Bat 17 Adding Craft Beer Bar, Pool Hall

Evanston’s Bat 17 Deli and Pub will more than double in size this spring when the sandwich restaurant and bar takes over the space next door on Benson Street. 

Bat 17, located at 1709 Benson St., will expand to include an additional 3,700 square feet of space at 1707 Benson St., the former sales office of the Winthrop Club Condominiums. Owner Jim Pomerantz says he expects to open the new space in mid-April. 

While the old, 2,400 square-foot restaurant will retain the dark wood and exposed brick walls decorated in photos and illuminated beer signs, Pomerantz says the new space will have a different look. 

“It’s quite geared toward Northwestern,” he says. “The walls are gigantic 20- and 40-foot murals of Northwestern University, Pat Fitzgerald and the stadium.” 

The new space will feature high-top table seating, three pool tables a photo booth and a large bar with more than 60 beers on tap. Diners can order from Bat 17’s regular menu, but the space will operate as two separate rooms, according to Pomerantz.