Introduction to Demijohn
A prominent hospitality group, Heisler Hospitality, is planning to open a bar in the former home of Reza’s restaurant in Andersonville. The bar, called Demijohn, would be located at 5259 N. Clark St., according to the company and the 48th Ward Office.
Location and Layout
Demijohn would open in the rear of the former Reza’s building, while Chicago hot dog restaurant Devil Dawgs would open in the front. The two establishments would be separated by a partition door and would share an outside patio along Berwyn Avenue. The bar would have its own entrance on Berwyn Avenue, as shown in renderings.
About Heisler Hospitality
Heisler Hospitality is the group behind several popular restaurants and bars in Chicago, including Pizza Lobo in Andersonville and Logan Square, Queen Mary in Wicker Park, Estereo in Logan Square and Fulton Market, and Sportsman’s Club in Ukrainian Village.
Concept and Menu
Demijohn would serve “bright, dry and low-ABV” cocktails with “refined, shareable plates” like dips, charcuterie, seafood, and soups, according to Hannah Turnbaugh, Heisler’s director of communications. A demijohn is a large, narrow-necked bottle often enclosed in wicker and used to store spirits.
The rear section of Reza’s, on Berwyn Avenue just east of Clark Street, is proposed to become the bar Demijohn.
Zoning and Construction
The building’s current zoning allows Demijohn to have an incidental liquor license, but it needs to be changed from B1-2 to B3-2 to allow for a traditional seated bar as well, Turnbaugh said. Ald. Leni Manaa-Hoppenworth (48th) has an online form for neighbors to submit feedback on whether she should support the zoning change request. Construction on the storefront is nearly done, and the bar could open by the end of the summer if the zoning change is approved.
History of the Building
The building at Berwyn Avenue and Clark Street used to be home to Reza’s, a popular Persian restaurant that closed its doors in 2023. Reza Toulabias opened Reza’s in 1983, and it was considered one of the first Persian restaurants in the city. After the restaurant closed, a prominent real estate investor bought the building, and the corner storefront was initially slated to become a Foxtrot. However, those plans were scrapped after Andersonville small businesses teamed up to advocate against the upscale corner store chain.
Conclusion
Demijohn is set to become a new addition to the Andersonville neighborhood, offering a unique cocktail bar experience with refined shareable plates. With its rich history and new developments, the building at Berwyn Avenue and Clark Street is poised to continue being a hub of activity in the community.
FAQs
Q: What is Demijohn, and where will it be located?
A: Demijohn is a cocktail bar that will be located in the rear of the former Reza’s building at 5259 N. Clark St. in Andersonville.
Q: What type of menu will Demijohn offer?
A: Demijohn will serve “bright, dry and low-ABV” cocktails with “refined, shareable plates” like dips, charcuterie, seafood, and soups.
Q: What is the current status of the zoning change request?
A: The zoning change request is currently pending, and Ald. Leni Manaa-Hoppenworth (48th) has an online form for neighbors to submit feedback.
Q: When is Demijohn expected to open?
A: Demijohn could open by the end of the summer if the zoning change is approved.
