When asking yourself about something to do near me in Chicago with a group of friends or family, consider
The Bamboo Room at Three Dots and a Dash
Why The Bamboo Room at Three Dots and a Dash is a fun option when searching for things to do near me with friends and family
The Bamboo Room at Three Dots and a Dash offers an exceptional and intimate venue ideal for gathering with friends. Nestled inside the renowned Three Dots and a Dash tiki bar in Chicago’s River North, this hidden speakeasy-style retreat seats about 12 to 22 guests, fostering a cozy and exclusive atmosphere. Its unique setting transports visitors into a tiki hut-inspired hideaway, where the decor evokes nostalgia and nautical charm, perfectly complementing the sophisticated drink menu. The Bamboo Room specializes in rum and rhum agricoles, presenting a diverse assortment of classic and innovative cocktails that celebrate the global spirit's rich heritage. Guests can indulge in expertly crafted drinks like the Bamboo Rum and Honey, Bamboo Daiquiri, and rare rum tastings, curated by Beverage Director Kevin Beary and Lead Bartender Scott Kittsmiller. The attentive and knowledgeable staff enhances the experience by sharing extensive insights into the rums' origins and production, making each visit educational as well as enjoyable. The Bamboo Room’s blend of ambiance, craftsmanship, and exclusivity makes it a perfect spot for those seeking a refined yet convivial environment to enjoy distinctive cocktails and memorable moments with friends.
Here's what people think of The Bamboo Room at Three Dots and a Dash
As of recent, The Bamboo Room at Three Dots and a Dash holds a 4.7-star rating based on 214 reviews.
Reviews of The Bamboo Room at Three Dots and a Dash reflect an overwhelmingly positive sentiment, with guests praising the venue’s unique atmosphere and exquisite cocktail offerings. Visitors frequently highlight the bar’s intimate, speakeasy vibe and exquisite tiki decor, describing the experience as a well-kept hidden gem ideal for special occasions or casual meet-ups. Numerous reviewers commend the expert bartenders for their deep knowledge of rum and innovative mixology skills, noting that cocktails are not only delicious but also thoughtfully crafted with complex flavor profiles. Service receives high marks for being attentive and friendly, with staff often going above and beyond to personalize the experience. The food, such as the Grand Pu Pu Platter, is also appreciated for complementing the drink menu. Negative comments are few but include occasional reports of crowdedness in the adjoining Three Dots area and occasional issues with reservation policies, as the Bamboo Room’s limited seating can lead to difficulty securing spots, especially on weekends. Some reviews mention moments when non-reservation guests tried to join reserved tables. Overall, the consensus affirms The Bamboo Room as a must-visit destination, revered for its superb drinks, knowledgeable staff, and immersive tiki ambiance that together create an unforgettable social experience.
Highlights from reviewers (Most Relevant)
Derrick
Wow! My wife and I stumbled upon this back all the entrance and didn't know we were getting into. The word transformed into another world. Really, this place is amazing!! Lettuce entertain You group never ceases to amaze me at how they can transform a space and hence transform a patrons experience. I'm in the hospitality business and several nightclubs so I feel like I know something about spaces... But this place is next level amazing. But wait! Melanie is a space amazing the staff are amazing and the drinks are amazing. I don't know how they do it but please keep on doing it!
Maxwell Shaw
When you visit Bamboo Room you experience all that there is to love about Three Dots, and then some! The wonderful staff, the unique environment, incredible drinks. It’s all there, but elevated further! Bamboo room has a more luxurious, intimate vibe. It’s just you, maybe 10-15 other people and a bartender who is attentive to your preferences and needs. It’s really quite spectacular! Their menu is always rotating with the seasons, and you’re afforded a chance to try something new every time! I will say some of the most wonderful drinks I’ve had in there came straight from the bartenders brilliant minds. Last night Elias made me one of the best Dr. Funk’s I’ve ever had. That’s where Bamboo Room stands out. Sure it’s definitely priced higher than most cocktail bars. But in my opinion the quality of drinks, ingredients and experience justify the price tag. If you’re looking for an amazing cocktail bar to celebrate a special occasion, or you just love tiki / cocktails, bamboo room is a must do! Oh, and their high end rum selection is unparalleled as well! I had a pour of Appleton 2002 last time I was there!
Gormacil “Gormacil”
Whether you're new to rum/tiki or if you're a tiki lover, The Bamboo Room is the definitive experience to try in Chicagoland. It's a small intimate setting with drinks ranging from the classics to some of the most over the top concoctions I've ever seen. The bartenders here are amazing and do a great job whether it's making you the perfect daquiri or one of their crazy (yet delicious) specials. A perfect date night location. Also, don't sleep on their food. The coconut shrimp is top tier. If you don't have a high alcohol tolerance just make sure to pace yourself or try a spirit free cocktail.
Katie Cornett
A higher quality tiki bar experience, 10/10 would recommend. The bar is small so reservations are a must. The drinks change often, but I got one called ants on a log that included “culinary grade ants”. It was funky but well curated and the other drinks that our group got were fantastic without being aggressively pineapple forward. The bartender was also super knowledgeable and was great at helping us pick drinks to order.
EM Gee
Absolutely loved The Bamboo Room — it’s a vibe within an already solid vibe. The space feels intimate and elevated, and the drinks were outstanding. Even though great cocktails are expected here, they were so satisfying and expertly crafted. Our bartender was fantastic — super knowledgeable and offered great recommendations that really matched our tastes. The appetizer platter was a perfect touch for a libation-forward night, giving just enough to complement the drinks without taking away from the experience. Thanks for the great times — can’t wait to come back!
How to reach The Bamboo Room at Three Dots and a Dash
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Why The Bamboo Room at Three Dots and a Dash may become Your Favorite Meetup Place for Catching Up, Celebrating or Just Hanging Out
Why rally at this place with your friends?
When gathering with friends or family, choosing the perfect venue sets the tone for an unforgettable experience. The Bamboo Room at Three Dots and a Dash in Chicago offers an exceptional setting that combines intimacy, craftsmanship, and an escape from the everyday. Nestled discreetly behind an alley and a cake shop, this hidden gem offers a speakeasy vibe that feels like stepping into another world—a lush tiki hut adorned with evocative nautical décor and warm ambient lighting. With an intimate seating capacity of around 12-14, it fosters a cozy environment where conversation flows freely and everyone feels connected. The focus here is on expertly crafted cocktails, especially those featuring rare and sophisticated rums curated from around the world by a renowned beverage director. The attentive and friendly staff ensures top-notch service, making every guest feel valued and special. Its rating of 4.7 out of 5 from over 200 reviews speaks to consistent excellence and guest satisfaction. Whether you’re celebrating a milestone or simply catching up, The Bamboo Room offers a perfect retreat to bond, relax, and enjoy a unique sensory adventure with your group.
What kind of activities can you enjoy at The Bamboo Room?
The Bamboo Room is much more than a bar; it’s an immersive experience centered around the art of rum and cocktail craft. Primarily, guests revel in tasting flights of rare and esoteric rums sourced globally, which offers a unique opportunity for both novices and aficionados to explore uncommon flavors and styles. The bar’s award-winning beverage team uses advanced techniques and a deep knowledge of tropical concoctions to present drinks that tell a story with every sip. Beyond sampling, guests can engage in discovering how rum’s history and diverse production methods influence its taste—an educational journey wrapped in enjoyment. The venue also features an innovative menu of cocktails that blend classic tiki drinks with contemporary flair, incorporating fresh, homemade ingredients. For those who prefer non-alcoholic options, the bar crafts complex mocktails with house-made spirit-free amaro and exotic components like pandan, sobacha tea, and wild Thai banana, ensuring everyone in your group can indulge. The Bamboo Room’s atmosphere invites relaxed socializing, and the scarcity of seats makes securing a reservation essential, guaranteeing your group a private, memorable time.
Why is The Bamboo Room ideal for group meetups?
The Bamboo Room is perfectly suited for group meetups because it balances intimacy with exclusivity. Hosting a gathering here ensures that your group occupies an entire semi-private bar space where distractions are minimal and privacy is respected. This makes it easier to have meaningful conversations and enjoy the curated ambiance without the noise and bustle typical of larger bars. The smaller capacity creates a shared experience that can heighten connections among friends or family, fostering a sense of camaraderie. Additionally, the attentive service means your group is well cared for, with staff eager to guide you through the cocktail menu or rum tasting flights, tailoring suggestions to your group’s taste preferences. The thematic decor, inspired by tiki culture and nautical nostalgia, provides a playful and immersive backdrop, encouraging guests to unwind and engage in lighthearted fun. Whether it’s a birthday, reunion, or casual hangout, the Bamboo Room’s distinct charm and exclusivity elevate any gathering beyond the ordinary.
What makes the cocktail experience at The Bamboo Room unique?
The cocktail experience at The Bamboo Room stands out due to its emphasis on storytelling through mixology and the rare ingredients it features. Beverage Director Kevin Beary and Lead Bartender Scott Kitsmiller have curated a menu that honors the rich heritage of rum while pushing the boundaries with creative, refined presentations. Using blends of multiple rums, some years-aged or from small-scale producers rarely found elsewhere, each drink offers a complex depth of flavor that evolves with every sip. Signature cocktails like the Bamboo Rum and Honey or the Bamboo Daiquiri showcase a delicate balance of sweet, spicy, and tart elements, with ingredients like local honey, high mountain teas, and freshly squeezed lime crafted into a sensory feast. The bar’s dedication to fully homemade elements—minimizing commercial juices and pre-made spirits—means patrons enjoy an authentic and fresh drinking experience. Their rum punch, for example, blends luxurious aged rums with nutmeg and lime cordial, making it a standout among tropical cocktails. This personalized approach not only elevates drinks but also invites patrons on a global tasting adventure without leaving the room.
How does The Bamboo Room accommodate diverse tastes and preferences?
Understanding that every guest has different tastes and dietary preferences, The Bamboo Room excels at accommodating a broad audience through its versatile menu and creative bartending. For cocktail enthusiasts eager to explore rum’s wide spectrum, the bar offers an extensive range of tasting flights featuring rare, independent distilleries and artisanal producers. These allow a progressive tasting experience tailored to individual curiosity and palate sophistication. For guests who prefer not to consume alcohol, The Bamboo Room doesn’t fall short either. The bar crafts exquisite mocktails with equal attention and creativity, creating elaborate flavor profiles using fresh and dried ingredients, spices, teas, and their own non-alcoholic spirits. Drinks such as the “Sunday Scaries” or “Coco-Nana” showcase that refusal to compromise on complexity or taste when it comes to alcohol-free options. This inclusive approach makes it an ideal spot for groups with varied preferences, ensuring everyone can find something delightful to sip on. Furthermore, the attentive bartenders and staff are known for their personalized recommendations, helping groups navigate the menu and find drinks that resonate with their tastes.
What logistical advantages does The Bamboo Room offer for planning meetups?
One logistical advantage that The Bamboo Room provides is its exclusive reservation system for the intimate space. Given its limited seating capacity, booking ahead guarantees that your entire group can be accommodated comfortably and without disturbance. Unlike crowded venues where securing a contiguous table can be a challenge, here your group has a dedicated space designed for interaction and shared enjoyment. The location, tucked away in Chicago’s vibrant River North district but cleverly hidden down an alley, adds an element of intrigue that makes the meetup feel special and memorable. The venue’s staff are experienced in managing guest flow and ensuring smooth service, minimizing wait times and maximizing your group’s comfort. Also, the menu is thoughtfully priced and includes a clear policy on surcharges, allowing groups to plan their budget with transparency. The setting’s quiet and exclusive nature combined with professional service makes it easy to focus on your gathering and not logistical headaches. This ease of planning and assured quality elevates your meetup experience significantly.
How does the ambiance of The Bamboo Room enhance social gatherings?
The ambiance of The Bamboo Room amplifies social gatherings by creating an atmosphere that is both vibrant and intimate. The tiki hut-inspired décor combined with nautical elements evokes a nostalgic tropical escape, transporting guests far from the urban hustle. Warm lighting, bamboo furnishings, and carefully arranged details offer a relaxed yet polished setting, perfectly balancing casual comfort with a sense of occasion. The speakeasy-style secrecy adds a layer of adventure and exclusivity that boosts excitement among groups visiting for celebrations or get-togethers. Unlike noisy mainstream bars, the intimate size ensures background noise is controlled and conversations are easy to maintain. This encourages a genuine connection between guests, allowing laughter, storytelling, and shared discovery over drinks. The staff’s hospitality further enriches this ambiance, tending to guests with professionalism and a friendly demeanor, ensuring the room feels welcoming and special for friends and families alike. This combination of thoughtful design and service makes every group visit feel like a curated event rather than a simple night out.
Why should you trust the quality of service at The Bamboo Room?
The Bamboo Room’s consistently high rating of 4.7 out of 5 from over 200 reviews speaks volumes about the quality of service guests can expect. Many patrons highlight the attentiveness, knowledge, and friendliness of the staff as key reasons they return and recommend the venue. The bartenders don’t just serve drinks—they educate and engage, enhancing the experience by sharing stories behind each cocktail and guiding guests through the menu in a personalized way. This dedication to service excellence means that guests never feel rushed or neglected, even in a busy setting. The venue’s management also maintains strict reservation and guest policies to preserve the intimate and exclusive atmosphere, such as quickly addressing unreserved guests who attempt to intrude. Such professionalism contributes to a seamless and comfortable experience where groups can focus on enjoying themselves without distractions. Ultimately, the consistent praise for service quality is a strong indicator that your meetup will be handled with care and expertise from start to finish.
How does The Bamboo Room stand out from other bars in Chicago?
The Bamboo Room at Three Dots and a Dash stands out in Chicago’s vibrant bar scene through its rare blend of exclusivity, craftsmanship, and immersive theme. Unlike larger or more commercial establishments, it offers a hidden speakeasy concept that creates an intriguing sense of discovery. The bar’s focused dedication to rum—highlighting rare and small-scale producers globally—is unmatched, presenting an educational and flavorful journey few other Chicago bars offer. Its array of innovative cocktails combines tradition with creativity, underpinned by high-quality fresh ingredients and house-made elements, elevating every drink to an artistry level. Moreover, the room’s intimacy means gatherings feel personalized and exclusive, not lost in a noisy crowd. Awards and recognitions from prominent entities such as World’s 50 Best Bars North America and Esquire underscore its reputation and quality. The Bamboo Room’s fusion of historic homage, innovative mixology, attentive service, and atmospheric charm ensures it is a destination, not just a drink stop, making it an exceptional place to host meaningful meetups among friends or family.