Boka’s Grandiose New Rooftop Bar in Gold Coast Opens on Sunday

It’s never a dull day for Boka Restaurant Group as on Sunday they’ll debut a new rooftop bar, Devereaux, on top of the new Viceroy Hotel, just off Rush Street. The opening comes four days after Boka unveiled their stunning Somerset, the new restaurant adjacent to the Gold Coast hotel. While the rooftop bar complements the new restaurant, Boka partner Rob Katz feels the new space, which includes a “boutique” swimming pool, won’t have trouble drawing customers who don’t dine downstairs.

“There are no cannonballs, thankfully,” Katz said, referring the popular pool party maneuver.

While splashy antics like those would be welcome over at The J. Parker, Boka’s rooftop bar in Lincoln Park atop the Hotel Lincoln, Devereaux’s drinks and decor (it’s a retro 1960s-1970s feel) are for a more grown-up audience. It’s more refined amid the concrete jungle’s taller buildings.

“Devereaux features more of a Gold Coast opulence vibe, it’s a little bit more mature — it’s less wild than its little sister,” Katz said.

Chef Lee Wolen has developed a concise menu including seared tuna, a smoked beet tartare, and oysters. But there’s garlic fries and a cheeseburger. Likewise, opening date is also the season opener for the Bears. While Devereaux is decidedly not a sports bar, a few TVs will emerge from behind mirrors during game days. That way the bar can accommodate all guests with typical Boka quality customer service.

Boka Restaurant Group

Katz is proud of beverage director Lee Zaremba who made a name for himself at Billy Sunday in Logan Square. One drink immediately pops off the menu, at least its name: Mayor John Daly. Daly is the professional golfer who struggled a bit with alcohol. He’s not related to Richard J. or Richard M. Daley, the former mayors of Chicago. The drink, with vodka, is a spiked version of an Arnold Palmer, the iced tea/lemonade drink named after one of the greatest golfers who ever played.

The Gold Coast is one of Chicago’s more-unique neighborhoods, and Boka is ecstatic to finally have a presence. Katz hopes they can cater to locals and draw customers from elsewhere.

“I think we have the connection, the respect of our customer base, we certainly hope that people who like our other restaurants will come and give Somerset a try sometime,” he said. “We certainly are going for a wide customer base larger than the Gold Coast, but we’re very cognizant of our neighbors. We hope to make a few regulars soon.”

Come in Sunday and check out Devereaux, high atop the Viceroy Hotel’s 18th floor. Read the menus below.

Devereaux, 1112 N. State St., on the 18th floor of the Viceroy Hotel, (312) 586-2160, open 11 a.m. to 2 a.m. daily, food served until 11 p.m.