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Best New Spots to Sip Wine
“Testaccio’s chic, dark little underbar offers a bold statement with its French wines, plush red banquettes, and local DJs. All of which makes a perfect spot for a cozy date, as does the selection of Champagne cocktails and fancy small bites from Testaccio chef Jacob Solomon. ”
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“At first glance, you may not notice the vintage red velvet banquettes lining the walls of Soif, the basement wine bar that opened last November in Chicago. At best, they may look a little familiar. In fairness, countless other found treasures vie much louder for your attention at this red-lit boîte: gilded mirrors, vintage brocade Scalamandre pillows and sculpted leather chairs sourced from the dining room at Ralph Lauren.
But for Oliver Poilevey, chef/owner of the Chicago bistro Le Bouchon, sliding into one of those tufted benches for a drink feels "just like a hug from an old friend."”
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“Perfectly indicative of a speakeasy’s innately romantic ambience, Soif Wine Lounge is prettier and more colorful than those typically dark dens, a sentiment marked by the neon glow of the words “Soif de Vivre” at the foot of a flight of stairs. Tucked away in the basement of Testaccio, this chic nook puts the spotlight—or rather, the neon pink light—on French wine, with a velvety atmosphere designed to whisk guests away to a Parisian parlor. It’s an intimate oasis with seating for just 26, making this a prime spot for dates looking to swoon over a bottle of Champagne and a plate of salmon rillettes.”
The 10 most romantic speakeasies in Chicago
“Get a taste of Rome at Testaccio then head down an unmarked staircase to this Parisian-style wine lounge. Sit at one of the red velvet banquettes or throne-like chairs arranged around dark wood and marble candlelit tables and share a bottle of Champagne or something from Soif’s collection of natural wines. On the weekend, DJs provide a soundtrack of house and R&B music perfect for relaxing with a complex cocktail and a plate of cheese and charcuterie.”