Drinking in Chicago is an art form, and that’s something these five bar experts can embrace. They also have strong opinions on mixology, TVs and celebrities, which is why RedEye invited them to pull up a bar stool, Five on Five-style.
This week’s guests: Mony Bunni of Queen Mary Tavern, Dianna Sanders of The Promontory, Kristina Magro of Pub Royale, Kyle Cooney of Lagunitas Brewing and Bob Begandy of Dusek’s Board and Beer.
Two ingredients I would love to mix but have not dare tried yet are …
Mony Bunni, Queen Mary Tavern: … dehydrated scallops with Fino Sherry. Scallops are definitely not cheap though, and I feel people will think I’ve lost my damned mind.
Dianna Sanders, bar manager, The Promontory: … grape and tequila. And not grape from actual grapes, but fake, artificial, purple grape. That’s the best kind. Ha!
Kristina Magro, bar manager, Pub Royale: … mixology pretentiousness and white girl wasted.
Kyle Cooney, Lagunitas Brewing: … ranch dressing and Jagermeister.
Bob Begandy, bar manager, Dusek’s Board and Beer: … Red Bull and vodka. Every weekend I hope someone asks me but I’m always let down.
Bars with TVs everywhere vs. bars without TVs. Discuss.
Mony Bunni: Depends, but as a die-hard Bulls fan, I love watching games in non-bro-y sports-bar settings. Just saying.
Dianna Sanders: If they would show HGTV, I’d say bring on the TVs! A bunch of folks banging on the bar every time someone scores vs. learning how to upgrade my foyer for $17? Easy choice.
Kristina Magro: Bars without TVs. Unless it’s hockey season, then all bets are off.
Kyle Cooney: Any amount of TVs can be justified if used for European soccer or golf tournaments. Otherwise, keep ’em off.
More Top Picks Delivery Soil
Bob Begandy: Depends what’s on the TV. Sports ball, no thank you. However, that Cesar Milan is quite captivating.
When it’s my turn to be the designated driver, I always tip back a few …
Mony Bunni: … bitters and sodas. If I’m feeling really fancy I’ll throw some lemon juice in there. And maybe a sherry; it’s barely alcohol!
Dianna Sanders: … more shots! If you’re riding with me, you do so at your own risk. Get your ass an Uber or put your seat belt on!
Kristina Magro: … High Lifes, because Uber is a beautiful thing.
Kyle Cooney: … TopoChicos. Throw eight or nine in a backpack and I’m ready to go.
Bob Begandy: … shots and beers, then I tell my friends sorry and educate them about Uber. Then I order margaritas!
Tell us the celebrity with whom you’d most like to have drinks and why.
Mony Bunni: There are so many great options, but really, who doesn’t want to sip scotch by a fireplace with Nick Offerman?
Dianna Sanders: Beyonce. Bey-cause she’s a working mom and I want to see how she really kicks it.
Kristina Magro: Freddie Mercury, because he is Freddie Mercury.
Kyle Cooney: Wouldn’t mind splitting a six-pack with Larry David on the lakefront.
Bob Begandy: Probably Larry David or John C. Reilly, but only as Dewey Cox. To discuss business ethics of course.
The one thing no one has done to attract customers to a bar but probably should is …
Mony Bunni: … chair massages at late-night bars for industry kids would be pretty dope. But I can’t promise we won’t fall asleep.
Dianna Sanders: … use only fresh juices, hire only the prettiest girls, make the drinks cheap, make the drinks strong, make the drinks cheap and strong. Oh snap! Every bar is doing these things. So, yeah, LOL.
Kristina Magro: … Bollywood and Chill? Oh wait, that starts Sunday at Pub Royale.
Kyle Cooney: … office supplies. Nothing funner than laminating things while having a beer.
Bob Begandy: … play “Sex and the City” on every TV possible and have cosmos on tap. I hear draft cocktails are all the rage.
Editor’s note: Panelists’ opinions are their own.
@redeyesportschi | [email protected]
Looking to make a big career move? Click here to find classes that can help you get there.