Sip on inventive cocktails crafted with flair in a laid-back lounge vibe, perfect for intimate nights or friendly gatherings at this hidden gem.
"Broken Shaker is a tiki transplant from Miami complete with a giant bandana-wearing octopus mural, whom some call “Tupactopus”. Nestled within the Freehand Hotel, the vibe is utterly cool with a tropical flair. The bar is known for their warm weather cocktail menu that emphasizes dark spirits. Standouts include the Banana Rum Manhattan and a Cocoa Puff Old Fashioned made with cereal-infused bourbon. Who wouldn’t want their drink to taste like chocolatey breakfast cereal?" - One Design Company
"This small bar in the back of the Freehand Hotel smells like incense and sounds like spring break, and there will probably be at least one couple trying to recapture the thrill of a vacation fling. You’ll find tropical cocktails and a disco ball spinning inside what’s basically an ‘80s tiki hut. Sounds weird, but between the atmosphere, people watching, and decent drinks (which do lean sweet), it makes for a fun date option. At the very least, it’s a good place to stop in for a cocktail where you won’t spend the entire time staring at your phone." - veda kilaru, john ringor
"It’s easy to stay awhile at this River North hostel, where life-size Jenga and a surplus of comfy booths serve as an entrance to the lobby level’s focal point: A bar where the team takes a creative and quirky approach to drams and dishes alike. An on-site garden supplies herbs and spices for concoctions, while globally sourced ingredients inform an ever-changing menu of libations like the Bengali Old-Fashioned (with Old Forester bourbon, mango, and garam masala) or the Detox to Retox Margarita (with Olmeca Altos Blanco tequila, roasted grapes, blistered shishito , pineapple, and ginger-turmeric salt). Pair it all up with bites like the carnitas and tortillas, or the octopus po'boy with kimchi rémoulade, shaved cabbage, and potato-chip crumble."
"Broken Shaker, River North. Broken Shaker is a tiki transplant from Miami complete with a giant bandana-wearing octopus mural, whom some call “Tupactopus”. Nestled within the Freehand Hotel, the vibe is utterly cool with a tropical flair. The bar is known for their warm weather cocktail menu that emphasizes dark spirits. Standouts include the Banana Rum Manhattan and a Cocoa Puff Old Fashioned made with cereal-infused bourbon. Who wouldn’t want their drink to taste like chocolatey breakfast cereal?"
"This month, Miami export Broken Shaker at the Freehand hotel is pouring G. H. Mumm Grand Cordon Champagne for $15 per glass (regularly $20), and offering bottles for $60 (regularly $90)." - Kat Odell
