Introduction to Wil’s Martini Lounge
ANDERSONVILLE — A new martini bar in Andersonville is offering dozens of twists on the cocktail. Wil’s Martini Lounge opened in late September at 1478 W. Catalpa Ave., owned by Andersonville couple Wil Mcerlean and Charlie Bonanno. Mcerlean is the former manager of Marty’s Martini Bar, which closed in 2024 after it was bought by 2Bear Tavern. He and Bonanno had dreamed about opening a place of their own, but they wanted it to happen organically, the duo said.
The Concept and History
Mcerlean has worked in the service industry for more than 20 years, and he said opening his own bar had always been in the back of his head as a fantasy, but he wasn’t sure it would ever happen. “We weren’t going to actively look for” a space, Bonanno said. “This just kind of fell in our lap.” They found the storefront on Catalpa Avenue last year, and opening Wil’s Martini Lounge has been in the works since then, Mcerlean and Bonanno said. They had to completely renovate the inside, with Bonanno taking on the interior decorating and working with architect Todd Israel to build out the bar of their dreams. Much of it was custom-made, from the bar top to the glassware shelves, Bonanno said.
Ambiance and Vision
Bonanno said he wanted to bring an upscale, “touch-of-New-York” bar to the Andersonville area. “We wanted a place that people can come in and have a martini and have a great conversation,” said Bonanno, whose career began in the corporate world before he pivoted to hairstyling and opened three salons. The vision for Wil’s Martini Lounge is to create a space where people can enjoy quality cocktails in a sophisticated yet welcoming environment.
Menu Offerings
Wil’s menu offers classics such as a martini made with gin and dry vermouth ($11) and an espresso martini made with vanilla vodka and coffee liqueur ($12); and more unique twists like the Charlie’s Cosmo with grapefruit and rose vodka, triple sec, cranberry juice and lime juice ($13). There’s also a fall featured cocktail called the Veteran, made with whiskey, honey, sour mix and cardamom bitters ($13).
Wil’s Martini Bar opened last month at 1478 W. Catalpa Ave. Credit: Madison Savedra/Block Club Chicago
Community Reception
Mcerlean said one of his favorite parts of bartending and working in the industry has been the people he’s met along the way — particularly at bars he’s worked at. “I have that in mind in opening this place; I would love one day for people to be like, ‘Oh, yeah, we met at Wil’s,’” he said. Mcerlean and Bonanno said the new bar has gotten a glowing reception from the neighborhood, with lines out the door since opening night. There’s also been a diverse crowd of customers coming in, which is what Mcerlean and Bonanno envisioned, they said. “We don’t want to limit our customers,” Mcerlean said. “This bar is for everybody.”
Expansion Plans
The two already have a second room in the works for the bar: In the middle of construction, the neighboring storefront at 1480 W. Catalpa Ave. became available, and Mcerlean and Bonanno decided to jump on it as well, they said. The two said they hope to have the bar’s second room open before Thanksgiving.
Conclusion
Wil’s Martini Lounge is a welcomed addition to the Andersonville neighborhood, offering a unique and upscale cocktail experience. With its diverse menu and inclusive atmosphere, it’s a place where anyone can come to enjoy a great martini and good company. As the bar continues to grow and expand, it will be exciting to see how it becomes a staple in the community.
FAQs
- Q: Where is Wil’s Martini Lounge located?
A: Wil’s Martini Lounge is located at 1478 W. Catalpa Ave. in Andersonville. - Q: What types of cocktails does Wil’s Martini Lounge offer?
A: Wil’s Martini Lounge offers a variety of classic and unique martinis, including seasonal specials. - Q: Do the owners have plans for expansion?
A: Yes, the owners are currently working on opening a second room for the bar, with hopes to have it open before Thanksgiving. - Q: What is the atmosphere like at Wil’s Martini Lounge?
A: The atmosphere is upscale yet welcoming, designed to facilitate great conversations and a sophisticated cocktail experience. - Q: How has the community received Wil’s Martini Lounge?
A: The community has given Wil’s Martini Lounge a glowing reception, with a diverse crowd of customers and lines out the door since its opening.
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