Chicagoist: Trader Vic's Is Open!

Rob Christopher

Thu, 18 Dec 2008 14:12:30 -0600

Funny you mention that ... the custom drink mentioned above was created when my friend told our server that he wanted "something chocolatey and flaming." Voila!

juniper

Thu, 18 Dec 2008 12:07:37 -0600

Maybe I should just ask for a list of drinks which I could order which will arrive on fire.

Rob Christopher

Thu, 18 Dec 2008 11:54:31 -0600

The one in the skull mug is a Black Stripe. The other is a custom-made drink, but similar to the Coffee Grog which is on the menu (and also served on fire).

juniper

Thu, 18 Dec 2008 11:45:07 -0600

What is the flaming drink?

bunnybear

Thu, 18 Dec 2008 10:55:59 -0600

I guess I should qualify my statement. I understand that TVs are in most of the old-time tiki bars. Somehow a new, pristine LCD or plasma TV doesn't quite mesh with my impression of what these places should be. It is very good to hear no sound. Now put in a crappy old TV and do the old movie thing or leave it on MeTV and I guess I'd be OK with it. Ultimately, Leah, you are correct that once the blood alocohol content is at a comfortable level it will likely be a non-issue. Now I just need to schedule a trip up there after work and see for myself before I whine any more.

Navin

Thu, 18 Dec 2008 10:52:12 -0600

Yeah the old one had at least one TV.

leah

Thu, 18 Dec 2008 10:43:44 -0600

Vic's at the Palmer House had TVs for sure. There's no sound that I could detect. Besides after two delicious flaming drinks you can't even see that far. Ha.

Rob Christopher

Thu, 18 Dec 2008 10:41:42 -0600

@bunnybear: Alas, they are. I spoke with the manager very sternly about that, but he assured me that the televisions will always be on mute. In fact he said that in the future (pending final adjustments and equipment installation) they're mostly going to use them as monitors to show old beach party movies and surfing footage.

bunnybear

Thu, 18 Dec 2008 10:37:51 -0600

Those aren't TVs behind the bar, are they? That would put a serious dent in the Tikitastic quotient.

Navin

Thu, 18 Dec 2008 10:35:12 -0600

I'll also add there was something to being in the basement like that. The old one had this sweet eccentric Uncle's basement project vibe that was killer.

Navin

Thu, 18 Dec 2008 10:34:09 -0600

I'm with stealth, Looks very nice but I'll still miss the funkity funk of the Palmer House one. I'll definitely go though!

Stealth

Thu, 18 Dec 2008 10:31:27 -0600

Oh, no, Rob, I probably will. I know I come off as kneejerk negative, but I was just basing it on the photos. I probably will stop in at least once, as I went to the old one once and regretted that I didn't make it back one more time. But from first glance... well...

Rob Christopher

Thu, 18 Dec 2008 10:24:22 -0600

Sorry about that! A technical glitch. @Stealth: I urge you to give it a chance. The kitsch factor is still in place, believe me; they have at least a half dozen different kinds of drinkware they use depending on which drink you order. The cocktails have names like "Potted Parrot" and "Trader Vic's Stinker" ... there isn't a -tini anywhere on the menu, thank god.

Tower18

Thu, 18 Dec 2008 10:20:16 -0600

Ah, they're there now.

Stealth

Thu, 18 Dec 2008 10:14:59 -0600

Eh, looking at the photos, I don't know. This new place doesn't have the authentic "cheese" factor that made the other one great. This looks a little to polished, like neo-Tiki. A big goblet fruity drink would look out of place here. More like a pineappletini or something. I'm sure it's nice, but...it doesn't look that much different from other swank new eateries.

Tower18

Thu, 18 Dec 2008 10:08:06 -0600

Where are the photos?