High temps and humidity have us sweating–but so does the anticipation of a crop of new concept-driven bars and clubs. A few spots are already open, and many more are just days and weeks away from serving their first brews. Get the scoop now and plan ahead for a steamy summer.
Ollies Bar & Grill
433 W. Diversey Pkwy.
773-868-6200
Looking for a place to watch the game? Or simply watch anything? This neighborhood bar and grill, now open, gives a whole new meaning to TV dinner. Located in the former Robusto Cafe spot, Ollies offers small TVs at every booth, plus five large-screen TVs. A restored antique bar, warm golden walls and wood accents create a comfy atmosphere to drink and dine. But we especially love the front doors that open on to a patio primed for Lincoln Park people-watching.
Slainte
2138 N. Halsted St. 773-348-3665
Emerald Isle native Mike Duggan is focusing on what he knows best for his newly opened hang in the former Bar 3 space: pubs. Head here for a menu of Irish faves–shepherd’s pie, corned beef and cabbage, bangers and mash–plus 13 beers on draft. Raise your pint of Smithwick’s and shout “Slainte!” (pronounced slawn’cha), which means “good health” in Gaelic. Hang out in the front of the bar and catch a breeze through the large windows that open on to Halsted Street; it’s a great view of shoppers. If crowd gazing’s not your thing, a half-dozen flat-screen TVs, an Internet jukebox, Golden Tee and open-mic night (10 p.m.-1 a.m. Tuesdays) should keep you entertained.
Jet Vodka Lounge
1555 N. Sheffield Ave. 312-440-9140
Time to update the flight schedule for this supersleek elliptical space in the style of a 777 airplane. Owner Marc Bortz tells us the 200-capacity club with 100 kinds of international vodka and ice block tabletops should open very soon. (Keep checking metromix.com for updates.) We’re anxiously strapped in and ready for takeoff.
Moe’s Cantina
3518 N. Clark St. 773-281-8399
The guys behind John Barleycorn are shooting for a late June opening for this modern Mexican cantina in the former Crystal’s Car Wash space (right next door to JB’s Wrigleyville location). Look for an acid-stained concrete bar, barrel roof, and glass garage doors that will retract for an almost-alfresco feel. The menu will feature small plates, entrees and do-it-yourself tabletop grills for steak.
Cabaret
15 W. Hubbard St.
What’s black, white, red and practically all over Hubbard Street? Why, the enormous, triangular, newly unveiled marquee for the “lounge that dances” from the Bortz Entertainment Group (Hogs and Honeys, Sangria, JP Chicago and the soon-to-open Jet Vodka Lounge). Come fall, expect over-the-top glitz and glam in a throwback to old-school destination nightclubbing, with three separate rooms, a 300-person capacity, computer-generated lighting schemes, Brazilian walnut floors, and white polished stone and black veneer accents.
Enclave
213 W. Institute Pl. 312-654-0234
Oh, how we wish this luxe lounge with cool cocktails (Chicago Two Flat and Flight of the Concorde) were open already. Sadly, we can’t give you a date to pencil in your calendar, but we can tell you that this 15,000-square-foot space with a loftlike interior is aiming for a–fingers crossed–end of June/early July opening.
Junior’s Sports Lounge
726 W. Maxwell St.
The folks behind Cans Bar and Canteen, Four and Salud Tequila Lounge are aiming to open this upscale sports bar in October. Chicago Bears legend Gale Sayers is partnering with the group, so die-hard sports fans should love the authenticity–not to mention the 20 large flat-screens, plus booths that boast self-controlled TVs.
Morgan’s Bar & Grill
1325 S. Halsted St. 312-243-4800
You want pizza? You want martinis? You got it. This woody, window-filled room will feature a copper ceiling, vintage-style chandeliers, and old-school black and white photos of the Maxwell Street area when the University Village joint opens (aiming for July 1). The kitchen’s massive pizza oven should kick out about 100 thin-crust pizzas an hour to feed hungry patrons sipping specialty cocktails or one of the 24 beers (mostly microbrews and imports) on tap.
Stay tuned . . .
Watch out for yet another Jerry Kleiner (Red Light, Marche) concept, Victor Hotel, slated for a summer opening in the Warehouse District; a casual, contemporary bar-lounge with an outdoor patio called On the Rocks; and a retro club featuring house band The Spazmatics, Radio Star.
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kmbudell@tribune.com
