The Tasting Room

With exposed brick walls, comfy couches and a fantastic second-floor window view, the Tasting Room is an oasis at the far west end of Randolph's restaurant row. The wine list is formidable, the small plates are explosive with flavor (bacon-wrapped dates stuff with manchego in roasted red pepper sauce, grilled beef tenderloin skewers) and the atmosphere is just right for a wine bar. But like many vino-centric lounges in Chicago that are trying to bridge the gap between upscale offerings and silkscreen sensibilities, the Tasting Room employs servers who are usually too young and unknowledgeable to do its extensive offerings justice. Yes, you’re perky. Now run along and get me someone who knows something about wine. The staff behind the bar and in the attached Randolph Wine Cellars store are much more in-the-know.