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Chicago cocktail fans won’t have to book a flight to Singapore to experience one of the world’s buzziest bars, but they may have to be fast on the OpenTable reservation link to make it happen.
On Monday, July 20, Kitty’s Cosmopolitan Club in River North will welcome Jesse Vida, the cofounder of Singapore’s acclaimed Cat Bite Club, for a one-night-only guest shift featuring an exclusive four-cocktail tasting menu.
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Vida has become one of the cocktail world’s most respected bartenders thanks to Cat Bite Club, which opened in 2023 and quickly earned the Campari One to Watch Award from The World’s 50 Best Bars while picking up multiple Spirited Awards nominations. Before launching the bar, Vida served as head bartender at Atlas Singapore, where he built a reputation for inventive cocktails centered on agave spirits and Asian rice spirits.
For his Chicago appearance, Vida has created a four-drink menu available only during the event. Rather than ordering à la carte, guests will be guided through each cocktail in sequence, showcasing the playful yet meticulously crafted style that has helped turn Cat Bite Club into an international destination for cocktail aficionados. (And simultaneously removing any guilt for indulging in four cocktails on a weeknight.)
The guest shift takes place from 6 to 8pm at Kitty’s Cosmopolitan Club, the newest venture from the hospitality team behind Gus’ Sip & Dip and Three Dots and a Dash. Tickets cost $75 per person (plus tax and fees) and include all four cocktails.
While Chicago has no shortage of world-class cocktail bars, guest appearances from internationally celebrated bartenders don’t come around every day. For anyone who geeks out over spirits—or simply wants to taste drinks they can’t get anywhere else in the city—this is one of July’s most intriguing pop-ups.
Considering Cat Bite Club’s growing reputation and Vida’s loyal following, don’t be surprised if seats disappear well before July 20.
Kitty’s Cosmopolitan Club is located at 51 West Hubbard Street. For more information and to make a reservation, click here.