Three Dots and a Dash
23 Nov 2025
Three Dots and a Dash was a sort of surprise to me. I've been looking forward to getting here for some time, as it is on everyone's top Tiki bar list. Once we finally arrived, it struck me how different it is from most Tiki bars I've been to. First, it IS a TIKI BAR. There are Tikis in the room, on the bar; all of the typical trappings are there from the thatch to the lighting... but this one is different. It has more of a "sexy" mid-century feel than most Tiki bars where clutter is the design. The room feels more sleek and open. It's obvious that this bar is popular, and popular with a cross section of people. There were groups, old married couples, and first dates in the bar - and all of them seemed comfortable. Kudos to Three Dots for that, as the more places you go, you realize how rare that is. This was our 34th Tiki bar, and we ranked it #6, although we acknowledge that a few of our top five need to be revisited. Anyway, apart from the design, everything about Three Dots is excellent, from the drinks to the food to the waiters. Everyone is kind and attentive, from the host to our beautiful waitress. The drinks were all top shelf, and SERVED IN MUGS when appropriate. We had a great time at Three Dots and a Dash, and we can't wait to return!
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Tiki Bar
Three Dots and a Dash
Chicago, Illinois, United States
Opened in August 2013.
Three Dots and a Dash was the creation of star bartender Paul McGee, in partnership with Lettuce Entertain You, a Chicago area restaurant group. The bar is named for the classic Don the Beachcomber drink, itself a WWII call for victory using the Morse code for "V." The focus at Three Dots and a Dash is on cocktails, but it also delivers on the special Polynesian Pop details we've come to expect... most notably on the beautifully detailed souvenir mugs. There is a small menu of food, including a flaming Pu-Pu Platter.
In November 2014, Paul McGee left Three Dots and a Dash, and in January 2015 opened Lost Lake (However, Lost Lake is closed since January 2022).
The Three Dots and a Dash space is divided up into several sections, including The Bamboo Room (an exclusive 22-seat bar-within-a-bar opened in 2019). Led by Beverage Director Kevin Beary, The Bamboo Room was recognized as one of Esquire’s “Best Bars in America” in 2022. An ode to rum and rhum agricoles, the menu is composed of refined and focused rum drinks presented across multiple cocktail styles. Separate menu shown below...