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| - Summer's finally here and that means one thing -- rooftop patios! It's hard to imagine a nicer way to end the day than sipping cocktails under the stars while enjoying a nice view of the city. I found out about Oasis from a friend. It's not a place that you would find unless you were looking for it and on a weeknight it's busy, but not too crowded. There is a separate entrance to "Oasis" just off Mercer St. (to the right of the Second City doors). It feels like a secret local hangout even though it's right in the middle of the most touristy neighbourhood. You have to walk up several flights of stairs to the rooftop. There you'll be met with a urban oasis -- cushy couches to lounge on, heating lamps (if it gets chilly, as this place is open May-October), strings of lights hanging above, even a "waterfall".
The menu currently on offer is bare-bones (cheeseburger, cajun turkey burger, salad, pizza) and the drinks menu is also pretty small (about 5 or 6 kinds of wine by the glass, a few martinis, caesars). However, they are introducing a special summer menu next week. Starting next week, there will also be nightly specials (e.g. martini monday's). I had the cheeseburger ($14), which was good. Nothing special, but I can't complain -- you don't really come here with high expectations for food. It came with a simple side salad of spring mix and balsamic vinaigrette (or you could choose tortilla chips and salsa). I also had the "Beach Bum" ($9) martini which had some kind of fruity vodka, pineapple juice, and lime. It was nice and refreshing.
Music was a random selection of top 40 and some old stuff, like Weezer's Blue Album. Relaxed summer music. Smoking IS allowed (and a lot of people were smoking when I came), so if you are like me and not super-thrilled about second-hand smoke, pick your table carefully.
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