of
four types (unfortunately, I can’t remember their names except one has to do
with a cowboy). But, there was a contrasting selection of lighter, stronger and
a creamy varieties. Lemon, house hot sauce, horseradish and apple mignonette
arrive on the side for dressing.
The Wisconsin cheese curds
tempura ($8) was an upscale take on the mozzarella sticks. I loved the gooey
elastic cheese wrapped in a crispy salty batter. On the side was a
slightly spicy harissa romesco and a cooling ranch sauce. As a warning, you
want to order these in larger groups as even with our table of four they were a
little gluttonous feeling by the end.
Perhaps, it’s due to us ordering
another deep fried dish – the crispy black tiger shrimp togarashi tempura
($16). The flavours were there but the batter could have been thinner
(especially if it was supposed to be tempura). On the side was a light
pineapple-habañero sweet & sour sauce to give it extra flavour.
After the drink and light eats we
made our way downstairs (literally look for a doorway with a W above it and
walk down) and entered Watershed a laid back speakeasy / basement bar.
The two lounges could not be more different. Watershed is retro and cozy while
Pops is modern and contemporary. Instead of a live jazz band, a simple vinyl
record player sat in the corner.
Not seeing anyone working, we
grabbed menus and sat ourselves. Low and behold, on the first page of the menu
you’re instructed to clap for service. So we did and I tried out their Chicago
fizz ($10) a frothy bubbly cocktail made with Tailwinds Amber rum, Tawny port,
lemon, egg white and club soda.
Both Pops of Champagne and
Watershed offered great cocktails and a wonderful environment. It was the
perfect way to enjoy Chicago’s night life without having to deal with lines and
crowds. And for that, I say “cheers”!
