- Credibility:
AVONDALE — The duo behind a popular New York City cocktail bar appear to be opening a new spot in Avondale.
Richard Knapp and Timothy J. Lynch, the owners of cozy Nolita cocktail bar Mother’s Ruin, are listed as the managers of a business moving into 2943 N. Milwaukee Ave., a storefront just south of Central Park Avenue.
The pair applied for an incidental liquor license in mid-June, according to a city permit affixed to the storefront. The permit lists Mother’s Ruin as the business name.
Details are scarce. Knapp was reached, but declined to comment. The property owner didn’t immediately return a message seeking comment.
The pair applied for an incidental liquor license, not a tavern license, meaning liquor will be secondary to the primary activity, which, in this case, appears to be dining.
Billy Drew, legislative and policy director for Ald. Carlos Ramirez-Rosa’s 35th Ward office, said to expect a 1,500-square-foot full-service restaurant with a sidewalk cafe.
Drew couldn’t confirm, however, that the owners of the New York City bar are the ones behind the Avondale spot.
If true, it won’t be the duo’s first time in Chicago. They ran a pop-up at speakeasy-style cocktail lounge Violet Hour in November of 2018.
Mother’s Ruin is known for its laidback vibes, inventive cocktails and solid food menu. The New York City bar opened in 2011.
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