WEST LOOP—Behind an unassuming warehouse exterior, West Loop residents now have a new casual spot to enjoy some wine, beer and cocktails paired with a quick bite.
Underway since 2016, Stelios’ Bottles & Bites at 19 S. Morgan St. has finally opened its doors.
The roughly 4,200-square foot bar and liquor store offers wine, beer, spirits and ample seating.
Manager Maria Aivaliotis said Stelios’ Bottles & Bites aims to provide a welcoming and convenient location for West Loop residents to browse for their drink of choice, and enjoy an easy meal.
Aivaliotis said a lot of consideration went into selecting their wine inventory.
“We studied the wine menus of restaurants in the neighborhood,” Aivaliotis said. “We wanted to give people a place where they could actually buy some of the wines they are having at these restaurants.”
While Aivaliotis said Stelios’ doesn’t carry every wine from neighborhood restaurants, they are open to suggestions on what to consider for their shelves.
The menu includes starters, salads and pressed and cold sandwiches. The bar will offer cocktails, bottled and canned beers, a rotating selection of 10 draft beers, and wine not sold on the Stelios’ shelves.
For a $10 corkage fee, wine selected from the aisles of the store can be enjoyed at Stelios’, Aivaliotis said.
During their soft opening last week, Aivaliotis said customers have been welcoming and excited that a liquor store is nearby.
“Neighbors are happy they have somewhere to buy alcohol that’s close,” Aivaliotis said. “It’s convenient.”
Aivaliotis said they also hope to offer happy hour in the future.
Stelios’ owner Stelios Sakoutis, formerly operated Arista Foods. The combined grocery, deli and liquor store at 112 N. May Street was open for 10 years. Stelios’ replaces Brew & Grow, a home brewing and hydroponic gardening supply shop.
Stelios’ Bottles & Bites is open from 10:30 a.m. to 11 p.m. daily.
