Fuel Kitchen & Cocktail Lounge (closed)

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Fuel has closed to "restructure kitchen and concept direction," according to its web site.

Though the guys behind this gas station-themed Wicker Park bar have nightclub pedigrees (Zentra, Y, Sound-Bar), this spot is all over the place. By day, expect a lunch menu, plus smoothies and java by way of a tricked-out juice and espresso bar. At night, the action shifts toward cocktailing and live entertainment, from DJs to stand-up comedy. Slick silver barstools line the bright-red back-lit bar, while booths and sleek tables provide plenty of seating.

The owners aren't big fans of beer (not a tap in sight, but cans and bottles are available), so the focus here is on specialty cocktails, including a few different variations on the mojito, from blackberry to apple-cucumber. Fuel up on late-night eats, including thin-crust pizzas cooked up in an oven imported from Italy. When alfresco season hits, try the sidewalk seating along both Division and Hermitage.

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