Smokers’ Sanctuary
2008 is here, and Illinois' new statewide smoking ban is now in full effect, joining more than 20 states that now have smoking laws. Indoor smoking is forbidden in all public places, including bars, restaurants, and private clubs. Smokers must remain at least 15 feet from business entrances. Indoor smoking is allowed only in private residences, designated hotel rooms, and businesses that generate 80 percent of profits from tobacco sales.
If you think rules were meant to be broken, remember this: you can be fined up to $250 for lighting up where you shouldn't, and your favorite hangout can be fined up to $2,500 for being the scene of the crime. And you thought cigarettes were expensive now. If you're just not ready to ditch the nasty habit or need some time to adjust, there are a few places left where you can still enjoy that quick nic fix.
' Marshall McGearty Tobacco Lounge: Even non-smokers can enjoy the soothing atmosphere of this tobacco lounge, which has an advanced air-filtration system that clears the air of any lingering smoke every few minutes. Bring your own smokes, or step up to the wooden counter for a pack of freshly rolled super-premium cigarettes, in styles such as Muse, Oriental Rose, and The Virginian. Grab a beer, wine, or coffee, and relax on the mix-n-match vintage furniture. (Free wi-fi!) And while the establishment serves light fare like sandwiches and cheeses, the smoking ban doesn't apply here because Marshall McGearty is considered a retail tobacco store. (map) (link) Update (Jan 11, 2008): Oops. Even I make mistakes sometimes. I’ve been informed that Marshall McGearty can no longer sell any food or beverage. While there are rumors that the establishment will begin a BYOB policy, nothing has been confirmed yet.
' Fizz Bar & Grill: The heated(!) patio has long been an attractive feature for this bar. But now, this tented, open-air beer garden is beyond the reach of the smoking ban and may become a new destination point for Chicago's smoking northside. The menu is American contemporary, including a mushroom-stuffed filet mignon and a crab cake BLT. With over 12 beers on tap and 40 of the bottled variety, it's more than likely that Fizz carries your favorite brew. (map) (link)
' Stone Lotus: This premium-service lounge is, as usual, finding ways to please everyone. First, it's getting new furniture and carpeting, so there's no worries of smoke-'stained' fabrics. Then they'll be opening a new outdoor smoking area complete with heat lamps (sponsored by Camel) and accessible only through a devoted entrance, making it easier for patrons to exit and re-enter. (map) (link)
Photo credit: (c/o Flickr) eisenrah, Der Etienne,'Bucky4
Marshall McGearty Tobacco Lounge: 1553 N Milwaukee Ave; 773-772-8410
Sun ' Thurs: 11:00 a.m. ' 12 midnight
Fri ' Sat: 11:00 a.m. ' 2:00 a.m.
Street parking difficult
Public trans: Bus # 50, 56, 72 or Blue Line train (Damen)
Fizz Bar & Grill: 3220 N Lincoln Ave; 773-348-6000
Mon ' Fri: 4:00 p.m. ' 2:00 a.m.
Sat: 12 noon ' 3:00 a.m.
Sun: 10:00 a.m. ' 1:00 a.m.
Street parking and pay lot (directly behind the bar)
Public trans: Bus # 9, X9, 11, 77 or Brown Line train (Paulina)
Stone Lotus: 873 N Orleans St; 312-440-9680
Tues ' Fri: 9:00 p.m. ' 2:00 a.m.
Sat: 9:00 p.m. ' 3:00 a.m.
Valet available
Public trans: Bus # 22, 66, 70 or Brown/Purple/Red Line train (Chicago)
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