Introduction to Friends of Friends Bar
WEST TOWN — A cocktail bar backed by a group of industry veterans is opening this week in a former Schlitz tied-house in West Town — and a neon Schlitz beer sign that once hung over Danny’s Tavern in Bucktown is attached to its facade.
The Opening of Friends of Friends
Friends of Friends opens 4 p.m. Thursday in a building at 2001 W. Grand Ave. that for years has been partially used as offices for Heisler Hospitality, which owns Pizza Lobo, Sportman’s Club, Revel Room, Estereo and other bars and restaurants.
Partners and Beverage Program
To launch Friends of Friends, Heisler owners Matt Eisler and Kevin Heisner have partnered with Abe Vucekovich of Meadowlark in Logan Square and Terry Alexander with One Off Hospitality, the restaurant group that runs Big Star, Publican, avec and the Violet Hour. Vucekovich is the bar’s general manager overseeing its beverage program. The initial menu focuses on cocktails that emphasize flavor profiles with simple titles, like the Fruity & Savory with tequila, Korean rice wine, strawberry and rhubarb and the Big & Spicy with jalapeño-infused rum, passionfruit, pineapple and other juices.
Menu and Offerings
Friends of Friends also offers draft natural wine and a few draft beers, plus a $5 “house handshake” with a Schlitz and a shot of Dickel rye. The Schlitz theme extends throughout the bar, which features a restored and repainted large Schlitz globe on the exterior street-facing wall and other branded decorations. Above the front door is the “Schlitz On Tap” neon beer sign that for decades hung outside the now-closed Danny’s Tavern at 1951 W. Dickens Ave., which Alexander previously owned.
The Schlitz Sign Dispute
The sign has been at the center of an ownership dispute since it resurfaced on the Friends of Friends building last year. Alexander previously told Block Club he believes he is its rightful owner, although Jann Dragovich, whose family has owned the former Danny’s building in Bucktown for decades, disagrees.
The Schlitz on Tap sign at Danny’s Tavern, 1951 W. Dickens Ave., prior to its closure. Credit: Kumar McMillan/Flickr
History of the Schlitz Sign
Danny’s closed in fall 2020 after more than three decades in business. Almost a year later, Block Club reported the building was up for sale — but the Schlitz sign was no longer attached to its front facade. A real estate listing at the time said the sign was “missing.” Shortly after, a person who wished to remain anonymous said the sign had been stolen and offered a reward for any information leading to its recovery.
Investigation and Dispute
A police report obtained by Block Club confirmed the sign was reported stolen in August 2021. The document lists the theft’s “occurrence date” as July 12-27, 2021. But neighbors at the time said they thought the sign had possibly been missing since late 2020, shortly after Danny’s closed. A Twitter post from December 2020 shows two men who appear to be removing the Schlitz sign from the building’s facade.
Current Status of the Dispute
Alexander told Block Club last year the sign was taken down around that time, and he maintained he is its proper owner after he and business partner Michael Noone “bought the bar and the fixtures” in 1989 from a previous Danny’s owner. But Dragovich said the sign was never included in any lease and it was part of the building’s property, just like the wooden bar and other furniture left behind when Danny’s closed.
Features of Friends of Friends
Friends of Friends features booth seating and a bar originally from the Knitting Factory nightclub in New York City. The back patio has a fireplace, similar to Heisler’s Sportsman’s Club on Western Avenue, according to a press release.
Friends of Friends, 2001 W. Grand Ave., in West Town. Credit: Provided/Marisa Klug-Morataya
Conclusion
The goal of Friends of Friends is to create “a very accessible, warm, cozy corner bar that anyone could come to,” Vucekovich said. “So trying to make the space very welcoming and conducive to friends meeting up and meeting new friends.” Friends of Friends is open 4 p.m.-midnight Monday-Thursday and 2 p.m.-midnight Friday-Sunday.
FAQs
Q: What is the address of Friends of Friends bar?
A: Friends of Friends bar is located at 2001 W. Grand Ave. in West Town.
Q: What are the hours of operation for Friends of Friends?
A: Friends of Friends is open 4 p.m.-midnight Monday-Thursday and 2 p.m.-midnight Friday-Sunday.
Q: What is the dispute over the Schlitz sign?
A: The dispute is over the ownership of the Schlitz sign that was removed from Danny’s Tavern and is now hanging outside Friends of Friends. Terry Alexander claims he is the rightful owner, while Jann Dragovich says it was part of the building’s property.
Q: What is the menu like at Friends of Friends?
A: The menu features cocktails with simple titles, draft natural wine, draft beers, and a small food menu of dips and “Frunza,” a play off the pocket sandwich called runza.
