Housed in Palmer House, Potter's is regal but not stuffy
HOT PLATE
NAME: Potter's
ADDRESS: Palmer House Hilton, 17 E. Monroe
PHONE: (312) 917-4933
HOURS: 4 p.m. to 2 a.m. daily; food served 4 to midnight
PRICES: $6-$12, starters; $12-$16, sandwiches; $12-$20, salads; deep dish pizza, $16, small; $32, large; $8-$10, desserts
REASON TO GO: This bar has it all.
Potter's, named for the male lineage of the Palmer family, is regal and classy, the perfect setting to close a deal while tossing back a retro cocktail.
What one might not expert is it is anything but stodgy. It touts an inviting atmosphere, fun drinks and fancy eats that will attract the discriminating palate of the younger set.
Old-school types will feel at home in the dining area, which features comfortable leather couches and chairs and hardwood floor, where they can savor the opportunity for a traditional drink such as a Manhattan, Gibson or martini.
The bar area is separated from the main floor by a few steps and two glass cases filled with white feathers, a tribute to fan dancer Sally Rand, best known for her dance at the 1933 Chicago World's Fair.
Other memorabilia with a Chicago connection includes prints of Hugh Hefner, Walter Payton, John Belushi and Nat King Cole.
The bar's wine and beer lists will impress the younger generation who favor a Red Shiraz or white Pinot Grigio over a side car and a crafted or imported beer over a whiskey sour. Fun concoctions are offered, such as the Pomegranate Orange Crush Cocktail, Van Gogh Pomegranate Vodka, orange juice ginger ale ($13).
Drinks aside, Chef Phillip Foss' food is upper crust. Foss also is the chef of sister restaurant Lockwood, which opened in the Palmer House Hilton in November 2007.
Mini Kobe beef silver dollar burgers are priceless. The mini beef burgers on brioche buns, black peppercorn sauce and watercress will rock your taste buds ($16).
Even the short rib sandwich, ribs braised in red wine served in pretzel bun with red wine sauce, horseradish and watercress, is miles above the normal round up of bar food ($16).
There's also a Scottish salmon sandwich served on a pretzel bun with braised endive, pears and whole grain mustard ($16).
Sandwiches are served with choice of French fries, truffle potato chips, market greens or seasonal fruit.