107-Year-Old Blackstone Hotel Unveils New 1960s Happy Hour Lounge

The 107-year-old Blackstone Hotel is banking on attracting more guests to the South Loop by opening a lobby lounge that specializes in craft cocktails. Timothy’s Hutch opens today, part of a multi-million dollar renovation for the hotel which Marriott recently brought into its Autograph Collection imprint. The lounge, in the hotel’s lobby, serves 1960s-style cocktails and small bites.

The hotel last saw renovations in 2008 to restore the infrastructure and architecture. The same firm that oversaw that work from nine years ago, Chicago-based Getty Group, was also in charge of the most-recent renovations in the 4,081-square-foot lobby. Lots of plush seating lures people to linger for happy hour—it’s only open in the early evening from 5 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. The space also features more then 1,600 pieces of commissioned art. The Hutch will host live music and DJs on Friday nights.

The lobby connects Timothy’s Hutch to Mercat a la Planxa, the acclaimed Spanish restaurant which recently underwent its own remodeling. Hotel officials are excited that Timothy’s Hutch will allow them to serve their own cocktails, not just relying on Mercat’s offerings.

The lounge’s name is derived from Blackstone namesake Timothy Blackstone. Check out the photos below. Hotel guests and South Loop locals have a new spot to meet for drinks, as Timothy’s Hutch opens tonight.

Timothy’s Hutch, 636 S. Michigan Ave., (312) 447-0955, open 5: 30 p.m. to 8 p.m. daily

Barry Brecheisen