Bocce: the oldest known game in the world (h/t Ancient Rome).
Pick up ball. Roll ball at target. Consume beer.
Simple. Fun. Utterly blue-collar.
And the centerpiece of the Game Room, a fanciful paean to all things indoor sport at the Chicago Athletic Association Hotel, a local landmark that reopened its doors earlier this week.
A labor of nostalgic love by the Land and Sea Dept. (Parson’s Chicken & Fish, Lost Lake), think of the Game Room as a wealthy 19th-century prospector’s private recreation den.
In other words: It’s very, very handsome.
Bocce. Billiards. Shuffleboard. Table games galore.
The concessions: classic.
The cocktails: Also classic (both menus are right here).
All lorded over by a resident “game master” who you can call over regarding rules discrepancies.
Charming stuff.
In fact, the Chicago Athletic Association Hotel is all charm — a 125-year-old former private club rife with Chicago history (Marshall Field and William Wrigley were members) and meticulously restored to former glory.
Its crown jewel — this view:
You’ll find it atop at Cindy’s. We suggest hitting it up after a few games downstairs.
Welcome, old sport. Welcome.
Related:
24 Hours in the Virgin Hotel
Where To Take Her: Local Holiday Edition
Game Room Photo: Clayton Hauck
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