The Orbit Room Lounge / Restaurant / Tiki Bar

Avondale / Irving Park, Chicago –

A strange planet where tiki life meets retro drinking den, The Orbit Room attracts artsy hipsters and blue-collar locals alike looking for updated American pub fare paired with specialty drinks.

Mature college students entering the single room lounge head to the leather-padded bar to sip one of the few craft beers on hand, as casual sports fans chill on long rows of stools watching the game on a projector screen and sharing a hand-tossed pizza.

Although there’s a little creative cocktail action – rum-infused horchata martinis are especially popular – the diverse clientele is just as likely to order a $5 Bud & Beam as a sweet muddled caipirinha or an even sweeter tropical drink.

The décor is very old-deco-meets-mid-century modern: artsy geometric lights, tufted wall coverings, and a big glowing circle in the middle of the ceiling all set a vintage tone that coexists with the persistent beat of classic rock and indie punk.

A curtained doorway leads to the massive outdoor area, where crisp white tables invite large groups of tattooed friends to devour plates of mac & cheese and share a few Hurricanes in the summer – and to share a few more in winter when the heated tent goes up.

Refreshingly clean inside and out, The Orbit Room is tropical without being kitschy, casual but still classy, and a great spot to hang out for a few tranquil turns.