Marriott raises curtain on Greatroom bar

The name doesn't exactly roll off the tongue, but what the M.I. Greatroom Day & Night Bar lacks in linguistic appeal it more than makes up for in atmosphere.

Located off the newly remodeled lobby of the Lincolnshire Marriott Resort - home of the hugely popular Marriott Theatre - the Greatroom bar is a cozy place to grab a drink or a preshow dinner. So while many hotel bars remain the domain of business travelers, this one is too nice to leave to the out-of-towners.

Motif: The bar sits where the hotel gift shop once was and spills open into the lobby, part of the Marriott's new Greatroom approach that encourages interaction among guests and visitors.

The space has undergone drastic renovation. The hotel's old Day & Night bar was out of date, very 1970s, and catered mainly to business travelers, says executive chef Joe Plucinski. Now, the hotel is hoping to attract local residents as well, especially those who flock to the Marriott for its musicals.

The lounge itself features couch groupings, booths and tables - some for quiet twosomes, others designed to comfortably seat 10. The color palette is awash in rich reds, warm greens and pale yellows. Nine flat-screen TVs allow you to watch a game if you want, but sports is hardly the emphasis.

Service: Our waitress was prompt and attentive. And when my husband asked for blue cheese-stuffed olives, something the bar didn't readily stock, she retreated to the kitchen to make them herself.

Liquid consumption: Thirty different beers are available by the bottle and five on tap. The wine list covers the bases, with a number of choices sold by the glass. The menu emphasizes cocktails, many handcrafted with fresh juices. I can vouch for the signature martini, made with Ketel One Vodka, PAMA Pomegranate Liqueur and ginger. Served in a sugar-rimmed martini glass, it was refreshing and slightly citrusy, a nice option for a warm summer night.

Food: The menu has a little something for everyone and Plucinski says it's designed with timing in mind. There's edamame or hummus for those in a hurry. Diners wanting to linger can order flatbreads, shrimp cocktail, chicken wings, burgers, salads and entrees such as meatloaf, fish and pasta.

The sliders, for example, reach beyond the usual mini burgers. You can get beef, but if you prefer you can opt for the short rib sliders, crab cakes or, as we did, the moist salmon cakes. They're served with an ample portion of slender fries.

Crowd: The bar draws business types, of course, but increasingly should bring in the theater crowd.

Sounds: The music selection varies according to the crowd and time of day. Once a month, there will be special bar-related lobby events like mixology classes. July, for example, features a lesson in making honey wheat beer using honey from hives on the property.

Parking: There is ample parking in the hotel lot.

Overall: Business travelers will find the M.I. Greatroom Day & Night Bar a nice respite after a long day, but locals should plan a visit as well. It's a great place to grab a quick bite before seeing a Marriott show - or drinks and dessert after.

<p class="factboxheadblack">M.I. Greatroom Day & Night Bar</p>

<p class="News">10 Marriott Drive, Lincolnshire, (847) 634-0100</p>

<p class="News"><b>Hours:</b> 11 a.m. to midnight daily</p>