22 AMERICANWAY
OCTOBER 1 2008
T R A V E L
Putting the
Lounge inCocktail
Opened in 1907, the
Green Mill Cocktail Lounge
is one of the oldest jazz clubs in the country. Leased
to Al Capone’s gang in the 1920s, the club became a
speakeasy with a glamorous blend of jazz (Billie Holi-
day and Anita O’Day), gangsters, celebrities (Charlie
Chaplin andGloriaSwanson), and elegantly attired la-
dies. DuringProhibition, bootlegwhiskeywas brought
in through a trapdoor (which still exists) near the bar.
¶Nightly jazzand the time-capsule feel—dustyvelvet
drapes, upholstered booths, art nouveau light fixtures,
bizarre sculptures of goddesses— aremanna for his-
torybuffsand jazzenthusiasts. 4802NorthBroadway,
(773) 878-5552,
****
Zebra Lounge
,
a tiny yet tony piano bar filled with
kitschy zebra-themed memorabilia, is tucked into the
shadows of stately Gold Coast brownstones. Opened
the dayProhibition ended—December 5, 1933— the
quirkywatering hole has hard-coremartinis and a rol-
licking rosterofpianostandards,making itperfect fora
nightcap. 1220NorthStateParkway, (312) 642-5140
WorthaVisit
For a truly splendid splash, hit the art deco pool at
the
Intercontinental Hotel
(originally theMedinah
Athletic Club), a historic landmark. The grand pool—
a masterpiece of Spanish majolica tiles and Roman-
style arches—was built just before the stock-market
crash of 1929. $16 a day, 505 NorthMichigan, (312)
944-4100,
****
Collect your car speakers and settle in for a$9double
feature at the
Cascade Drive-in
(opened in 1961) in
WestChicago. It’sa true
Grease
-eramovieexperience.
You’ll be channeling Sandy and Danny in no time. Box
office opens at seven p.m. daily, March through mid-
November. 1100 East North Avenue, (630) 231-3150,
CascadeDrive-in
Zebra Lounge
