There’s an election next week, have you heard? (Mic drop.) No matter your allegiance, I think it’s safe to say we’re all ready for this thing to be over. From the debates and news to social media feeds and ads, we’re reaching critical mass—or maybe we surpassed it long ago.
The good news is, the end is nigh. With less than week to go, it’s time to consider the top spots in Chicago to de-stress, relax and unwind with these presidentially awesome election specials. From the Donald dish to the Hillary martini, here we go—and happy voting!
OK, this is my kinda election night special. Tuscany Restaurants in Little Italy, Oak Brook and Wheeling will serve up the Donald (a red martini with Ketel One, Butterscotch Schnapps, Apple Schnapps and cranberry juice) and the Hillary (a blue martini with Ketel Citron, Blue Curacao, cranberry juice and lime juice). At $5 each, might the night end up a fuzzy shade of purple?
1014 W. Taylor St., Chicago
1415 W. 22nd St., Oak Brook
550 S. Milwaukee Ave., Wheeling
Hooray, a different kind of poll! Head to MAK and cast your culinary vote Nov. 1–8: the Donald (braised pork stir fried with cabbage, peppers, MAK hoisin sauce and spicy slaw), or the Hillary (lightly fried chicken breast or shrimp tossed with sweet and sour sauce and served with broccoli).
1924 W Division St., Chicago
Election Day agenda: 1) vote, 2) stuff yourself with fondue. Bring in your “I Voted” sticker to get $20.16 off each premiere dinner on Nov. 8 (certain restrictions apply).
340 W. Armitage Ave., Chicago
A luxurious guestroom to unplug from election stress? Yes, puh-lease! Take advantage of Fairmont Chicago, Millennium Park’s Election Escape Package through Nov. 25 with rates starting at $269 per night. You’ll also get a $75 hotel credit to enjoy at The Bar or Columbus Tap (with more than 60 beers on offer, if that’s at all enticing, which it totally is).
200 N. Columbus Dr., Chicago
The first 50 guests who dine in at dinner with an “I Voted” wristband will receive a free order of Chicken Karaage (Japanese deep-fried marinated chicken with spicy mayo). Happy hour (5–7 p.m.) will feature $1 beers with a signature ramen purchase, izakaya dishes for $3 and $4, and drink specials for $4 to $6.
1482 N Milwaukee Ave., Chicago
Your “I Voted” wristband gets you $2 beers on Nov. 8. The happy hour menu is all half off from 5–7 p.m., too.
2683 N Halsted St., Chicago
Considering my shoulders tense up when people around me start talking politics, I’ll gladly head to one of Massage Envy’s 45 Chicagoland locations for a treat. First-time introductory one-hour massages and facials each start at $60.
What’s Election Day without a little fun? Head to The Pony Inn on Nov. 8 to play U.S. politics trivia with $3 frosty mug drafts and $5 burgers and sandwiches.
1638 W. Belmont Ave., Chicago
When Trump wins a state, it’s $5 shots of Fireball Whisky. Hillary, $12 dirty martinis with blue-cheese stuffed olives. Belly up is right.
1132 S. Wabash Ave., Chicago
