Iconic Belmont Tavern Reopens in Chicago After 25 Years
What happened
The Belmont Tavern, a well-known Chicago establishment, is reopening this month after being closed for 25 years. The revival of the iconic neighborhood spot aims to provide a renewed gathering place for local residents.
Why it matters
- The new proprietor is veteran Chicago bartender Nick Kokonas, known for his work at prominent establishments like Queen Mary, Longman & Eagle, and GreenRiver. It's important to note he is not the same Nick Kokonas associated with the Alinea Group and Tock. - The building, located at 3405 W. Belmont Ave. in Avondale, is 135 years old and originally opened as a butcher shop and saloon in 1890. Before closing in 2000, it had served for about 60 years as a working-class Polish dive bar. - For the quarter-century it was closed, the space was largely used for storage. The revival project, which took about a year and a half, was partially funded by a city Community Development Grant. - The renovation focused on preserving original features like the copper-toned tin ceiling, wood floors, and the original bar and back bar. The team even color-matched the paint to the original hues found during the restoration. - The new interior incorporates salvaged materials from other historic Chicago locations, including repurposed church pews for seating and vintage chairs from the former Michael Jordan Steakhouse. - The cocktail menu, themed "Everything Old Is New Again," features 26 drinks from Kokonas's two-decade career. Offerings include a "Bus Tracker" special—a shot and a six-ounce Old Style for $4—named for the nearby Belmont Blue Line stop. - The establishment will not have a kitchen but will offer snacks from local partners. The sole draft beer available will be Old Style. - The intimate 1,600-square-foot space has seating for about 60 people and a total capacity of just under 100.
Key numbers
- The Belmont Tavern, a well-known Chicago establishment, is reopening this month after being closed for 25 years.
- in Avondale, is 135 years old and originally opened as a butcher shop and saloon in 1890.
- Before closing in 2000, it had served for about 60 years as a working-class Polish dive bar.
- The cocktail menu, themed "Everything Old Is New Again," features 26 drinks from Kokonas's two-decade career.
What happens next
- The establishment will not have a kitchen but will offer snacks from local partners.
- The sole draft beer available will be Old Style.
- The revival of the iconic neighborhood spot aims to provide a renewed gathering place for local residents.
Quick answers
What happened in Iconic Belmont Tavern Reopens in Chicago After 25 Years?
The Belmont Tavern, a well-known Chicago establishment, is reopening this month after being closed for 25 years. The revival of the iconic neighborhood spot aims to provide a renewed gathering place for local residents.
Why does Iconic Belmont Tavern Reopens in Chicago After 25 Years matter?
The new proprietor is veteran Chicago bartender Nick Kokonas, known for his work at prominent establishments like Queen Mary, Longman & Eagle, and GreenRiver. It's important to note he is not the same Nick Kokonas associated with the Alinea Group and Tock. The building, located at 3405 W. Belmont Ave. in Avondale, is 135 years old and originally opened as a butcher shop and saloon in 1890. Before closing in 2000, it had served for about 60 years as a working-class Polish dive bar. For the quarter-century it was closed, the space was largely used for storage. The revival project, which took about a year and a half, was partially funded by a city Community Development Grant. The renovation focused on preserving original features like the copper-toned tin ceiling, wood floors, and the original bar and back bar. The team even color-matched the paint to the original hues found during the restoration. The new interior incorporates salvaged materials from other historic Chicago locations, including repurposed church pews for seating and vintage chairs from the former Michael Jordan Steakhouse. The cocktail menu, themed "Everything Old Is New Again," features 26 drinks from Kokonas's two-decade career. Offerings include a "Bus Tracker" special—a shot and a six-ounce Old Style for $4—named for the nearby Belmont Blue Line stop. The establishment will not have a kitchen but will offer snacks from local partners. The sole draft beer available will be Old Style. The intimate 1,600-square-foot space has seating for about 60 people and a total capacity of just under 100.
