Uncle Fatty’s Rum Resort
2833 N. Sheffield Ave.
773-477-3661
Party-loving people can’t get enough of thisjust-opened Lakeview spot that’s celebrating its official grand opening with Memorial Day-weekend festivities. Get in an island frame of mind with tiki-bardecor, shuffleboard, palm trees and sand — it’s like spring break all over again! Ginormous tropical cocktails and frozen drinks help fuel the crowd, and a rotating roster of cover bands and DJs keep the party going.
Bar DeVille
701 N. Damen Ave. No phone yet
The French-inspired name may translate to “bar of the city,” but this corner tavern — slated for a summer opening — is all about keeping things local and laid back. That said, you’ll still find a European influence in the decor: Think rustic French chateau-meets-Chicago dive. An extensive bottled beer selection plus classic handcrafted cocktails keep the crowd watered; a pool table, jukebox and weekend DJs working their magic with high-def projectors for video mixing keep the crowd entertained.
The Flat Iron
1565 N. Milwaukee Ave.
773-365-9000
Well, that’s what we’re told The Note (which closed May 4) will most likely be called — but we’ll find out soon enough since the plan is to open the last weekend of May. Owner Nick Novich, the man behind Nick’s Beer Garden, Nick’s Uptown and Nick’s on Wilson, has turned the former live music venue into a straight-up tavern. To add some flair, local artists are currently covering the walls in urban art, murals and funky graffiti-style paintings.
Religion
720 N. Wells St. 312-787-2375
Brought to you by the group behind neighboring Latin-themedClub 720 and Lincoln Park sports bar The Spread, this dance club will cater to house music lovers with a rotating cast of resident and world-renowned guestDJs. Turntable talent sets up shop in a 15-foot, top-notch boothhigh above the worshipping crowd.The third floor walk-up with stained glass windows offers ample seating for bottle service and VIPs; two full-service bars are available for the masses. A May 30 grand opening with the Martinez Brothers is planned.
Spy Bar
646 N. Franklin St. 312-337-2191
This place has been around for 12 years — possibly a bit longer than you’ve been drinking (legally). Recently, more than $1 million in renovations injected new life into the 4,200-square-foot, below-street-level space. Set to reopen in June, the 4 a.m. spot will continue to focus on top-notch DJs; beats will pump through a state-of-the-art sound system. Spy Bar partnered with Vosges to pair truffles and chocolates with champagne; spirits come with signature seasonal mixers designed by John Kinder, a former Metromix Best Bartender finalist recently named “Rising Star Bar Chef” by starchefs.com.
Crossroads
Public House
2630 N. Clark St. 773-248-3900
It’s not every day that the local sushi joint transforms into an Irish pub, but that’s what happened when the Hey Sushi owners turned their venue into a Lincoln Park pub decked out in cherry-stained wood and nearly a dozen 42-inch plasma TVs.And forget maki. Now you can chow onburgers, salads, wraps and pizza. Swill domestic beers, imports such as Guinness and Smithwick’s, or Crossroads’ very own house ale, CPH.
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kmbudell@tribune.com
