WICKER PARK — The group responsible for creating Beatnik, Black Bull and Bordel will be adding yet another establishment to their repertoire: a cocktail lounge in the former home of Al’s Beef.
The Bonhomme Hospitality Group is planning to transform the 2,500-square-foot storefront at 1300 N. Milwaukee Ave. into a cocktail lounge-style bar that will also serve food, Bonhomme co-owner Nader Hindo told neighbors at a Wicker Park Committee meeting in June.
A spokesperson for Bonhomme confirmed the group has plans for the site, but declined answer additional questions Wednesday.
This week, neighbors noticed the Al’s Beef signage was removed from the building.
Al’s Beef closed last summer after opening in 2013. The new cocktail bar required a zoning change, which neighborhood leaders approved in a 27-1 vote in June.
RELATED: Al’s Italian Beef In Wicker Park Shutters
In West Town, Bonhomme is also working on Porto, a Spanish-Portugese-influenced restaurant at 1600 W. Chicago Ave.
Porto will be next door to Beatnik, 1604 W. Chicago Ave.
RELATED: Beatnik Team Bringing Spanish, Portugese Influences To West Town This Summer With Porto
In addition to the original Beatnik location in West Town that opened in 2017, Bonhomme also operates Beatnik on the Riverwalk and Cafe Bonhomme, two spots that replaced Pearl Brassiere in the summer of 2018.
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