- Credibility:
WICKER PARK — A cocktail bar with a rotating theme and exterior mural is opening this month in Wicker Park.
Revolver, 1270 N. Milwaukee Ave., is the latest venture from For The People Hospitality, a newly formed company that also operates The Duplex in Logan Square and Ayo Pizza Cafe in Lincoln Park. The owners plan to open the bar Dec. 28.
The bar is taking over the former home of Neon Wilderness, which closed in August after four years.
Revolver will feature classic and signature cocktails, some of which will change depending on the bar’s latest theme, which rotates every six months. The bar is starting with a comic book mural and display, co-owner LeQoinne Rice said.
“When you’re looking at the space, you’ve got the mural side of an old scripted comic book, and then when you look into the windows, you see comic books that are on display. But then when you come into this space, you’re looking at a cocktail bar,” he said.
The owners hope to create an old school, “speakeasy” vibe that will help rejuvenate Milwaukee Avenue in the south end of Wicker Park, Rice said.
“I love the space, I just thought it needed a facelift. Milwaukee Avenue on this end is starting to generate this new energy. I think we can be a pivotal piece” of that, he said.
Rice and co-owner Chris Scardina have a long history in the service industry.
Rice operated bar and restaurant Rhyme or Reason on Division Street near Damen Avenue. It closed in 2018. He opened The Duplex in 2021 to showcase a rotating selection of chefs and cuisine concepts.
Scardina most recently launched Ayo Pizza in 2021, and the duo plan to open a space called Good Times at 2269 N. Lincoln Ave. in March.
On top of cocktails and bar snacks, Revolver will feature live DJs every night. The music will be more mellow Wednesdays and Thursdays before ramping up on the weekends, Rice said.
“Friday and Saturday nights, the energy will pick up to where … you transition from cocktails and lounging and having conversations to a little bit more of a vibe,” he said.
Revolver will be open 5 p.m.-midnight Wednesday-Thursday, 5 p.m.-2 a.m. Friday-Saturday and 5 p.m.-midnight Sundays.
