Redmoon still urban-minded, trendy
Nearly three years since it opened in 2005, Redmoon martini lounge remains just as urban-minded and committed to trendy, after-dark elixirs as the first time Beep's cocktail crew walked through the door two falls ago. And though the menu's array of still-commendable, sushi/Asian nibblers seemed a tad sparser than we remember, Redmoon obviously upped the liquor ante since our last visit. Pages of exotic, traditional and downright creamy martinis awaited us within Redmoon's signature red tint, a club-like glow comparable to downtown Chicago's dance bars. We suggest the Vanilla Cake martini, by the way, a sumptuous blend that resembled nothing short of an alcoholic vanilla malt.
Because Redmoon's clientele is whetted to weekend drinking, we were one of only two parties there one recent Thursday evening. We hear the Saturday scene packs the place, but this night's after-work drinking made us the bartender's center of attention. Redmoon's layout yells urban chic, sporting red-leather bench seating on the main floor, an elevated DJ booth, B96 jams and an all-around planetary spoof on the dark side of the moon: The whole north side of the club plays the part of Mars, complete with rocky edges and random artifacts.
Finding the club among downtown Arlington Heights' California Pizza Kitchen-anchored strip mall is sort of like happening upon the city's hidden martini gem. But that's fine with us, nearly three years after first discovering it ourselves, since Thursday night drinking is all the better with fast service, unique fruity, frothy martinis and the whole place to ourselves.
Dave, 26, Park Ridge: Martini: Sweet Tart: Ciroc Vodka, black currant liquer, lime juice, aloe juice First impression: It tastes like a Sweet Tart after taking a swig of grape cough syrup. I feel like I should be in Miami, wearing an open-front flowered shirt. Intoxication level (on a scale from 1 to 5): 2: The appearance of the drinks is far eclipsed by the taste. Overall: The atmosphere is heavenly, but the music choice is kind of rocky.
Kristin, 25, Chicago by way of Oswego: Martini: Can't Elope: Belvedere vodka, peach schnapps, DeKuyper watermelon pucker First impression: It looks refreshing … it's orange. It tastes like a sorbet. It needs sprinkles. I don't prefer it sans sprinkles. Intoxication level (on a scale from 1 to 5): 2: I'd like to come here on a Friday or Saturday night and get the vibe then. If you come here after work, I think Mars has more Martians. Overall: I'm not one for a trendier bar, but since I 'Can't Elope' (to something more casual), the bartender makes some pretty good martinis.
Jon, 26, Schaumburg: Martini: Miami Ice: Ketel One vodka, peach schnapps, blue curacao, pineapple juice First impression: It looks like window cleaner! It's very sweet, just a little bit too sweet. … It takes like Don Johnson's sweat! Very sweet. Intoxication level (on a scale from 1 to 5): 2.5. I'm halfway there. My second drink (Kryptonite) was sweet; it was delicious. It was like an explosion of flavor. Delicious. Overall: I think it's very trendy, very red. Hip, with a downtown-like atmosphere. Very casual; I like it.
The details
70 S. Arlington
Heights Road,
Arlington Heights,
(847) 670-4870
Hours: 5 p.m. to 1
a.m. Sunday
through Thursday ;
5 p.m. to 2 a.m. Friday
and Saturday,