“We couldn’t have gotten here without our friends and family,” shares co-owner Teddy Harris. “It was such a long journey, and the neighborhood has shown incredible patience. It’s truly amazing to be here now.”
Harris and Brick envision The Leavitt Street Inn & Tavern as an extension of the neighborhood’s living room, a comfortable space for community members to connect and unwind. Currently, guests can enjoy drinks on the spacious 50-seat brick patio, which has the capacity to accommodate 150 when social distancing measures are relaxed. The couple is also developing an additional outdoor area nearby, designed to host local musicians who can entertain patrons in a safe and enjoyable setting.
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A Toast to Tradition and Taste: Drinks at The Leavitt Street Inn & Tavern
The tavern boasts an impressive 16 taps, featuring a rotating selection of locally brewed craft beers. In addition to beer, patrons can indulge in seasonal cocktails like the refreshing whiskey blackberry smash and vodka lemonade punch. Wine enthusiasts will be pleased with Brick’s promise of “tons of wines” available. Nodding to the location’s history as Mickey’s Tavern, The Leavitt Street Inn & Tavern also offers classic canned beers such as Pabst, Old Style, and Stroh’s. Adding a touch of nostalgia, the couple has restored the original vintage Stroh’s sign and plans to reinstate it above the bar’s entrance, a cherished piece of local history returning to its rightful place.
Culinary Plans and Community Input
While the drinks are flowing, Harris and Brick are also developing a limited food menu to complement their beverage offerings. Currently awaiting a retail food license, they are actively searching for a cook who aligns with their vision of creating approachable and satisfying dishes. Potential menu items are under consideration, ranging from fresh oysters and juicy burgers to curated charcuterie plates and flavorful vegan options. The owners are committed to tailoring the menu to the desires of their community, emphasizing a diverse selection to cater to various tastes. They have already started incorporating suggestions from neighbors and friends, such as a snow cone machine with weekend specials offering icy treats for children and beer pairings for adults, showcasing their dedication to creating a family-friendly and inclusive environment.
Inside the Inn & Tavern: A Bright and Historic Space
Stepping inside, guests will discover a 75-seat bar area described by the owners as “bright and airy.” Large windows bathe the room in natural light, creating an inviting ambiance. The extensive renovation process prioritized preserving the building’s historical character while modernizing the space. One of the partners, comprised of local investing couples, undertook the meticulous task of removing the original bar, restoring it to its former glory, and refitting it back into its original location. Design details throughout the tavern pay homage to its past, including a specific shade of gray-green paint inspired by the original stairwell that once connected the bar to the former owners’ upstairs apartment, weaving a subtle thread of history into the contemporary design.
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Overcoming Challenges and Embracing Opportunity
The extensive timeline for opening The Leavitt Street Inn & Tavern, located at 2345 N. Leavitt Street, reflects the significant restoration and construction work involved. Navigating asbestos removal, installing new windows, restoring the original tin ceiling, and overcoming small business loan hurdles were just some of the challenges Harris and Brick faced. Complicated licensing processes to transfer ownership without inheriting past issues further added to the complexity. Ironically, the pandemic, while initially disruptive, presented an unexpected opportunity. Both Harris and Brick, working in creative fields, were laid off, allowing them to dedicate their full attention to completing the tavern and inn. “COVID kind of worked out for us, which is really weird,” Harris reflects. “We invested a lot of sweat equity to truly shape it into our vision, and the time afforded by the shutdown allowed us to do just that.”
Inn Rooms on the Horizon
Adding to the allure, The Leavitt Street Inn will soon welcome guests to its three thoughtfully designed rooms. Featuring skylights and a minimalist aesthetic, the inn rooms are estimated to be “98 percent” complete and are anticipated to be fully operational within a couple of weeks.
The Leavitt Street Inn & Tavern is now open for patio service in Bucktown, offering a refreshing new spot with a rich history and a warm neighborhood spirit. The inn is expected to debut shortly, promising a complete Bucktown experience.
The Leavitt Street Inn & Tavern, 2345 N. Leavitt Street, Chicago, IL 60647. Check their Instagram for hours. Foursquare.
