Monday my boss asked me if I could travel to Chicago for a two day work session Wednesday and Thursday… but only spending one night (you know, to minimize spend). I’m a team player so I said “no problem”. Once I booked my flights and hotel I moved to my next order of business… booking a reservation for my work session team and myself at Three Dots and a Dash. There were five of us total but it would be a new experience for at least two of the group.

After a long day (I was up to catch my 6am flight at 3:45am) we left the office, quick check in to hotel and a change into one of my favorite Hawaiian Shirts and we were in the Uber to Three Dots. I was excited to once again decent the “Skull Stairs” and be magically transported from the busy rush hour streets of Chicago to the tropical oasis of Three Dots. We were greeted with a friendly smile and wisked away to our reserved booth.

Our waitress, Jordan, greeted us and gave us maybe the most comprehensive tour of a menu ever in the history of restaurants. She highlighted many drinks, was sure to point out the classics, the new additions and even some guidance for anyone that doesn’t go to rum usually. As she walked away to let us decide everyone in my group had a huge smile on their face and, almost all at once, we said “wow, that was thorough and amazing!”

This being my fourth visit to Three Dots I have had the privilege to enjoy many of their drinks however I had never tried their version of the Rum Barrel. And, just like every drink I’ve had there, it did not disappoint!!! Like many tiki bars, Three Dots keeps their Rum Barrel mix a secret but the blend of rums (Aged Jamaica? And maybe a slight Overproof?) and citrus (lime? grapefruit?) and spices (hmmm?) was right on point! Very delicious and it went down fast and smooth.

The rest of the group also enjoyed their drinks. They were blown away by the complex flavors and intense decorations. On the table we had a few Strip and Go Nakes, a Gold Jacket Green Jacket and the name sake Three Dots and a Dash.

To quote my friend Janelle, “The drinks were delicious! I don’t know much about rum or tiki drinks but I know I enjoyed drinking these!”

We also ordered a Pu Pu Platter and it was gone SO QUICKLY!  (I love the Macadamia Nut Beef Meatballs… which you can only get on the Platter.)  And there is fire… and fire is fun.

As we were finishing up our first round, Janelle’s eyes get big as she sees one of the famous Three Dots sharing drinks being brought to the table next to us.  It was the Chief Lapu Lapu and is served in a big clam shell with all kinds of fun decorations and smoke. I tell Janelle that I’m happy to share one with her but as she flips through the menu she zeros in on the Bali Bali… and since it is for 5-6 people we convince the rest of our group to give us a hand.

After ordering we waited… and waited… and waited with anticipation… FINALLY it arrived!  It is served in an upside-down urchin with octopus arms coming out… smoke spilling out of the urchin… quite an amazing spectacle.

It looks amazing but it also taste fantastic! It is light and refreshing… the passion fruit hits the palette first and the lighter Puerto Rican rum and gin combination are extremely delightful.  And, let’s be honest, the presentation is in its own class!

We finished our Bali Bali, probably faster than we should have, and decided it was time to say farewell to Three Dots… but not before the Manager, Kurt, stopped by to see how everything was and make sure that we had an amazing time. (And not before I was able to procure myself two more AMAZING Three Dots Tiki Mugs!)

I cannot say enough wonderful things about Three Dots… the Food, the Drinks, the Decor, all WONDERFUL but, above even those key elements of a top rate tiki bar, the Hospitality and Service is what makes it a place you want to keep going back to. All four times I have visited the staff has made me feel like I was part of the Three Dots ‘Ohana and I will keep returning as often as I can (or keep pushing for them to build Three Dots South in Orlando).

Thank you, Three Dots, once again you didn’t fail to impress!