For this week’s Streetsblog Chicago reader meetup, we’re heading to Wicker Park for a hangout session at the Up & Up, the rooftop bar at the Robey Hotel in the Northwest Tower, aka the Coyote Tower. The near-panoramic views from this 13th floor venue are sure to delight anyone with an interest in urban planning. Here’s the skinny on the meetup:
June Streetsblog Chicago Reader Meet-up
Wednesday, June 7, 6-8 p.m.
Up & Up lounge at the Robey Chicago
1600 N. Milwaukee Ave.
RSVP on Facebook (optional)
The Robey is located just north of the Blue Line O'Hare branch's Damen stop, and it's also served by the North, Damen, and Milwaukee CTA bus lines. There's a Divvy station at Damen and Pierce, just south of the Blue Line.
The Up & Up is part of the hotel's creative rehab of the historic Art Deco tower -- they've even turned the coyote-like pinnace of the building (the part that holds the flagpole) into a cozy drinking nook. While it's a swanky venue with a beautiful terrace, it's not dressy. They specialize in fancy cocktails, but German beer is available for $6 -- a bargain when you consider that the view rivals that of downtown observatories where you have to pay to get in. Note that the bar doesn't open until 6 p.m.
Streetsblog’s meet-ups are always a great opportunity to hang out and network with folks who are passionate about sustainable transportation and livable streets. I expect there will be lots of good conversation about CDOT's proposal to improve safety at North/Damen/Milwaukee since the Up & Up offers a bird's-eye view of the intersection. But whatever you do, don't refer to the intersection as "The Crotch," or you'll upset local alderman Scott Waguespack. Hope to see you there!
