If you’re a fan of old school taverns and backyard bar experiences, mark your calendars, because your weekend plans just a whole lot more interesting. Central Park Bar, a new bar from Four Entertainment Group (4EG), is expected to open this coming Saturday, October 30th at 4PM. The bar is located at the intersection of Central Park and North Milwaukee in Chicago’s Avondale neighborhood.
Central Park is settling down in a space dating back to the 1940s. CBD Architects and Go Management Group joined forces to design the space that will feature an 80-year old original wood bar spanning the length of the space, green vinyl barstools with cowboy backs, exposed brick walls, and salvaged wood paneling. The original tin ceiling has been painted a light mint green and is accented by custom brass tube lighting.
The backyard space, a 3,500 square-foot patio in what was previously an empty city lot adjacent to the building, will come with an open air bar, 3 55-inch televisions, and overhead heaters for the cooler months. In addition to seven picnic tables set under mulberry trees, the space will offer two white porch swings, as well as Adirondack chairs surrounding a 60 X 30-inch above ground brick fire pit. Oh, and you’ll find a bumper pool table back there, too.
Perhaps most exciting of all is the strong cocktail program Central Park Bar will feature. The approachable menu has been created by GM Sarah Crossley of The Owl and Assistant GM Levi Tyma of Estelle’s. “Inspired by Mr. ZJ’s Podhale, the bar’s previous occupant, Central Park Bar’s signature cocktail will be The Wildflowerwith Polish Zubrowka Bison Grass Vodka, Singhani 63, St Germain, Dolin Dry Vermouth and lemon. Podhale translates into “under the mountains” and is Poland’s southernmost region,” shares a press release.
You’ll find the patio open until 11PM six nights a week and open until 12AM on Saturdays. Happy Hour will be every Monday-Friday from 4PM to 7PM, with talk of rotating food trucks in the bar’s future.
Find Central Park Bar online or, starting this weekend, in-person at 2924 N Central Park Ave.
