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Looking for the scoop on coming-soon spots? Check out our new feature, The Countdown for news on in-the-works spots, from Tantrik to Small Bar.
OPENING SOON
Big Star
This honky tonk bar in the former Pontiac address will feature whiskeys, tequilas, cheap beer and tacos from a handful of the talented folks behind Danny's Tavern, Blackbird, Avec and the Violet Hour. It aims to open to the public Monday.
Meze
This sofa-filled sangria and tapas lounge has moved in to the former Club Royale address in the West Loop, planning to open its doors Nov. 12 and throw a grand opening party Nov. 14.
Double A
This small lounge residing below New York import Mercadito shakes up wordly cocktails such as the Masalarinha (a caipirinha made with garam masala syrup and grilled pineapple) and claims exclusivity as a defining characteristic.
RECONCEPTS & RENAMINGS
The Beetle
Longtime favorite The Black Beetle Bar & Grill reopens after new ownership gave it a facelift (new paint, freshly waxed floors, aa new menu of affordable burgers, pizzas and appetizers).
The Embassy
West Loop ultra-lounge Theatro, which switched its name from Veil just before opening earlier this year, has ditched the theatrical theme and changed its name again.
The Rockbox
Formerly known as The Rockhouse, nothing's changed at this Lincoln Park bar but the name. And any day now, the sign out front.
Queens Tavern & Bistro
Boystown eatery Cornelia's is reconcepting, adding a wing and burger-slinging bar in back.
NOW OPEN
6 Corners Sports Bar
Wicker Parkers, meet your new spot for watching sports and getting sauced, thanks to a decent stock of beer and a mix-and-match menu of bar snacks and a dozen-plus dipping sauces.
Pitchfork Food & Saloon
This Irving Park saloon from the folks that brought you Waterhouse and Rebel is serving up beer, Bourbonade (that's bourbon-spiked lemonade) and brisket-topped buttermilk biscuit sandwiches.
Pasha
Summer's over, but the sangria's flowing at this West Loop lounge and eatery, where local Latin fave Bandaleros will be in permanent residence -- the band and manager Ron Levine own the place, after all.
Lincoln Hall (pictured)
The owners of Schubas have opened this music venue, restaurant and bar in the former 3 Penny theater. Expect the exact same type of bands Schubas books, but a slightly larger music room, with a mezzanine level to boot and a separate bar area with full kitchen.
New Line
This neighborhood bar and grill from the owners of Daily Bar & Grill and Southport Lanes has taken up residence in the lounge half of former West Loop restaurant Powerhouse. Sink into a booth beside photos of vintage trains (a nod to the building’s original use powering rail lines) and order up saucy wings and hand-formed burgers till late.
Lake Bar & Grill
This Streeterville bar serving up burgers and fries and El-train themed martini flights isn't a destination, but is a welcome addition for Lake Point Tower residents looking for a bite without leaving the building.
Scarlet
Completely remodeled after a February fire, this Boystown bar is back with a slew of new features: coffee in the afternoon, red-themed cocktails such as the raspberry-tinged Crimson and “liquid brunch” on Sundays with champagne, cartoons on TV and pajama-clad servers.
Sweetwater
The big, buttery leather booths and ample craft brews at this Michigan Avenue sibling of Wicker Park’s the Boundary already have Illinois Center staffers pledging their fandom, from Friday lunches to after-work beer rounds. For every five groups of happy hour drinkers, expect one family with mac ’n’ cheese-scarfing kids in tow.
Looking for the scoop on coming-soon spots? Check out our new feature, The Countdown.
Missed something? Check out our 2009 archives.
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Lisa Arnett is the metromix nightlife and shopping producer. lmarnett@tribune.com. Updated Nov. 3, 2009.
