Craft Beer, Wine Specialty Store Leaving Lincoln Park

By Sarah Flagg

The owner of a craft beer and wine shop is moving his business soon from Lincoln Park to Roscoe Village.

Dave Somsky runs Vrai Amour at 953 W. Webster Ave., and after more than five years in Lincoln Park, he says he’s ready for a change.

A smaller storefront, plus a monthly savings of more than $2,000 in rent led the owner to a building currently under construction at 1634 W. Belmont Ave.

“I’ve survived the worst of the economy and I’m really looking forward to moving there,” he said about the new Roscoe Village location.

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The owner initially ran the shop with his son Matt but has been on his own since 2012, when Matt accepted a full-time position elsewhere.

Pending city approval, Somsky hopes to be open in the new location by September.

And the shop owner wants future neighbors to know that Vrai Amour isn’t a typical liquor store. 

Craft and specialty beer is the main attraction. Customers can come in and create their own mix-and-match six-packs, with brews from the Midwest as well as California and Germany. Wines are also available—most for less than $20.

“I don’t have college kids that come in here and they’re not coming in here after they are at the bars,” he said. “I’ve created an essence of culture.”

Vrai Amour doesn’t sell cigarettes or lottery tickets, but does have a large selection of glassware to accompany beer and wine, Somsky said. The shop will close at 9 p.m. during the week and at 10 p.m. on weekends.

Before he opens, Somsky must reapply for another liquor license and go through a zoning change.

With no liquor license violations or citations, Somsky doesn’t expect resistance from the community or Ward 47 Ald. Ameya Pawar.

Pawar’s director of constituent services, Ernie Constantino, told Patch the alderman initially supports the move.

“I’m just looking forward to coming into the area, being part of the community and meeting the people,” Somsky said.

The owner said he’s been active in the local block clubs like Sheffield Neighbors, and plans to continue that in Roscoe Village.

When open, Somsky plans tastings and classes at the location. And along with beer and wine, Vrai Amour sells Intelligentsia coffee, both to-go and in bags.