The 360 Observation Deck on the 94th Floor of the John Hancock Building is on its way to Quintessential Chicago status these days. You get to be a tourist in your own city for a bit and witness the global impact of Chicago because there are literally visitors from every corner of the earth sharing this view with you. #THEREALCHICAGO series is a rotating spotlight of neighborhoods that remind us all of how lucky we are to live in this town.
In the last two years, the experience on the lower level of this building has transformed. As you wait for elevators to carry you up top to party, interactive art and video displays focus on the destinations that you would probably overlook because they’re not in the central business district. This was the final Real Chicago Takeover of the year. Andersonville and Old Town (twice) were the other features.
The secret is out; We joked at the event that Pilsen’s energy reminds us of what Logan Square was like before all the trust fund babies moved in. Both Forbes and Time Out Magazine named the southside’s predominately Mexican –American community as one of the world’s coolest neighborhoods.
When the sun sets over the city by the lake, the sky takes on this gorgeous pink sherbet effect. Students from Solorio Academy on 55th + St. Louis made up much of the evening’s entertainment. El Espirto de Pilsen with KOVAL Gin is the cocktail that you need to order. Sales from the beverage will benefit the National Museum of Mexican Art for the month of October. When ordering drinks from the other side of skydeck, the sounds of the Latin Jazz Ensemble filled the air. Los Comales and Taquieria Saboy y Sazon shared small plates and this takeover was on and crackin’; this easily the best event of the season so far.
Pilsen offers a collection of vibrant art, food and culture on par with any other section of the city. Combine that with the fact it is home to a pair of breweries (Lo Rez, Alulu) and a Michelin Star Restaurant (Duseks), it’s easy to relate to why this area is on the short list of places you should know when you speak of Chicago.
–Nkosi
Other Notes:
-Revolution Brewing and KOVAL are Bar 94’s feature local partners.
-Chicago residents can take advantage of 50% off general admission to the 360 Observation Deck
–Los Comales opened 46 years ago in Little Village and currently operates 17 Chicagoland locations and offers a catering service.
– Taquieria Saboy y Sazon produces a bombass chicken mole only available on Thursdays (2018 S Blue Island Ave)
–The National Museum of Mexican Art hosts their signature event – Day of the Dead Masquerade Ball : Love Never Dies on Saturday , November 4th , 6p -10p
