Iconic Belmont Tavern to Reopen After 25 Years

- The new proprietor is Nick Kokonas, a veteran of the Chicago hospitality scene with experience at respected establishments like Longman & Eagle, Queen Mary, and GreenRiver. This is a different Nick Kokonas from the co-founder of the Alinea Group and Tock. - Located at 3405 W. Belmont Avenue on the border of the Avondale and Logan Square neighborhoods, the tavern originally opened in 1890 as a butcher shop and saloon. Prior to its closing in 2000, it was known for decades as a working-class Polish dive bar. - The revival's ethos is "Everything Old Is New Again," focusing on preserving the bar's history rather than completely overhauling it. Restoration efforts, supported by a city Community Development Grant, included keeping the original bar and back bar, restoring the ceiling and floors, and matching the original paint colors. - The new interior will feature salvaged design elements, including repurposed church pews for seating and vintage chairs from the former Michael Jordan Steakhouse. - The cocktail menu will feature 26 drinks developed by Kokonas over his 20-year career, with all cocktails priced at $12. The bar will also have happy hour specials aimed at commuters from the nearby Belmont blue line stop, such as the "Bus Tracker," which is a six-ounce Old Style and a shot for $4. - While the cocktail menu is extensive, the beer program will be minimalist, with Old Style as the only beer on draft, in a nod to the bar's history and its classic sign. - The space, which for years was used merely for storage, has a capacity of around 60 seated guests and a total occupancy of just under 100, aiming for an intimate neighborhood atmosphere.