Schaumburg's Escape caters to carnivores, cocktail lovers

With Drink Nightclub down the street, the opening of Escape Lounge & Sports Bar on Sept. 24 has turned Algonquin Road into a destination for Schaumburg residents and other suburbanites looking for a night of drinks and music.

Motif: While you'll find four large TVs hanging over the bar, Escape's look hews closer to lounge than sports bar. The stone bar and tables, which are embedded into the floor, are set with curved backed chairs. Purple lights reminiscent of jellyfish decorate the red-lit ceiling, while color-changing lights illuminate bottles behind the bar. A second bar is equipped with two more TVs and there are two couches positioned behind the DJ booth and another by the window. A large dining room is set with black tablecloth-covered tables and a small private party room with tile walls was screening a soccer game when we visited. There are also TVs embedded into the walls of the bathrooms.

Food: The building previously housed a Brazilian steakhouse, which left behind its charcoal grill. Escape Lounge & Sports Bar uses the equipment to cook a variety of kebabs to order and they'll also roast a whole lamb or pig for big parties that request it in advance. A variety of salads, appetizers, sandwiches, pasta and pizza round out the menu.

Liquid consumption: Signature cocktails include the A+, a creamy and smooth mix of RumChata, banana schnapps and coffee liqueur shaken with ice and served in a large martini glass. Classic drinks like the old fashioned, caramel apple martini and Moscow Mule are also popular. The mule was well-mixed with muddled fresh mint, served in a traditional frosty copper mug. Adding to the club vibe, Escape also offers a menu of shots plus bottle service.

Crowd: When we visited, the spot was populated by a few groups having dinner along with couples sipping martinis and watching sports at the bar. Ages tend to range between 21 and 60.

Service: We were quickly greeted and offered menus by the bartender. He introduced himself, asking if it was our first time at the bar, and checked in to make sure we enjoyed our drinks.

Music: DJs spin Top 40 music on Friday and Saturday.

Parking: There's plenty of parking in the large free lot.

Overall: Escape Lounge & Sports Bar is a chic spot for cocktail lovers and carnivores.