Bar Openings: September 2014

Henry’s Swing Club gets the party started in Chicago, and The European evokes Old World drinking in San Francisco.

Named for a blues song, Henry’s Swing Club in Chicago features an extensive beer list, including beer-and-shot combos, as well as signature drinks and over 20 types of sliders.
Named for a blues song, Henry’s Swing Club in Chicago features an extensive beer list, including beer-and-shot combos, as well as signature drinks and over 20 types of sliders. (Photo by Lindsey Becker)

Chicago Restaurateurs Unveil Drinks Den

The operators of DMK Restaurants in Chicago opened their first bar venture this summer. Called Henry’s Swing Club, the venue is modeled after a house party and described as the ideal hangout by DMK leaders David Morton, Michael Kornick and Michael Rubel. A veteran of renowned venues Violet Hour and Big Star, Rubel created a menu for Henry’s Swing Club that features signature drinks ($8 to $10) like the Pocket Watch, made with Tito’s Handmade vodka, Campari aperitif, ginger syrup and lime, and the Corktown Swizzle, a blend of Beefeater gin, Cocchi Americano aperitif, Peychaud’s bitters and pineapple syrup. The beer menu lists more than 30 bottled and canned selections and a handful of draft pours (prices range from $3 to $8), with a focus on American breweries like Tallgrass Brewing Co. and Two Brothers Brewing Co. The bar also offers myriad whiskies and Boilermaker-style combinations ($5 to $9) like the Hamtramch—a shot of Old Grand-Dad Bottled in Bond Bourbon and a can of Stroh’s. The food menu highlights more than 20 types of sliders, along with tacos and french fries ($2 to $10). Taking its name from the song “Boogie Chillen’” by John Lee Hooker, Henry’s Swing Club features urban street art and vintage furniture.

The European in San Francisco offers a menu of Prohibition-era classic cocktails.
The European in San Francisco offers a menu of Prohibition-era classic cocktails. (Photo by Wes Rowe)

San Francisco Lounge Gets A European Twist

Located in historic San Francisco hotel The Warwick, The European opened in June with a nod toward classic cocktails. Designed to evoke an Old World study, the venue features rich textures, dark colors and plush lounge seating. Local bar star Adam Wilson created The European’s menu, curating a list of Prohibition-era cocktails that are made with European spirits. Signature drinks ($8 to $12) include the Bitter Sweet, made with Campari aperitif, grapefruit, lemon, seltzer and gomme syrup, and the Aperol Spritz, a blend of Beefeater gin, Aperol aperitif, Ca’ Di Rajo Brut Prosecco and seltzer. The European also offers light fare like oysters, clams and smoked Wagyu tartare ($2 to $18). The bar is connected via a lavish foyer to the new restaurant Aveline, which highlights New Californian cuisine.

Bar Briefs

  • Upscale bar, bowling and entertainment venue The Painted Pin opened in June in Atlanta’s Buckhead neighborhood with lane-side self-serve beer tap stations and a variety of cocktails and wines. Housed in an industrial warehouse space, the venue serves high-end pub fare and also features bocce courts, shuffleboard, pingpong, skee ball and darts.
  • Highlighting an extensive whisk(e)y selection in an intimate setting, Grain opened in June in Los Angeles as part of the 7,000-square-foot Playa Provisions complex. The bar emphasizes whisk(e)y drinks, including classic cocktails and new concoctions.
  • Located on the 15th and 16th floors of a building in Manhattan’s Hell’s Kitchen, the 5,000-square-foot Attic Rooftop & Lounge opened in June. The nightlife destination features indoor and outdoor spaces, specialty cocktails and globally influenced food.
  • The operators of Omaha, Nebraska’s Brix wine lounge expanded in July with the debut of Grane, a similar concept that emphasizes whiskies. The bar-retail store hybrid houses sampling machines that dispense whisk(e)y pours in sizes ranging from ounce to 1 ounces. The venue also offers signature drinks, draft beers, wines by the glass and appetizers.