BUCKTOWN — Tricycle, a bar and restaurant at the northwest corner of Damen and Wabansia avenues in the old Silver Cloud, received its business and liquor licenses this week, city records show.
Tracie Irvine, a spokeswoman for Tricycle owner Rivak “Rocky’ Albazi, said on Thursday there is still no firm opening date but they’re aiming for a late July or early August opening.
“As all so often with these build outs, we have had a couple of small delays,” Irvine said.
In a statement to Block Club last month, Albazi said that “the Tricycle name and inspiration is a nod to the nostalgia of childhood, the comfort and stability when you remember your first tricycle, that all around homey feel. Built for adventure but dependable!”
Albazi, who also co-owned Silver Cloud, said he wants people to think of Tricycle as their third place, after home and work, the third place in their lives where you can feel like you’re at home when you’re there but it’s also an escape, a place to relax and unwind.”
Early Thursday, a peek in the window of the corner hangout at 1700 N. Damen revealed a construction-free zone and the large vintage bar that was used by predecessor Silver Cloud intact. A neighborhood hangout and comfort food staple, Silver Cloud abruptly shuttered in August 2014.
A sign above the bar, installed in early June, remained covered up as of Thursday.
Neighbors have been long anticipating the new venture underway along a stretch that both Wicker Park and Bucktown boosters claim.
Last month, Albazi, who also owns popular Lakeview bar Sheffield’s Beer & Wine Garden, at 3258 N. Sheffield Ave. and is co-host of a craft beer podcast, Beerpods, said he wasn’t sure if he was going to sell the business or not.
“Once I decided to keep the business, I wanted to wait for the right time to launch the new concept, and that timing is now,” Albazi said.
A colorful mural along the Wabansia side of the building was removed and is in storage, Irvine said. It’s not clear yet if another mural will replace it or if Tricycle will offer a sidewalk patio like Silver Cloud did.
Once open, the new venture will bring 30 new jobs to the neighborhood, Irvine said.
The menu is not yet available, but Irvine said Tricycle will offer classic and modern cocktails, “an impressive wine program,” and an American-driven, progressive craft beer program with some European influences. The food will be chef-driven American fare.
Eater first reported details on Tricycle .