Prairie School bar - Chicago, USA

We will never know if Frank Lloyd Wright dreamt of a cocktail bar inspired by his legacy; nevertheless, it has arrived. The late architect and designer, who became widely known for galvanising the Prairie School style of architecture, finds elements of his groundbreaking concepts disseminated throughout this new Chicago venue that has borrowed the style’s namesake for its own.

Local firm Rugo Raff Architects made an apt pairing for designer Kevin Heisner as this vision was brought to life. Dramatic floor-to-ceiling windows do a proper job of showing off the intimate interior, where striking frosted art glass in the entryway complements the palettes of Josef Albers-infuenced carpet accents. A 13-seat white oak bar is the centrepiece, of course – an unabashedly midwestern focal point that gives the prairie landscape its due reverence.

Savvy design is also in the beverage details. Mugs commissioned from Los Angeles-based ceramic artist Phil Kim are paired exclusively with the refreshing whisky highball. Wright’s influence lingers here as well – order the signature cocktail Falling Water to not only enjoy the surprisingly pleasant plum brandy and coffee combination, but also to reminisce on a storied icon.