Dana hotel and spa and The Fifty/50 Restaurant Group announced the opening of Apogee, an opulent rooftop lounge serving over-the-top, large format cocktails by acclaimed Barman Benjamin Schiller and his team of Chicago’s emerging bartending talent. Meaning the highest point of a development, Apogee takes imbibing to new heights when it debuts this April.
The expert bar team redefines large format imbibing with a selection of interesting concoctions complemented by unique garnishes and dramatic glassware custom crafted by local glass blowers. Creating unforgettable cocktail experiences, many of Apogee’s libations are meant for sharing—intermingling mind-blowing creativity with eclectic flavor varieties at every turn. Many of the garnishes, such as dehydrated star fruit, are also inspired by Chris Teixeira, The Fifty/50 Restaurant Group’s Executive Pastry Chef.
The Cocktails
Serving all things exotic in an elevated setting, Apogee welcomes drinkers to the apex of Chicago’s cocktail and social scene. With options for groups of three to four or six to eight guests, there are also individual selections for single sippers, perfect for happy hour or a night on the town. With cocktails such as the Panda Party, Blackstrap Rum, Cognac, Lime, Ginger, Absinthe garnished with Dehydrated Citrus, Pineapple Leaves, Orange Powder, Mint Powder, and Sesame Seeds and the Surtur, Rye, Five Year Aged Dark Rum, Falernum, Lime, Grapefruit, Demerara Syrup garnished with Manhattan Marshmallow dipped in Anise and Coconut Ash, lightly torched, Apogee offers something for everyone.
Step Inside
Designed by award-winning Chicago design firm, blocHaus, Apogee’s ambiance is both sophisticated and captivating and encourages social revelry at every turn. Inspired by the history of Chicago and its multitude of cultural scenes, the interior boasts fluted walnut panels and marble-clad walls, while pops of blue resemble the aquatic sapphire color of Lake Michigan on a beautiful sunny day. Custom-made vintage-inspired light fixtures and elegant chandeliers are positioned throughout, reflecting the grand nature of the nighttime cityscape. Elevating the ultra-modern atmosphere, a large marble bar runs through the space, featuring handmade tile and glimmering gold grout. Positioned off the elevators is an intimate lounge with plush mohair sofas and brass partition screens, offering wide reaching snapshots of the city.
The Iconic Rooftop
Overlooking the bustling River North neighborhood from 26 stories up, an 1,100 square foot outdoor patio reflects the playful nature of the city. The grassy rooftop boasts a state-of-the-art fire pit clad with vibrant yellow tiles and surrounded by vignettes of intimate lounge seating, making it an ideal destination for imbibing and celebrating, regardless of the season. Adjacent to the outdoor lounge is a clean lined bar set against a backdrop of lively boxwoods and three-dimensional geometric tiles, paired with a tailor-made architectural structure bringing the interior outdoors.
Inspired Events
Apogee also presents a unique venue for all-encompassing events, combining customized culinary design and precision from dana hotel’s team of event planning experts. A prime destination for year-round entertainment, the lounge offers stunning indoor and outdoor settings for up to 300 guests, creating memories lasting a lifetime.
Taking dana hotel’s food and beverage program to even greater heights with the goal of presenting newly inspired experiences for guests and locals, the launch of Apogee is the first of three exciting new concepts developed by The Fifty/50 Restaurant Group. The decision to further its budding partnership with Chicago’s preeminent restaurant group stems from the hotel’s desire to continuously evolve to meet and exceed guests’ expectations. With the upcoming opening of a theatrical bar on the second floor and an upscale seafood restaurant on the ground level, the luxury boutique hotel continues to be the ultimate destination for Chicagoans and travelers.
Starting in mid-April, Apogee will be open on Thursday and Friday from 5 p.m. to 2 a.m., Saturday from 2 p.m. to 3 a.m., and Sunday from 2 p.m. to 2 a.m.
