The Press Room — Restaurant in West Chicago Township

Met up with an old friend and his girlfriend to catch up over drinks, and he recommended we meet here. Since moving out of the city, I clearly am out of touch with the F&B scene, as I had no idea this cozy little spot existed. However, I am very, very happy to know about it now! It's tucked away, down some stairs, into a dimly lit basement room, but, damn, the ambiance. Gives me speakeasy vibes without the pretense or airs of some of the better known "speakeasy" style joints. The cocktails were immaculate -- although a small-ish cocktail menu, the fellow tending to our table really knew his stuff and asked a few questions leading to an excellent recommendation based on what I like and what they offer. My favorite was the Tony Tone, I mean, because, Frosted Flakes Coconut Syrup?!?!?! Right? Again, the drink menu is small but mighty - you WILL find something you'll enjoy. Also, I give the bar part of this bar 6 stars because they were more than happy to pour some Green Chartreuse shots, because, why not.

I'm sorry to only give the food 4 stars -- we had one snack, and albeit very tasty, was nothing that blew my mind. Good quality, good flavor. That's all.

Overall, I highly recommend trying The Press Room, even if they close at 10OM on a Thursday. Keep them open, people - go, order the Tony Tone, have a few snacks. This world can use a joint as good as the Press...

My friends and I wanted to find an intimate but nice place to get some drinks. I will say, I liked that even though we got there a little earlier than our reservation, they cleaned off a table for us which was great. But here are some reasons for my two star rating: it was incredibly hot. Almost sauna level. And you felt it immediately as soon as you walked in. Making the experience of sitting and drinking a bit uncomfortable. Second, our server checked on us a very little. We live outside of city and needed to get home and we would’ve wanted to try more drinks but the server barely came and by the time he checked on us, we ordered and had to drink quickly. Lastly, they only had one bathroom available since the other was out of order and it was disgusting. The top inside rim of the toilet bowl was caked in feces. You could tell that it had been a long time someone had really cleaned the toilet bowl for it to be so caked on. It was gross. You can’t just use tea light candles and a small menu and say you’re “swanky”. Cocktail bars are often about experience and my experienced did not match the...

I’m writing this the morning after because I can’t stop thinking about dinner at The Press Room in West Loop.

The drinks were absolutely delicious, and the secret cocktail of the day was explained so eloquently it made me feel like I was in on something exclusive.

But the star was the food. The skirt steak came out perfectly charred on the outside, juicy and tender inside, with a bright, herby chimichurri that lit it up with flavor. The corn salad was colorful and refreshing, with sweet kernels, crunchy greens, and just the right touch of zest. I asked for a spicy aioli on the side and the kitchen nailed it... creamy, bold, and fiery enough to take every bite up a level.

Just look at the plate: vibrant greens, golden corn, glistening steak, and that rich sauce pooling underneath. It’s the kind of dish you want to stare at before diving in, and then you can’t put your fork down once you start.

The Press Room is elegant without being stuffy, and the service is sharp, thoughtful, and on point. Easily one of the best meals I’ve had in...