A new tavern called Square One (Southwest corner of 14th and Michigan) was an old rumor that was confirmed late last year thanks to a reader and we know it's a topic many readers are curious about, so we were glad when a reader sent us this sneak pic of the build-out:
This is a shot from the back of the bar (the windows in the middle of the picture are the ones facing Michigan Avenue). Anyway, it looks like things are progressing well and hopefully they can still hit their opening goal of Spring.
Unfortunately, the same can't be said for the Alain's (1355 S. Michigan), the restaurant that was supposed to go in kitty corner from this spot. Last time we heard anything on the topic was in an article by the Tribune stating that they were shooting to open by end of January. Maybe they meant January 2013?
Anyone have an update on Alain's?
(Hat tip: MD!)
I will provide pictures of the build out for "venche" ( italian bistro where O Malleys used to be ).
ReplyDeleteI had the opportunity to walk through it yesterday and it looks nice, but still alot of work to do. Also, there are plans to buy the building directly south ( where britton was)and make that the wine lounge for Venche.
I also broke the news of Square One....please ignorant people-- do not doubt me. I hate stupidity
Steven
All hail super steve...steve you hear if anything is going on with the lots between 13th and 14th both on michigan and wabash?
ReplyDeleteAlains is being backed by Idonije at least partially. He may not even be on the Bears in a few days. Wonder if that is effecting progress not to mention a poor plan to begin with. Love to see new food options open up but I dont think I was the only skeptic about this place. Upscale southern cajun restaurant? seems a little backwards. Not sure how many of us want to pay $35 for blackened catfish. I think a 2am cheaper option would do well since we dont have many late night options in this area. Square one needs to hurry up and open so I can just stumble upstairs after boozing.
ReplyDeleteThanks for the updates, Steven. Looking forward to both of these places, while I remain skeptical about Alain's and what is going on in there.
ReplyDeleteI doubt Alains ever opens. Seems like a stetch but i would like some more restaurants and stuff.
ReplyDeleteBy the way, when I post my stuff it makes me type some words at the bottom-- how come? the words don't make any sense. it makes me type "aegus putombut". I don't know what that is?
I actually snapped this pic last Friday afternoon when we were moving new couches into my condo.
ReplyDeleteYou may have broke the news Steven, but give credit where credit is due on the update.
@anon 10am
ReplyDeleteDid you just arrive on the Internets? It's called a "captcha" to prevent bot spamming. Some blogs use it, others don't. I guess Sloopin' is trying to be proactive with it.
I see the Stevey Matt D rivalry brewing
ReplyDeleteI also posted an update on Alains but sloopy approved it for whatever reason.
ReplyDeleteSteven - Is Venche the new spot where O'Malley and Chef Duque(?) were planning or is that a different location? I know O'Malley still owns a couple of the bldgs in Motor Row & we are still hoping there is plans to open at least a bar in that area.
ReplyDelete2am option? Worst idea ever. Go back to your rented condo and toss in a pizza.
ReplyDeleteAllen,
ReplyDeleteThey own the land on which the old Chicago Defender building rests and the eventual idea is to sell that land off in pieces to developers. that is the only prop owned over there.
Also, I would honestly like to speak more on these topics but to do so I would please have you petition to whoever runs this blog to let the damn posts go through.
I had a huge update on Alains ( not going to be called that fyi) but i guess it didnt stand up to sloopys high standards. Its a waste of my time to post something and go through the whole schpeal and then nothing gets posted.
Steven,
ReplyDeleteSorry if we missed your update on Alain's. Please feel free to re-post or email us directly. sloopin@gmail.com
javascript:void(0)
Best,
Sloopy
Steven - thanks for the update.. I think the defender bldg is the best building on Motor Row and wish there they moved fwd with their original plans a few years back, but I guess the city has some rule about not serving liquor near a church?? I was hoping there was a loop hole around that as I still dont understand the logic behind it (don't people sip wine in some church's)? Either way, if it gets turned into a HOTEL, sold, etc looking fwd to the changes.
ReplyDeleteSpeaking of Defender..cool video of Motor Row..potential here is crazy IF they the city and investors agree to get rid of that burger king. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uFB7lkYsLtU
ReplyDeleteI was saddened to see a political poster in the window of this establishment.
ReplyDeleteConsidering that political affiliations can sway businees, this make me wonder about the wisdom of the ownership group. Are you really willing to alienate people who may not agree with the candidate or party you are promoting?
Allen
ReplyDeleteYes you are correct..its 100 feet from a church you cannot SELL alcohol
I think the only thing you will see is possibly a condo or two go up there. It will be torn down and redeveloped like the Chicago Collisium
Sloopy, youre screening posts. I understand that you do not want the rif raf but please do a better job next time.
Every successful neighborhood needs late night food options other than subway Mark. Guess you've never been outside of the sloop. No renter here tough guy. Do you have a target open for Venche or Square One Steven?
ReplyDeleteSteven,
ReplyDeleteSo what's the update on Alain's?
I don't recall seeing anything from you in regard to an update on Alain's.
Sloopy
Sloopy I promise to re post the Alain's news if you just admit you screen posts
ReplyDeletehttp://www.sloopin.com/2010/04/new-comment-moderation-policy-on.html
ReplyDelete@ Club-head Anon
ReplyDeleteNobody wants to live in the same building as Mr. Greek, Hollywood Grill, Flash Taco, White Palace, Wiener Circle, etc. Put down the glow sticks, this isn't a 2am neighborhood.
Alain's is not going to be called Alain's anymore. The name, decor and menu are being re-vamped. Izzy only has 1% stake in the place but who DOES have a big stake is the father of the owner of Succezz shoe store. The derailment took place because the wrong permits were bought and upon further inspection the space was not suitable for a full kitchen due to exhaust concerns ( which i think we can obvi say we can see why).
ReplyDeleteThe menu is keeping with a cajun feel but with seafood. The new orleans style/southern style menu was tossed completely. ( remembering South City Tavern at 1530 state st.....it bombed. People dont like that shit.)
Rumored and confirmed ownership is by a group led by Lou Cannelis of Fox 32 news. Outdoor seating will exist in this space as well.
Sloopy if you are going to screen comments then can you do it in a more efficient manner?? You take too long.
Bobby Simmons father?
ReplyDeleteWhoever the idiot is that said "every good neighborhood needs late night food options" , could you please tell me youre kidding. Are you 500 lbs?
ReplyDeleteThis isnt a neighborhood at all. Thats the problem. Looks like a ghost town. No foot traffic no neighborhood feel. Yea that has nothing to do with all the empty store fronts. Some real business types on this thread today
ReplyDelete@Toughguy Mark-You seem to be very aware of some late night after club food options for someone who has no interest in the idea. Who said anything about opening up one of those sh*t holes here? Every major successful neighborhood has late night options and places that draw people out of there buildings.
ReplyDeleteThere are a lot of college students and young professionals in the Sloop. Im sure there is demand for something other than Subway and Dominos in the early hours
ReplyDeleteMark's comment to Anon : best thing I have read in weeks. Pure gold!
ReplyDeletesloopy - why is the font you use above the picture and below the picture different? People who have too much time on their hands like me notice these things and become increasingly unsettled.
ReplyDeleteI look forward to cleaner posts going forward.
"Every major successful neighborhood"
ReplyDeleteYeah, totally maaaaaan.
We will get our 2am options but about 7 blocks south in Motor Row as they will have music venues with rooftop options. I agree that 12th to Cermak are probably not suitable for something too late, but it would be ideal to have Midnight snack options.
ReplyDeleteGreat info Steven! To the point of foot traffic and some late night food places, they will come. Some of the original buyers in the neighborhood still have the naive vision this is a neighborhood of families packed into condos. As people realize a major portion of the residents in the sloop are under 35, business models will change. The owners of these empty storefronts will allow for those types of places to finally come in out of necessity. Certainly nothing like hollywood grill or turning this into greek town but some 2am places will appear.
ReplyDeleteSteven
ReplyDeleteThere are many liquor stores that operate next door or directlty across the street from churches in almost every south side neighborhood outside of hyde park and beverly. The closest example would be our neighbors at 35th street in the Douglas community. There have been many jokes and skits about this. How are the owners getting away with this?
Tayiah - you answered your own question..South Side doesn't matter that's why. Some churches are standing in as liquor stores and vice versa! I was talkig about the South Loop, West Loop, Bucktown, etc..
ReplyDelete"tayiah"
ReplyDeleteI wouldnt go as far as to say there is a liquer store next to every south side church, thats just foolish.
However I am sure there are exceptions ( grandfather clauses for instance) for every rule.
Steven
I enjoy the comments and like reading them
ReplyDelete