More Notable Newbies

Relax Lounge

1450 W. Chicago Ave.
Liquor license hassles and name change notwithstanding, the rock ’n’ roll lounge formerly known as Pharmacy has opened in West Town. Highlights include Paul Natkin’s rock photography (he’ll sign it if you buy it), plus burgers and spiked shakes.


English

444 N. LaSalle St.
The Eat Well, Drink Better folks (Central, Grand Central, Union Park, Bar Celona) know how to throw a party; this time they’ve upped the ante with a sophisticated gastropub in historic River North digs.


Martini Park

151 W. Erie St.
The guys behind New York’s Light and Marquee bring us this monolith of a martini bar (part of a chain originating in Texas) featuring live music and an outdoor patio designed by Jeffrey Beers of Japonais fame.


Crimson Lounge

333 N. Dearborn St.
One $17-million makeover later, the House of Blues Hotel is the Hotel Sax Chicago, home to this lounge featuring resident celebrity DJ Samantha Ronson. Red-tinted mirrors spice up the interior, as does an Oriental-inspired scent created for the spot.


The Orbit Room

2959 N. California Ave.
A rocking “new old-man bar” is how the married owners describe this Logan Square-area spot, aiming for an August launch at press time. After polling future regulars who signed up for their e-mail list, the duo plan to serve beers from Chimay to Schlitz, plus cocktails.


Loft Six Ten

1332 N. Milwaukee Ave.
Cortland’s Garage has already gained a following, and Goodbar has been going strong for years, so this bi-level, laid-back lounge from the NoChance crew in the old Pajé space should woo jaded Wicker Parkers. Slated for an August opening at press time.


WestEnd

1325 W. Madison St.
The Four Corners Tavern Group (Schoolyard, Gaslight, Brownstone, Sidebar, Kirkwood) aims to open its biggest location in the West Loop in September. On tap: an “upper deck” lounge, 32 plasmas, and transport to and from the United Center.

 
 

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