Home > Chicago Bars & Clubs > Editorial Review > Inside: Empire Liquors & Victory Liquors

It all started a little more than two years ago with Elm Street Liquors, a glammed-up dive bar getaway near the madness of State and Division Streets. (Editor's note: Matt Eisler and partners sold Elm Street Liquors to new owners in April 2008 and are no longer affiliated with it.) Now Matt Eisler has teamed up with a few buddies to open two more bars bearing the Liquors name: Victory and Empire. But don't be fooled: Each has a distinct personality. Not sure which one's right for you? We checked 'em out to see what's in store at Liquors.

EMPIRE LIQUORS
The newest member of the tribe just opened in the old Reservation Blues space. Think of Empire as the more sophisticated sibling, comfortable in his identity as a mod-meets-Gothic Wicker Park bar and lounge.

Inside: A wooden panel covers the front window, creating a forested feel so only slivers of light filter through; you feel secluded from the bustling six-corner intersection and the bright neon lights of neighboring Double Door.

Modern elements such as orb pendant lamps mingle with vintage architectural pieces, including a votive candelabra from an Argentinian church, mixed with raw details such as the herringbone slate floor. White acrylic antler wall hangings add a GQ touch. Having a private affair? A nook in the back corner features tree stump tables and low-slung bench seating for more than a dozen.

Liquors: Just like Elm Street made its mark with flutes of fizzy champagne cocktails, Empire stamps its signature drink list with cocktails made with flavored syrups, including honey, lychee, blood orange and spiced berry ($9-$10). Sip on sweet, deceptively potent Grape Coolade (Three Olives Grape Vodka, Concord grape syrup, sour mix and soda water served with a lemon wedge) or the Black Pearl (Effen Black Cherry vodka, vanilla syrup, soda water and black tapioca pearl garnish). Beer is also available in bottles or cans.

Music: DJs spin a variety of beats from the back room booth. But the real deal is the state-of-the-art sound system and subwoofers under wooden lounge seating that, well, let's just say it helps you get your vibe on.

Servers: Stylist and TK Men store owner Lindsay McKay works with staffers to personalize their own funky look.

Bottom line: Scenesters rub elbows with hipsters and grungy rock boys, though still expect a few frat boys checking out the sleek and swanky new scene.

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VICTORY LIQUORS
After 17 years in business, Lincoln Park pool hall the Corner Pocket closed quickly and this spruced up sports bar sprang up in its place. As the middle child, Victory might get overlooked--it's neither the first nor the flashiest--but it's still an important part of the pack.

Inside: There's a cozy front section, a large middle room for letting loose, and a back room perfect for private parties--especially if they require melting into large leather chairs and couches and watching the game on the 85-by-164-inch projection screen. Woodwork warms up the space, which gets bathed in light when the 29 HD plasma TVs are turned on. Notre Dame alums pack the place for football games, but it caters to all sports fans.

Liquors: Unlike Elm Street and Empire, Victory offers draft beers in addition to bottles and cans. You'll also find drinks sure to give you college flashbacks. Try the Lunchbox Shot: amaretto dropped in a glass of beer and OJ ($5).

Daily drink specials range from dollar bottles to a Sunday special of 24 brewskis and two pizzas for $60. Wednesday night's Beauty Bar ($25) gives girls a chance to chill with a cocktail while getting a manicure or massage.

Food: Currently serving Home Run Inn pizzas, but look for a full bar menu within weeks.

Servers: No stylist here. Instead, young, upbeat staffers design their own green and blue logo T-shirts.

Bottom line: There's nothing frilly about this spot; it's just a comfy hang where Lincoln Park locals, DePaul students and sports fans can kick back with a cold one.

[ Karen Budell is the metromix nightlife producer. ]

Originally published Oct. 18, 2006.

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