Since it opened in 2013, Chicago’s Three Dots and a Dash has been one of the city’s popular bars—it’s hidden in a back alley, fun, unpretentious, and the rum-based drinks are damn tasty. They come in wacky, incredibly Instagrammable contraptions, like a treasure chest or a glass skull, and they’re also pretty strong—which might explain why certain emboldened patrons have tried to sneak a few of them out the door (mostly unsuccessfully, as door staff are trained to spot bizarre bulges). “There are telltale signs,” says beverage director Diane Corcoran. “If all of a sudden all garnishes are in the candle holder, or if there’s a big puddle where they dumped ice out.” Others are less sneaky: “One guy tried to carry the treasure chest out like it was a football.”
Seeing a clear opportunity, the geniuses behind the bar have finally made these Tiki mugs available online, so fans can ship home (or gift) a piece of Three Dots. From mermaid swizzle sticks ($12 for 5) to a skull mug ($20) to a limited edition Sea Horse cup ($100), these are guaranteed to liven up any bar cart. “The creepier-looking ones sell the best,” says Corcoran. “The Fijian Mermaid, the Bone Collector, and the Sea Urchin—it’s such a beautiful glass.” Plus, you no longer have to look sheepish when you explain how you got your hands on one.
Visit T+L's Guide to Chicago Bars for more Chicago inspiration.
