Weegee’s Lounge Could Close After 19 Years in Logan Square
A Beloved West Logan Square Watering Hole
Owner Alex Huebner announced the bar’s final New Year’s party earlier last week, a longtime tradition for the neighborhood spot at 3659 W. Armitage Ave. The cryptic message sent neighbors searching for answers and wondering if it means Weegee’s is closing for good.
A Legacy of High-Quality Cocktails and Local Music Nights
The bar, known for its high-quality cocktails, local music nights, summer patio and cozy retro vibe, has been a staple in the area since 2006. Weegee’s is a reference to the nickname of famed 1930s and ’40s era photographer Arthur Fellig, according to a 2021 post by the Chicago Bar Project blog. Fellig photos and a photo booth are in the back of the bar, leading to the patio.
A Historic Property
The property has been a working bar for the better part of a century and was previously the Chris-Walton Inn before Weegee’s, according to the Chicago Bar Project.
Adapting to Changing Neighborhood
Weegee’s joined the neighborhood when the western edge of Logan Square was still mostly unaffected by the area’s gentrification. In the past 10 years or so, newer homes and younger families have changed the demographics of the largely residential area.
A Pioneering Bar in the Logan Square Revival
The bar’s opening was one of the first in a series of other classic cocktail bars getting their footing in Logan Square and Wicker Park around the same time. Weegee’s predated Violet Hour by about a year, according to the Chicago Reader.
The Final New Year’s Party
Huebner declined to comment to Block Club but said on social media the New Year’s bash was the bar’s last. “Come while you can,” the post read.
What’s Next for Weegee’s?
The fate of Weegee’s remains uncertain, leaving fans of the bar wondering what the future holds. Weegee’s has brought together a community of regulars and newcomers alike, and its closure would be a significant loss for the neighborhood.
FAQs
* Why is Weegee’s closing? The reason for the closure is currently unknown, with owner Alex Huebner declining to comment to Block Club.
* What is the final New Year’s party like? The post says “Come while you can,” suggesting a party that is open to the public.
* Will the bar reopen in the future? The fate of Weegee’s is currently uncertain, with no official announcement on whether it will reopen in the future.
Conclusion
Weegee’s Lounge has been a staple in West Logan Square for nearly two decades, known for its high-quality cocktails, local music nights, and cozy retro vibe. While the future of the bar remains uncertain, its impact on the neighborhood will be felt for years to come.
