New Wrigleyville Tavern, Restaurant Eyes Up Space on Addison

After a long game at Wrigley Field, grabbing a bite and one more beer before snagging the Red Line might soon get a bit easier.

Partners Aristithis Loukas and Mike Grivas are looking to open Bullpen, a western-inspired tavern and restaurant sandwiched right next to the CTA train station on Addison. Once inhabited by Addison Food Mart, the 1,500-square-foot location at 947 W. Addison Street is ready to be transformed into a small, late-night eatery.

“Our mom grew up in Colorado on a ranch, and she used to cook us chops and fried chicken,” said Loukas. “We kind of wanted to marry those atmospheres of the ranch to Chicago… It’s going to be a very small restaurant, but we’re asking for a tavern’s license so we can stay open late.”

Loukas, whose real estate business Loukas Development owns the space, says he’s had a tough time keeping the space leased. After being a cleaners and then a grocery store, Laukas is looking to bring stability to the location.

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Officials with the Triangle Neighbors Association, a community group, said it was “the perfect space for a tavern.” They also agreed the current space isn’t very aesthetically pleasing, so renovating it would add value to the neighborhood. In addition, the owners don’t plan to have live music, dancing or a pool table considering the size of the space, so the new space wouldn’t disrupt neighbors.

The Triangle Neighbors fully supported Bullpen taking up residence. Loukas submitted permits for the building and is still awaiting official approval from the city before moving forward. It's currently slated to open in 2013.

Owners say updates on the tavern's status will be relayed on their website.

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