Recent press quotes
Front Desk – February 2008
“Why freeze in the February chill when you can snuggle in the sexy confines of the Jazz Club at Pops for Champagne? Tucked underneath the main floor is Pop’s stonewalled Jazz Club where musicians perform five nights a week. Intimate tables and dim lighting make it easy to linger.”
CS – February 2008
“For an über-sophisticated night out, treat yourself to the delish small plates in this River North club’s handsome street-level dining room. Then head downstairs to the Parisian-inspired underground lounge for bubbly and some of Chicago’s best live jazz in an elegant setting.”
Frommer’s Chicago 2008
“A civilized, elegant way to enjoy jazz, the Pops champagne bar is one of the prettiest rooms in the city, and its River North location makes it a convenient walk from most downtown hotels.”
WHERE Chicago – December 2007
“Pops goes the perfect gift! For more than 25 years, Pops for Champagne has been tops among local lovers of food, wine and jazz. But the fun doesn’t stop when the legendary nightclub-slash-restaurant closes for the evening. You can purchase custom-made gifts and also take home a bottle of bubbly from The Pops Shop.”
Gayot.com – December 26, 2007
“There’s a definite buzz going on at Pops for Champagne and not only because of all the sparkling wine being served. Here, food plays a more prominent role with a varied selection of champagne-friendly small plates, cheeses and deserts. Stop by the retail wine shop specializing in – you guessed it – bubbles!”
Chicago Tribune – November 15, 2007
“Pops’ bi-level location in River North has kept all of the fizz of its Lakeview original, continuing to shine as the venue that wonderfully marries a good glass of bubbly with some soothing piano jazz.”
Chicago Magazine- September 2007
“Whether in a group or on a date, you’d be hard pressed to find a better afterwork spot to sip and stare. The high-top tables lining the windows are great for people watching while an onyx and amber glass bar anchors the main room.”
Illinois Meetings & Events- Fall 2007
“Pops still reins supreme for its selection of champagnes, sparkling wines and sophisticated atmosphere while the menu selection is as tasteful (and tasty) as the champagne with featured items such as lobster, king crab and oysters.”
Nation’s Restaurant News- August 20, 2007
“Fine food and live music accompany one another at Chicago hot spot Pops for Champagne, combining jazz groups with a champagne bar and restaurant.”...“In most music clubs, the food and beverage are secondary. Everything we do here is primary for us. It’s all important.” -Owner Tom Verhey
FSB: Fortune Small Business- September 2007
“After dinner, cool off at Pops for Champagne, relocated in the River North district. While the interiors have taken a stylish turn and the jazz section was made a bit cozier, the menu of 100 champagnes and sparkling wines remains the same. Change is good, but some things are best left the way they were.”
NewCity- September 27, 2007
Named the “Best Place to Drink Champagne”
“Pops has bubbled up to a whole new level with the magnificent open street-level space that makes you feel you’re partying inside a glass of champagne.”
WHERE Chicago- September 2007
“If someone in your party is just begging for good bubbly, steer them to the sleek new Pops for Champagne. Above a golden onyx bar, translucent panels doubling as flat screen TV’s show everything from art to broadcasts of the live jazz happening in the club downstairs. Discover a bubbly you like? Grab a bottle or two in the neighboring Pops Shop retail store.”
Executive Traveler- SEPT/OCT 2007
“The only champagne bar in Chicago, Pops offers patrons more than 100 bottles of champagne and sparkling wines, including eight to 10 selections by the glass that change weekly.”
Sheridan Road- Fall 2007
“With a lighter, brighter, and all-around more effervescent location in River North, fans of the old Pops won’t find anything familiar except for a commitment to champagne and jazz.”
Voyager Magazine: June 2007
"This landmark jazz club, champagne bar and shop have seven champagnes by the glass and 70 by the bottle. The nightclub features good live Chicago jazz musicians and the shop is the nation's only dedicated sparkling wine store."
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Conde Nast Traveler 2007 "Hot List": May 2007
"Hot Nights"
Pops was recognized as one of the 25 hottest nightclubs in the world for 2007, according to CN Traveler Magazine.
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TIme Out Chicago Eat Out Awards - Readers' Choice, March 29, 2007
"Can a wine bar have a mid-life crisis? At the not-so tender age of 24, Pops for Champagne left its Lakeview home last year for more glamorous digs in River North. Whereas the former spot was elegant and subdued, the new space is flashier than a red convertible. The sleek multifloor space in the treasured Tree Studios building features a hip aesthetic and Champagne-like bubble lighting upstairs, and there's mainstream jazz in the downstairs den. Andre Christopher, formerly chef de cuisine at Japonais, and handles the food, and the menu features everything from marinated olives to scallop risotto. And, of course, the unparalleled bubbly list offers 70 Champagnes and 25 sparkling wines. Pops' rebirth makes us wish that a lot more bars got the 24-year itch."
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Chicago Magazine: February 2007: "A Bubbly Personality"
Here today, gone today. That's the mantra of the city's fickle night-life scene. As with relationships, the minute you find a favorite spot, it either closes or relocates. But in the case of POPS FOR CHAMPAGNE (601 N. State St.), which was loyal to its Sheffield location in Lake View for 24 years, owners say a move into the heart of River North was dictated by demand. The new, ultramodern space - 3,000 square feet on each of its two floors - still focuses most of its energy on bubbly, with more than 100 varieties to sip. But for this version, Pops has hired a charismatic chef to man the kitchen. Andre Christopher, formerly chef de cuisine at Japonais. "We wanted to step it up, to redefine bar food," says Tom Verhey, Pops' founding owner along with his wife, Linda, now joined by their daughter Sara as director of operations...for the full article, pick up a copy of Chicago Magazine's February 2007 issue! Article written by Sarah Preston.
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