The Bamboo Room

Hidden in the depths of Chicago’s River North district, The Bamboo Room is a "bar within a bar"—an exclusive outpost nestled inside the famed Three Dots and a Dash. Accessible only via a secretive alleyway, this hushed retreat houses just 22 seats and is dedicated entirely to the art and magic of rum cocktails. Within these moody walls, beverage maven Kevin Beary and his team craft sophisticated, globally inspired rum experiences. The bar's back shelves are stocked with rare and vintage rums spanning Jamaica, Martinique, St. Lucia, and beyond—each cocktail telling a story of its origin. Highlights include a daiquiri poured over hand‑shaved ice, the creamy Clairvoyant Missionary (a mint‑chartreuse‑topped milk punch), and a rich Grog—each drink meticulously balanced and artfully delivered. True tiki aficionados are drawn here—and not just for the exceptional drinks. The Bamboo Room is a sanctuary for discovery and education, where bartenders engage in one‑on‑one storytelling, guiding guests through rum flights or exclusive guided tastings tailored to personal preference. Case in point: the famed $800 Mai Tai, a painstaking recreation of the 1944 Trader Vic original, made using vintage 1950s Wray & Nephew 15‑Year‑Old Rum and rare curaçao—a cocktail archeology feat in both taste and presentation. Though small, the atmosphere is rich with texture—tiki‑nic décor, dim lighting, and hushed ambiance that calls for quiet conversation and indulgence. To experience it, reservations are strongly encouraged—especially on weekends—since walk‑ins are rare and capacity is limited. All told, The Bamboo Room isn’t just a bar—it’s an immersive guided journey through rum’s global heritage, executed with elegance, expertise, and exceptional storytelling in every pour.