Explore Dorothy, Split-Rail’s basement cocktail bar in West Town

Ashok Selvam is the editor of Eater Chicago and a native Chicagoan armed with more than two decades of award-winning journalism. Now covering the world of restaurants and food, his nut graphs are super nutty.

Chicago’s bars, in their purest form, are comforting community spaces that welcome all while giving customers the space to relax and express themselves. These are places where bartenders won’t judge customers, whether they order a cheap canned beer or a fancy cocktail that takes a few minutes to mix. Dorothy, opening on Friday in the basement of Split-Rail — a restaurant near the Ukrainian Village and Humboldt Park border — is a throwback to that affable feeling, a cocktail lounge where customers won’t feel as if they’re being packed in like a can of sardines.

The basement features plush seating and a funky ’70s motif with disco balls. The pillars are decorated with the drink and beer lists. The corner area houses loft-like seating where customers could put their feet up and relax while listening to an all-vinyl soundtrack. Dorothy won’t be looking to keep customers churning in and out. Owners Zoë Schor and Michelle Szot are launching a new hospitality company, Drinking Policy; after Split-Rail, Dorothy is the duo’s second project. They’ve created a bar for those who are more confident in what cocktails they like, with a come-as-you-are atmosphere.

Szot’s drink list comes in a cute circular menu. The signature drinks use a variety of spirits; she’s not concentrating on a single liquor like mezcal or whisky. Dorothy will open with seven draft beers, including one custom brewed for the bar with Dark Matter coffee. Red and white wines and a margarita are also available on draft.

The wide-open space affords Schor and Szot flexibility to throw events. Schor wants to host a queer night, which will further demonstrate the space’s dedication to inclusivity. Take a walk through the space below. Dorothy opens on Friday.

Dorothy, in the basement of Split-Rail, 2500 W. Chicago Avenue, opening on Friday, will be open daily at 5 p.m.