IRVING PARK — Independence Tap’s retiring owner has sold the neighborhood bar after running it for more than 25 years.
The bar at 3932-3934 W. Irving Park Road opened in 1970 and is known for its live music, open mics and low-key neighborhood feel with tin ceiling tiles, exposed brick walls and wooden floors.
Outgoing owner George Lacon has run the bar since 1995. He decided to put his bar and the building that houses it on the market earlier this year so he could retire.
Attempts to reach the new owner, Jose Maldonado, were unsuccessful. But Lacon said Maldonado is “probably going to keep it a bar.”
Independence Tap has four licenses with the city. Its amusement and outdoor patio licenses are set to expire Nov. 15, while its food and tavern licenses are good until Dec. 15, 2022.
The Department of Business Affairs and Consumer Protection couldn’t immediately verify the license transfer.
“I think he’s keeping the bar open because he’s bought the corporation to keep the liquor license,” said Tom Traina, the realtor representing Lacon in the sale. “My understanding is that he plans to continue operating the bar.”
The bar has a 22-tap keg system, jukebox, dart machine, pool table, stage for live music, an enclosed outdoor patio and full kitchen with an 8-foot hood.
The building was built in 1923 and has four apartments on the second floor and a private parking lot that can fit 14 cars. In addition to the bar, the building has two retail storefronts facing Irving Park Road.
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