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Three Dots and a Dash

Tiki Bar and Hawaiian Restaurant$$$$

Near North Side, Chicago

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8.2^/10

1,245

ratings

Ranked #4 for tropical drinks in Near North Side
Has a stamp of approval from Travel + Leisure and Eater
"Very cool Tiki Bar hidden within an alley!!"(17 Tips)
"STRONG drinks, the Tropical Itch is my favorite."(13 Tips)
"Get the banana daiquiri, it comes with a banana dolphin!"(10 Tips)
"Incredibly tasty, boozy tiki drinks in an immersive environment."(11 Tips)

220 Tips and reviews

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boozy drinks
alley
trendy
good for dates
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bar
good for singles
tropical drinks
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off-menu items
mezcal
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Heather WilliamsJuly 15, 2015
Fantastic drinks and atmosphere! Also firecake doughnuts is right around the corner! Ask the bartender for a dealer's choice. My boyfriend did it and really enjoyed his drink!
Upvoted Jun 2
EaterMay 28, 2014
Emma Janzen says, "Modern tiki drinks featuring mezcal, genever and Scotch hold court against classics, which all taste fresh, balanced and totally on-point every time." Read more
J.R. OliveroSeptember 2, 2014
The art of the cocktail! Rare rums, absinthe & falernum from all over the world, Lettuce & Paul McGee have reinvented the tiki bar. Voted #1 US bar. Dangerously strong! Ask for Sasha - best server!
Upvoted May 18
PureWowMay 11, 2017
This venue is typically celebrated for its cocktails but the food menu doesn’t disappoint. A sweet poké sauce & spicy mayo elevate the already delicious tuna & avocado in Big Ern’s tuna poké. Read more
Bora UnSeptember 18, 2013
Talk about strong drinks! The wait can be long, which can be a good thing so you can pace yourself. Try a classic beverage, then go for a modern twist. Always a good time when it's tiki time!
Brad HagerNovember 30, 2019
Neat tiki bar vibe and ambiance. STRONG drinks, the Tropical Itch is my favorite. The food was surprisingly GOOD. I recommend the pupu platter. Great place for a group of friends or a date.
Brian MacQueenAugust 27, 2014
Been here 10+ times
One of the best bars in the city. But try to avoid visiting on the weekend as it gets much too crowded. The banana daiquiri is always solid. Well, just about everything is solid.
Noah WeissSeptember 1, 2019
Insane tiki drinks and vibes, though a bit jammed up on a Saturday. The Island of a Thousand Sorrows was perfect mix of suntory whiskey, coconut, citrus, and bitters.
Erik RowleyFebruary 11, 2015
Been here 5+ times
Brave the dark skull filled stairway and find yourself in this tropical tiki themed hideaway. The Dr. Funkhouser hit the right spot for me! One of my favorite cocktail bars in Chicago!
Samantha RangelDecember 1, 2015
Super boozy so if you're looking for some tiki drinkability, I'd opt for the painkillers. Plenty of tiny keepsakes to swipe including mermaid drink stirrers and thoughtfully designed cocktail napkins.
Madeline GullettNovember 26, 2014
Loved the drinks! They weren't cheap but perfect for a special treat. They're strong though! The drinks and decor are both adorable. I love how dark and cozy it was too!
AngelaNovember 3, 2014
Amazing cocktails here! The "Painkiller" will set you up for a real good night. They also have a cocktail they set on fire for you. It's pricey but a real treat to share with friends.
Leland BrewsterMay 12, 2015
One of my favorite bars in River North. It's tough to go wrong but Bunny's Banana Daiquiri is probably my favorite (in all its masculine glory); they dress up the banana to look like a dolphin!
Zach DanielOctober 25, 2014
Been here 5+ times
One of the coolest bars in Chicago. Nestled in an alley, with no signs to point the way, except for a bouncer and two ticki torches, this bar cultivates an atmosphere to make every visitor feel rich!
Time Out ChicagoDecember 20, 2013
The Saturn at Three Dots and a Dash is one of the 100 best things we drank this year. http://tmout.us/rLOtk Read more
Kayleigh HarringtonSeptember 10, 2014
The ambiance is great - would love to throw an event here some time. Ordered a drink in a clam shell that served three and the thai chicken. Everything was delicious.
Amanda RellaSeptember 26, 2017
Massive lines during peak hours. Try to go on a Sunday. Must get the penicillin, it's delicious!! Recommend making a reservation because it's difficult to find bar or standing table room.
Joshua HaftelJanuary 15, 2015
Great rum selection, well made and creative cocktails (that thankfully weren't too sweet), relaxing vibe, and friendly bartenders. I'd definitely go back.
Gizem ZSeptember 18, 2017
Fancy coctails and atmosphere! Try downfall coctail if you are looking for something fresh. Long walk coctail was also nice. Enjoy!
Kevin M. McNally, CMPAugust 20, 2018
One Happy Island, One Happy People. This tropical bar is like you have been transported to an island. Amazing and creative beverages to enjoy all accents in a fun presentation glass.
Will BertelsenJuly 7, 2018
The address is on Clark but the entrance is actually in the alley around back. Look for the tiki torches, of course.
Bee WilliamsJanuary 8, 2016
this place was great!!! We got the treasure chest drink to share and it was so good! We also got this fancy Dom Perigon bottle too
ChicagoistAugust 1, 2014
The Jet Pilot is probably my favorite. A bewitching mixture of multiple rums, juices, and spices, it’s everything a classic tropical drink should be: it’s complex, it’s refreshing, and it’s strong. Read more
Blake SuharJuly 27, 2018
A hidden gem in the heart of the city. Tropical experience through and through. Slightly expensive, but high quality. I'd suggest the Aloha Felecia for coconut lovers.
StefanieJanuary 31, 2015
Amazing tropical cocktails. Take a trip through a back alley in Chicago, down into a basement and somehow find yourself sitting at a tiki bar with an umbrella drink.
Mary SzafraniecApril 27, 2018
This place is next level for tiki drinks and atmosphere. All of the drinks are delicious, well thought out and beautifully presented. Loved all of it.
Lettuce Entertain YouJanuary 29, 2014
It pays to belong at Three Dots and a Dash! Earn points on every purchase toward meals, trips & wine. Ask your server about the Lettuce Entertain You Frequent Diner Club. Read more
Chanel LuuJanuary 8, 2017
The drinks are nicely decorated and taste really good! Nice place to hang out with friends, but also cozy enough for a date.
Katherine M.July 14, 2015
Tiki bar with beautifully presented drinks, both classic and new-school. Caution! Long lines on Friday and Saturday nights. Would recommend weeknights or close to closing time.
Phil KatesJanuary 2, 2014
All of the cocktails are fantastic but the Lonely Island was one of my favorites. There's also a banana daiquiri with a banana dolphin in it.
OkCupid Daters' ChoiceJuly 18, 2017
Three Dots and a Dash was voted the Best Hidden Gem Date Spot by OkCupid users in the first-ever Daters' Choice Awards! Tap Read more for additional date spot categories in Chicago. #daterschoice Read more
Tana BabcockJuly 13, 2015
Come early during the week if you want to snag any space for a group. Literally cannot go wrong with ANY of the drinks - in flavor and presentation!
Esen AndiçMarch 20, 2015
Love love love this place! The atmosphere alone is enough reason to visit, plus the awesome drinks plus the unique glasses you can actually purchase :)
Hudson SutlerJuly 20, 2017
It’s a Hawaii themed lounge with awesome cocktails made with fresh fruit juice. The food served is light and tropical. Every city should have a bar like this. Read more
Eric GaydosAugust 7, 2014
The fancy cups might be a little overpriced, but don't steal them. One, they definitely check. Two, it kills the underground vibe to see a voodoo mug in the cabinet every day. It's above Hard Rock.
Sofia PapastamelosOctober 12, 2015
Awesome tiki cocktails. The Cacchen Some Rays was interesting and featured cold brew coffee as an ingredient! Loved the glasses.
Alexandra ConwayAugust 24, 2013
Very cool! Love the tiki vibe. You would never know it was there either! The drinks are very cool but also crazy strong, and a bit on the pricy side.
hooeyspewer .August 18, 2014
Great spot for drinks. If you fall in love with your drink's glassware, you can talk to the server about purchasing it. They'll get you a new one, boxed and bagged.
Claire CoyleAugust 11, 2023
Been here 5+ times
Get a reservation or get here the second they open - they fill up fast and for good reason! The drinks are delightful and strong af.
Jinnie LOctober 2, 2014
OMG! Jungle bird & painkiller no.3 are the best!! They have hooks for purses under the bar n the tiki theme.. it feels like vacation in Hawaii ;)
Todd KunaDecember 4, 2019
Head down the alley to find this gem. Incredibly tasty, boozy tiki drinks in an immersive environment.
Christian TafoyaMay 3, 2015
Their signature drink is amazing. The atmosphere makes you feel like you're in a different world.
Kenney MarlattAugust 1, 2013
Been here 50+ times
Start off with a Three Dots and a Dash or a Saturn. End with a banana daiquiri or Paul's riff on the Painkiller, made with Appleton 12-year aged Jamaican rum.
AJ SchusterSeptember 27, 2013
Go with friends and get the Zombie Punch. When you are drinking booze out of a giant glass skull, all of your problems melt away.
Fletcher RhoadsAugust 26, 2015
Hidden gem behind Bub City in the alley. Amazing tropical drinks. Classy Tiki themed bar.
Jon B.September 10, 2022
Fun tiki bar place whose cocktails were yummy. Just beware: some can be quite strong and quickly send you up to high orbit.
Shawn PoppSeptember 24, 2023
Everything here is great. Drinks, food, service, atmosphere. All of it! Always a definite stop when in Chicago!
Serious EatsAugust 11, 2013
An underground tiki bar with tropical drinks both classic and new from Paul McGee, formerly of The Whistler.
MikeDecember 28, 2015
Killer tiki bar with boozy drinks in the $13+ range. If you don't like pineapple juice (like me) then be sure to try a Jet Pilot.
eric bornemannAugust 11, 2019
Fun place with good if to sweet drinks. Best to stick with a run old fashioned which they make exceedingly well.

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