Iconic Belmont Tavern Reopens in Chicago After 25 Years

- 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.