Wax Vinyl Bar And Ramen Shop Is Bringing The Beat — And Celebrity Guests — To West Town
A Unique Listening Room and Bar Experience
Wax Vinyl Bar and Ramen Shop, 1549 W. Chicago Ave., opened in June in the former Spicy Fingers restaurant near Ashland and Chicago avenues. It’s owned and operated by husband-and-wife duo Lee Farmer and Gina Barge-Farmer, who have deep experience and connections across the music industry, especially in Chicago.
A Food and Music Fusion
The anchor of Wax Vinyl’s food menu is ramen, which, unlike more traditional spots, features vegan broth and gluten-free rice noodles. Shrimp and hardboiled eggs can be added to any dish. The restaurant also serves tempura, fried rice, and “Tokyo Wings,” which are served in a Japanese barbecue sauce, among other options.
A Menu with a Twist
Barge-Farmer said Wax Vinyl’s menu features dishes that are based on classic ingredients and recipes but aren’t quite what you’d find at a traditional Japanese restaurant. “We just infused some of our own style,” she said.
A Bar with a Twist
The bar offers a range of signature cocktails, which are labeled by numbers instead of names. A fan favorite so far has been the mezcal-based #8, Barge-Farmer said. Bartenders also work with customers to develop custom drinks based on their favorite flavor profiles.
Mocktails and Non-Alcoholic Options
The bar offers mocktails and non-alcoholic wine and beer for non-drinkers, and it’s launching a happy hour with early evening specials.
A Music Lineup with a Focus on Vinyl
Wax Vinyl opens at 6 p.m., and for the first few hours Farmer or other staff play records, sometimes with a genre or artist theme. At 9 p.m., booked DJs take the booth and spin until 1 a.m. or so. Some artists are announced on the bar’s website, but bigger names will stay surprises.
A Goal to Create a Unique Experience
Farmer said his goal in curating Wax Vinyl’s musical selection is to offer a unique and sometimes surprising range of genres, artists, and vibes. Some nights will be more relaxed, while others will turn into a dance party, he said. “This is an experience where you come in, you’re going to hear something that you never heard. You may hear some of your favorites, but this is something that you’re going to leave here like, ‘Wow, that was a mind-opening experience,'” Farmer said.
Celebrity Guests and Surprises
That’s already been the case in recent weeks as celebrity DJs and other artists have dropped by, with more to come, owners said. Earlier this month, Chuck D stopped in a few times before and after Public Enemy’s performance at Riot Fest.
Conclusion
Wax Vinyl Bar and Ramen Shop is a unique listening room and bar experience that combines great food, drinks, and music in a cozy and intimate setting. With its focus on vinyl and a rotating selection of DJs, it’s a must-visit spot for music lovers and those looking for a new experience.
FAQs
* What is the address of Wax Vinyl Bar and Ramen Shop?
+ 1549 W. Chicago Ave.
* What are the hours of operation?
+ 6 p.m.-2 a.m. Thursday-Saturday and 6 p.m.-midnight Sundays
* What kind of food does Wax Vinyl serve?
+ Ramen, tempura, fried rice, and “Tokyo Wings” among other options
* What kind of drinks does Wax Vinyl offer?
+ Signature cocktails, mocktails, and non-alcoholic wine and beer
* Can I request a custom drink?
+ Yes, bartenders work with customers to develop custom drinks based on their favorite flavor profiles
