Three Dots and A Dash
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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!
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!
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!
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.
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.
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!
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!
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!
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.
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.
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.
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.
1 year ago
This has to be the cutest speakeasy that I've been to! Tucked away in alleyway, you could tell this place was popular as there was a line to get in. When I did get in it was really dark inside with the exception of the neon lit staircase (with skulls lol) and the bar. All of the drinks were tiki style and tasty. The male bartender with the curly hair was amazing!!!!! 10/10 experience. read more
1 year ago
What a fun tiki bar! The vibes inside are amazing! And the drinks are fun and delicious! We didn't get any bites just drinks but everything was delish and so fun! read more
7 months ago
Such a cool place. Underground right off the street in Chicago. Every drink is unique and served differently. Order the ocotoshot. read more
1 year ago
I love a great Tiki Bar and this one did not disappoint. Luckily we got there just before the rush and were able to get seats at the bar. The drinks were fun and delicious and the bartender was great. The overall environment contributed to a great kickoff to our night out. read more
Stopped by this bar on a quieter night, but still had to wait only about 10 minutes before we could head inside. Definitely love the 'secret' vibe of this place. Once you are inside, it definitely feels like you're in a movie set! Very spacious and so well decorated. The drinks are also so done up. The group I was with did mention that the drinks were a bit on the sweeter side. What was nice was that it wasn't overly loud, so you could still have normal conversations with the group you were with. Very fun! read more
Loved it, found this place totally on accident while visiting Chicago and it officially turned me into a Tiki Bar diehard. I now seek them out all around the US when I travel, and come equipped with the silly button up shirt for the occasion. I always leave with a signature mug to look back on the memories later. Three Dots will always hold a special place in my heart, and major shout out to them for their food as well, I wish I had more pictures of all the things my wife and I have eaten here... The drinks are fantastic, the ambiance is fun, and the food absolutely adds to the experience. This is the first place I learned of "Likioki Mustard" and now it's a staple when I am crafting island bbq at home. Highly recommend the Prime Skirt Steak Skewers, the Thai Fried Chicken, the Spring Rolls, and the Mahi Mahi Tacos. If you are feeling wild, go with the full Pu Pu Platter and you will have something to absolutely keep the party rolling between expertly crafted island cocktails. read more
We went lōlō at Three Dots. Probably because everyone who works there is wonderfully helpful and kind and very encouraging that you try another drink or appetizer - but we honestly came here for that energy. While I expected the drinks to be great (they were), the food was pretty fantastic too. I have zero complaints about this experience - we were there for a few hours and each one was better than the previous one, probably with no small thanks to the multiple Pearl Divers. Also that's the drink you should get. Pearl Diver. Remember that. read more
10 months ago
Stepping into Three Dots and a Dash felt like an instant vacation. The tiki bar theme was fun and even the bathroom is giving island getaway. I had the Aloha Felicia and the Shotsapus, and my partner got the Jet Pilot. The Aloha Felicia was creamy and smooth, and the Shotsapus was such a fun, unique experience. My partner loved the Jet Pilot and said it hit perfectly without being too strong. Service was great. Our bartender was super friendly, and drinks came out fast with almost no wait. Overall, such a refreshing break from Chicago winter. Amazing drinks, fun vibe, zero hassle. Definitely coming back to give the snacksa try! read more
Went for a nightcap here and it was really packed. You can come for the bar, but it is standing room only. The dirnks are expensive and I feel like mostly full of ice. I liked the atmopsher, but if I came here for a reservation I would not like it becuae everyone standing at the bar are right on top of you. The wait to get in wasn't long and I liked how the entrance was hidden. The drinks tasted good, but expensive for what you get. read more
We were seated quickly on a late Friday night but probably because it was Valentine's Day and I was with two friends. Drinks are very strong and cutely decorated. I believe we ordered the Three Dots and a Dash, Sweater Weather, and Trader Vic Mai Tai. This place is such a vibe and I didn't feel like I was in cold Chicago anymore with the tiki theme. It is a hidden entryway in the alley. Staff were attentive and quick with their service. Coming back in the future and would recommend! read more
Love the theme and vibe here, great place to visit for a night out. Drinks options were unique and strong and the food platter we ordered did not disappoint! We all had our favorites and the lively energy made it a great experience. Service was attentive to our needs and made sure we were taken care of read more
I visited on a Monday night in May when in town for a convention with husband in tow. Apparently everyone else had the same idea because the place was packed. Even though we had a reservation for 8:45pm, we had to wait a few minutes to be seated and then were placed at a miniscule table surrounded by loud, standing-room crowds, making conversation difficult. Getting a server's attention was also tough initially but once the first round came those tiki drinks made my stresses melt away. First order was a 44 Mai Tai and an off-menu Singapore Sling, followed by a Pearl Diver and Three Dots and a Dash -- all well-executed and served in unique vessels with typically tropical garnishes. While we enjoyed our drinks, the noisy environment made it hard to fully relax; it felt less like a getaway and more like a pre-convention mixer. Maybe on a different night or at a different time with a different crowd, I'd have enjoyed the experience more. Total bill was $75 for four drinks, so not a cheap date. But I'm still glad I checked it off my "must try" list. read more
Such a tourist attraction with the cost of the drinks. We stopped in around 9pm and highly recommend making reservations. The bar was super crowded and the wait outside in the alley was a vibe. The bartender was nice and quick with the drinks. Make sure to read the menu because the non-alcoholic drink was not labeled and adding alcohol, you get double charged. The Coconut ChiChi was small but cute. A lot of people around us was ordering the octopus shots. read more
Perfect place to grab cocktails with friends or your boo. The drinks were delicious, kind of pricey but to be expected as it gives a more upscale speakeasy vibe. The food selection is rather simple and I enjoyed the crab ragoon dip but thought I was ordering actual crab ragoons lol so I was little confused but nonetheless less great spot and I'd come here again!! read more
1 year ago
The hostess wasn't the most pleasant but we really enjoyed the vibe, drink menu and music genre! Would come back to visit the next time I'm in Chi! read more
7 months ago
Great and friendly service, ambience was beautiful, and the drinks and appetizers were AMAZING!! The drinks were strong and beautifully presented. I went here for my birthday and they also gave me a complimentary birthday coconut gelato!! I understand the hype and can't wait to come back read more
Great cocktail spot to lounge and enjoy conversation with friends. Seating is very spacious as well which helps with feeling comfortable and relaxed. All the cocktails were unique and had a nice balance to them. Also the crab rangoon appetizer was really good. Servers were attentive and hospitable. Would definitely love to go back and try more of their extensive cocktail menu. read more
Very cool bar in River North!!!! We waited in line for about 15 minutes outside. Sadly the line is outside, but depending on how long it is the wait isn't too bad. The inside transports you to a hawaiian oasis, Everything is tiki themed and the drinks come in fun tropical themed glasses. Our drink was $20, but it was very strong we could definitely taste all the rum in it. While I think $20 is still very expensive and no drink should be that expensive, I think you are partly paying for the experience and vibe of 3 Dots & a Dash. Despite the pricey cocktails, it not that much different than anywhere else in this area of the city so I think it's worth stopping by!!!!! read more
This place is super cool - speakeasy type bar with tiki vibes. You feel like you are going somewhere top secret - enter through an alley door and down some dark stairs into the bar area. Very extensive drink menu, but pricy! Don't expect to get a drink for under $20 here unless it's zero proof. You are paying for ambiance, cool presentation and gorgeous drinks. We had a group of 7 and everyone really liked what they ordered drink-wise. Food was a little different. It is a small menu, but we had some people in our party with allergies and discovered there's not much on the menu that can accommodate them. My pork sliders were very tasty but knocking them down a star because of the lack of food options for the two who had allergies in our party. Fun spot for a girls night! read more
2 years ago
A really cool tiki bar! They were really nice and accommodating to our group and let us add a couple of chairs since we had more people than our reservation called for. I got the painkiller which was a good fruitiness and strength. The drinks are all presented beautifully in really cool glasses, and we all enjoyed them a lot! Some are really unique, such as the one that comes with a backscratcher. Great spot for drinks! read more
I don't have enough good words to say about this place. It was the best stop of our quick trip. We came in the day after the holiday menu was released. We had a rum barrel and tropical itch. We also ordered the crab rations and coconut shrimp to snack on. Everything was AMAZINGLY DELICIOUS!! We lucked into a couple bar seats and got to watch around us. It was definitely busy I never felt rushed and the bartenders were so composed and laidback. I appreciated the care put into each drink. We spent 3 days and stopped by twice and left with additional souvenirs as gifts. I will definitely return if I'm back in the area again. read more
1 year ago
Three Dots and a Dash - Chicago This place nails the tiki cocktail experience--creative, boozy drinks served with flair in a cool, speakeasy-style setting. The presentation alone makes it worth a visit, and the tropical atmosphere feels like a fun little escape. That said, it's very crowded, so a reservation is essential. You also have to order from the bar, which is kind of annoying when the drinks are this pricey. The staff is fine--professional but not overly warm--and the overall vibe leans more "scene" than "laid-back lounge." Still, if you go in knowing what to expect, it's a great spot for a night out or for showing off to out-of-towners. Four stars for the drinks and the ambiance. read more
All of my friends who've been to Chicago couldn't stop talking about Three Dots and a Dash, so I had to see what the hype was about. This hidden tiki bar is popular, and reservations are recommended for quick entry and guaranteed seating - a $10 deposit per person is required. Tucked away in an alley, stepping inside feels like entering a tropical escape, complete with tiki-themed decor and a distinctive island aroma. The atmosphere was vibrant and fun. We were seated in the main lounge area. For two people, we shared the Toasted Coconut Chi Chi, the Rum Barrel, and the Pu Pu Platter. Surprisingly, the food was good! The Pu Pu Platter was a sampler of various appetizers, perfect for sharing. The drinks came in fun tiki mugs and packed a punch. Definitely worth the price! Service was decent, though there was a mix-up with our bill and it took a while to get our server's attention. Despite that, it was an overall great tiki bar experience! read more
This place is a tiki bar in Chicago. We came late at night. There was a line to get in but the line was not worth the wait. I didnt love my cocktail and it was very tight an uncomfortable inside. I might come back during the day for dinner but it was too small to accommodate night life. read more
It's a vibe all the timeeee! I went here on a weekday night, I mean late late and it was packed. I'm like do y'all mfers work but I was on vacation. First of all, the address is deceiving af if you don't know it's in the back. I had to ask someone nearby at another establishment where the heck it was and they directed me to turn the corner and basically walk in the damn alley. You go inside, up the stairs and bam! You're in the dark, at least if you go at 10pm like I did. Tiki theme so I ordered a drink (Pearl Diver) and a couple of island fare appetizer sides, the spring rolls and the Thai fried chicken. The drink was OK but the food was 10/10 definitely recommend! Service was better than you'd expect from a bar table type of experience. The music wasn't all that but it was definitely poppin' in there. People with work clothes to more casual all vibing. I'd definitely return if I make my way back to Chicago! read more
1 month ago
We are always on the hunt for new tiki bars when we travel and 3D&AD has been on our list for a while. It did not disappoint! We had a party of 8 and made our reservations well in advance. Arrived and got seated right away with no issue. Best part about having a large party is there were so many different drinks we were able to try. The shotstopus was a fun kick off to our evening. They definitely know how to make the ambience and drinks a show so you can't help but take photos and videos. For a tiki bar, I typically like a smaller vibe but for the size it's still a great dark tiki vibe and we loved it. Drinks also tasted great - so it wasn't all just for show. We didn't try any food so we can't review that as we only went for cocktails after dinner. Great merch selections too - walked out with a couple tiki mugs for our collection! read more
Reservation through OpenTable was convenient even for St. Patrick's Day Saturday afternoon. You can only reserve for up to 6, with 7+ you need to make an accommodations with the restaurant. But even with a line outside, they were super nice about my reservation because I had already paid the deposit. So they let my whole group in without a wait. We tried the zombie specialty cocktail to share for 4 to 6 I believe and it was plenty a very strong Tasty rum drink. We tried the eggrolls, which were really good. The cocktails were strong and tasty. The security was tight, which was appreciated to keep crowds away from the tables. Really cool music and a good vibe. The bar service was efficient and made great drinks as well. Definitely will come back when it's not so busy. read more
10 months ago
We had a reservation in the Bamboo room and it was amazing! Fabulous drinks and takes on the regular tiki cocktails - clairvoyant Missionary, Mai Tai, Zombie, etc. Amazing customer service! Bartender was fantastic! read more
This is a must visit if you like cocktails and are in the Chicago area! My husband and I are big cocktail fans and have tried many good cocktail places but this may be some of the best drinks we've ever had! The atmosphere is classy but fun and the venue itself is super cool. We just had to buy one of the mugs to take home as well. It took a little bit for our server to come take our drink orders but it was pretty busy and when he did come he was pleasant and helpful! Can't wait to go back! read more
2 years ago
This place has been recommended to me several times over the past few months, so I was set on finally trying it during my most recent trip to Chicago. Unfortunately, it left a bit to be desired. Rum isn't my favorite, but I'm always happy to start the night with a fun, tiki themed drink. I got here around 9pm with some coworkers on a Friday and it was pretty busy - not sure how expansive this place is, but I think we got relegated to a side/commoners bar? Still fun, well decorated, and served a full drink menu (I assume). We got an assortment of drinks (one espresso martini, and the rest were rum based) and sipped on them for an hour or so. The side bar is essentially standing room, as every single table/chair there required a reservation, even though there were several empty and unoccupied spots (that remained so for the duration of our visit). A couple of the reserved parties were willing to let us use one or two of their seats, but the bouncers still frowned upon that- said it was something about appearances. OK. Anyway, seating issues aside, I thought this spot was pretty fun, if not a little overpriced, although probably average for big-city living. I'd be willing to try again, next time with a reservation and hopefully able to sit comfortably somewhere! read more
Food [5/5] I came here with my friends. We shared the Bali Bali which is was perfect for 4 of us to share! The drink was delicious and fruity. Service [5/5] We got seated quickly for a group of 6 of us. Our server was very attentive and made great recommendation for my fiancé who was looking for a sweeter drink. Experience [5/5] Overall really enjoyed this bar/speakeasy! It was cute and and drinks had great presentations. read more
5 months ago
what a VIBE. recommend making a reservation but i was a party of 1 so able to go to the bar but it was standing room only. the tiki drinks are in fun vessels, bartenders are lovely & it's so vibey inside. they have a few group drinks which looked really fun too! i got the strawberry junglebird & it was amazing! read more
1 year ago
This place was great!!! It was a little difficult to find initially because it's located in an alley. Look for the donut shop on the corner and you're in the right area. The entry is very nice and the walk to the bar gives speak easy vibes. The bar specializes in delicious carribean drinks that are top tier and made with fresh garnishes. I loved it! Next time I'm in Chicago I will definitely be returning to this location! read more
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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!
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 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…
What kind of music is played?
It was chill tiki music when we were there. Hawaiian tropical vibe.
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.
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