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    Three Dots and A Dash

    4.1 (4.2k reviews)
    Open • 4:00 pm - 12:00 am (Next day)
    Updated 1 week ago

    Three Dots and A Dash Photos

    THREE DOTS AND A DASH ATMOSPHERE

    What's the vibe?
    Loud
    Trendy
    Good for groups

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    Recommended Reviews - Three Dots and A Dash

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    Cara T.

    I was visiting friends in Chicago, and I absolutely loved this bar! This was such a fun, cute, speakeasy style tiki bar and the drinks did not disappoint! We had a reservation and came on a weeknight. We split the hippo drink, which is one that is meant to be shared, between 3 of us. It was tart and fruity and the dry ice was a fun touch! The presentation was truly a 15 out of 10. I would definitely recommend this spot for a fun night out in Downtown Chicago!

    Interior ceiling
    Alanna M.

    Came from Fort Lauderdale (home to Mai Kai, which inspired several of the drinks on the menu) so we had high hopes--we were not disappointed. Somehow the atmosphere and ambience is sexy, but festive at the same time. The drinks were delicious and I love that they had indicators for how strong each drink was. Our server was very friendly and personable and was very understanding when we let her know we had dinner reservations shortly after our arrival. Highly recommend!

    Daniel H.

    Beautifully designed space and amazing drinks Reservations will be needed, be sure to plan this spot! We had a bit of difficulty at first finding this place which is part of the fun, but make your way down an alley and you'll find your new favorite tiki bar! We were seated promptly and with an Arrival time around 330 it was low lighting, chill ambiance music and everyone enjoying good conversation. Honestly great start! The server was knowledgeable and attentive, our drinks came quickly after our appetizer did The ceviche was fresh and we ate every bit of it, would have ordered more had we not had dinner plans! Drinks were certainly tasty and well balanced, always what you want from a tiki bar My only gripe was they seemed to keep increasing the music volume and allowed for more standing room which wasn't the vibe we were looking for, but that just might be what they convert to closer to dinner time. Perhaps would be better in the later hours as people still were trying to simply connect with eachother on a speaking level but that's just my perception. Overall wonderful spot, we will return when we want to bring friends from out of town to experience three dots and a dash!

    Katrina C.

    I heard about this speakeasy Tiki bar on social media. I was very eager to come & decided to stop by. It was a little challenging to find, and I had to ask a random security guard nearby to ask where it was located. The bar is accessible from the alley. When I arrived, I stood by the host desk for easily 5 minutes as the hostess walked back & forth without acknowledging me. She eventually addressed me to say that I could head on in and that it was standing room available. I went to the bar and it was completely full. I stood by and checked out the drinks menu. Once I was ready, the bartender also ignored me. It took for the seated patrons at the bar to call the bartender's attention and order on my behalf. They added my drink to their tab which was super sweet. I enjoyed my drink and people watched & enjoyed the music. Unfortunately a seat did not become available so I eventually left. Under different circumstances, I would've enjoyed the bar because tropical drinks and Tiki bars are my vibe. This wasn't the greatest experience though.

    Alex M.

    When I was visiting my friends in Chicago, they insisted on bringing me to Three Dots and a Dash. We were able to walk-in on a Friday evening, although we were relegated to standing room only since we weren't able to get a reservation. Upon entering the bar, I felt like I was entering a catacomb with skulls lining the entrance. The bar was packed, and we squeezed in at the bar to order our drinks. The drinks were on the pricey side, but I appreciate how the cocktails are garnished with real fruit (mine had lychee and dragonfruit) and was served in a fun tiki glass that was unique to each drink. The setting is a huge part of the experience, and I had a fun, memorable evening.

    Fun bartender

    Drinks and customer service was amazing Even the bouncer was nice and welcoming. This place is a repeat. Ambience was clean and fun.

    Immaculate bathrooms (cute floral accents too!)
    Stephanie W.

    This place is a yes, yes, and yes! I have a buddy that loves Tiki bars and found this place/made a reservation, so our group came to visit on a Sunday night. The vibe is speakeasy-ish; the entrance is off the street in an alleyway but the interior is very nice, low light, and would be fun for a date night! The staff were attentive and very friendly. My friend got some shots, which were surprisingly good given they were kind of sweet, and I ordered the "mystic lamp" cocktail ($16) which was VERY memorable to me as someone that loves floral drinks -- it was very floral, slightly fruity, and had a lovely chunk of lychee it came with which was delicious! The drink was decent sized too; I've been charged a lot more for much less drink at other speakeasies (those of which I don't plan to visit again any time soon haha). In my opinion, this spot has the perfect combo of great drinks, nice ambiance, cool speakeasy-vibes, but also cheerfulness given the tiki-theme inside. Would definitely rec a visit to anyone visiting Chicago who likes cool bars!

    Lizz M.

    When my friend let us to the alley for the entrance I was unsure but he was right. Not your ordinary entrance but the tiki torches helped me know we were in the right spot. We were lucky to get a table or else it's just standing area and the floors by the bar are sticky. On the menu you have options and the glassware you see is what you get, it's pretty cool. It was busy for a Sunday night and so it took a while to close out. They do have food options and we grabbed a few and they were good. Too good that we didn't get any pictures everyone went in and it didn't last long. We shared three appetizers between four people. It's a cool spot. They have one drink that you're only allowed to order once. Check it out!

    Monique B.

    This place is a super cute speakeasy upscale bar vibe. I highly recommend reservations because even on a Monday they were pretty full, even the bar area was packed so we had to wait a while. Once seated we got our drinks pretty fast. Do also keep in mind the entrance is in an alleyway, so be on the lookout. I enjoyed the service. In my opinion the drinks are more cutesy than strong. I got the highest strength drink and I was perfectly fine. Drink was good, just not as strong as advertised. Definitely cute for a date night or girls night out!

    Linda B.

    Haven't been to this place since 2018 and I couldn't wait to get back. Reservations required in their $10 each person, but it does get credited to your bill. It's got a great Tiki vibe and the staff is super knowledgeable about the craft libations and menu items. It is definitely relaxed. They do not rush you. And the aesthetic is clean and inviting. The crab dip had lumps of crab meat. With wonton chips. The beef kebabs were so marinated, flavored delicious and tender and everything came with an accompanying dip. The surprise was the flaming banana split ice cream! Didn't expect that with real pineapple. They also have a pretty pricey gift shop that sells their beverage mugs of all different shapes and sizes. The crowd seemed pretty happy to be there as well.

    Bar area
    Leo G.

    Went inside after someone outside came up to my friend and I and heavily suggested we come in. What great chances! Three Dots and a Dash is a really cool tiki bar with unique and flashy drink options. Drinks were served pretty fast considering it was a Friday night that was fairly packed (maybe waited 3 minutes for a drink once my friend ordered) . My friend said he thoroughly enjoyed his drink and loved the combination in the Royal Hawaiian mocktail! Will definitely come back and try something next time with friends when the night is right. Not really disability friendly from what I had been seen or shown (there was only a staircase to enter in and out of) with little seating around if you don't have a reserved table (which was fair for a Friday night on a whim, not a complaint whatsoever). I could be wrong but I didn't see an elevator, and had a bit of a difficult time navigating the space with just myself and a small bag.

    Tracy A.

    We came here as a part of 4 on a Friday night. It was PACKED. We thankfully had reservations which to me is a must, but they will accommodate you at the bar without them. The drinks were so good! They were good size and simply delicious. Well balanced. Not too sweet and not artificially sweet. It's clear those making them knew how to make real cocktails. The ambiance is true tiki. It is large but there were people surrounding our table because it was close to the bar. If you make a reservation and pay a deposit, make sure to make your server aware. The quickly made adjustments for us, but this was an issue in ensuring we got our credit. I would recommend getting a reservation in their smaller internal bar for a more intimate experience and more commonly crafted drinks. I would definitely come back but likely on a weeknight or earlier in the day.

    Kylie B.

    This speakeasy is such a cool spot to impress a date or a friend on a night out! I loved all the tiki themed drinks and the moody ambiance transports you to a tropical island. I had the aloha felicia which was sweet, velvety, and refreshing for summer. My second round was the Saturn which was lighter and fruity - another solid choice! I love that all the drinks come in awesome mugs and you can even purchase the mugs for an extra charge. Service was super friendly and helfpul with suggestions.

    JET PILOT

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    10 days ago

    Incredible tiki drinks and love the back alley door. Fabulous vibes inside. Check this out!!

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    Page 2 of 106

    Three Dots and A Dash Reviews in Other Languages

    Ask the Community - Three Dots and A Dash

    Do they have any mocktails on the menu?

    Yes, the menu has the HONEYCRISP NOMBIE and the SUNDAY SCARIES appear to be non-alcoholic.

    Can we bring our own personal Tiki mugs inside?

    You may take an empty mug in but they will not serve their drink in your mug.

    Could you bring a kid here?

    No. Everyone is carded at the door. It's not a kid-friendly environment; it's a bar.

    Do they accept apple pay?

    I'm very sure if you contact the restaurant ahead of time they can certainly provide you with that information.

    Could you bring a kid with you during the day on the patio?

    No, it's a bar. The age limit is 21 and over.

    Hi, i made a reservation but i want to reschedule, is it possible to do so?

    Yes. They use Open Table. Just reschedule

    Do they have gluten free food options?

    I'm on a Keto diet and I had no problem finding plenty of good food options. The drinks however, well that's a different story!

    Is this 21+?

    Yes

    What type of music is played?

    Very loud, thumping, rhythmic sounds with a vaguely Caribbean flavor. The only song I recognized was by Prince.

    Do they have non alcoholic drinks?

    Hey Tiffany, We sure do! We have one on our menu right now called the Con Artist. But we can… 

    Do I have to make reservations if I just want to drink?

    Yes.

    Is the reservation deposit used towards your tab?

    Yes!

    Do they still have the full menu?

    Hey Angie, our patio menu has 7 cocktails on it and the inside menu has 10 cocktails on it. The patio is open 7 days a week and we are open inside Thursday - Sunday. Head to our website threedotschicago.com for more details on our menus and hours… 

    Do they scan Ids here?

    No. They dont

    What kind of music is played?

    It was chill tiki music when we were there. Hawaiian tropical vibe.

    Where can I find a hour hour menu?

    Brooke, We are open… 

    Should you make reservations if all you want are drinks?

    Yes. Otherwise you have to wait forever at the bar and then won't have anywhere to sit.

    Do i have to make a reservation if I'm going for cocktails?

    Nope! You can always sit at the bar. Sometimes it's easier to make a reservation to be safe, but not needed.

    Do they sell souvenir tiki mugs with the "three dots and a dash" inscriptions?

    Yes they do! They have them in stock but beware they can be a bit pricey.

    Do you guys have happy hour?

    Yes they have happy hour

    View All 46 Questions

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    Bar Sótano - Menu basically a massive dictionary of all their liquors

    Menu basically a massive dictionary of all their liquors

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