The best Library without books
I’ve been fortunate to dine previously at the Pump Room for breakfast and afternoon meetings and loved its ambience and tasty fare. I’ve been dying to check out Public Hotel’s (the former Ambassador East, remade in 2011 by Ian Schrager) Library space, since it’s been talked up for a couple years as a great remote working spot. Luckily I was able to snag a seat at the long library table – much of the rest of the space is comfy seating, more appropriate for relaxing (unless you like working like that… in which case, OUCH!).
The menu at the Library is pretty short – sandwiches, brownies, cookies and the like along with a ton of fancy juices and drinks, and of course, coffee. You can even purchase alcohol.
Through a long Google Hangout conference call and a couple hours of work, the wifi was consistent and strong. And the space was lovely to work in, if a little darker than I’m used to. If I were meeting friends or clients in the area, it’s a great spot to ensconce yourself for evening drinks.
And I do have to mention, the staff was nothing short of wonderful, apologizing for service delays and helping in any way they could. And I wasn’t even a guest of the hotel, which I suppose highlights their service even more.
Public’s private rooftop and the Pump Room’s new spring menu
Moving upstairs to a private rooftop space you can rent out for events on the 17th floor, the stellar Chicago skyline view is an ideal setting for a classy work function, a small wedding or really, whatever you’d like.
The light noshes we enjoyed from the Pump Room’s new spring menu was really an amazing way to greet one of our first great spring days of the year. From shareable and savory flatbreads (the spinach, goat cheese and herbs is amazing) to crispy rice & salmon nigiri with chipotle sauce, and a fabulous crab crostini, the menu is refreshing and so tasty.
