“World’s Best” speakeasy in the Loop quietly closes

The Milk Room—a speakeasy bar on the second floor of the Chicago Athletic Association Hotel—permanently closed its doors Friday, Feb. 28, according to someone with knowledge of the bar who spoke to WGN News.

Ranked as one of America’s Top 50 bars by The World’s 50 Best in 2023, the Milk Room was a small, intimate bar that sat eight people at a time and was illuminated almost completely by candlelight.

According to The World’s 50 Best, the bar’s theme harkened back to Prohibition days when “milk” served as a code word for alcohol. On top of the bar’s accented wooden features and flair for the Roaring 20’s ambiance, the Milk Room was also known to house a profound collection of whiskies, from old-world Scotches to new-generation offerings from Japan.

According to the Milk Room’s website, the bar is “currently closed.”

The web page goes on to say, “Exciting things are in the works at Chicago Athletic Association as we prepare to welcome fresh, dynamic dining experiences to our historic halls. Rooted in the spirit of hospitality and innovation, these upcoming concepts will bring bold flavors, creative craftsmanship, and unforgettable energy to the heart of Chicago. Stay tuned—something special is on its way.”