Introduction to The Alley Cat Bar
UKRAINIAN VILLAGE — A “curated yet comfortable” dive bar offering a small food menu that’s being run by a group of Chicago restaurant veterans is opening in January in Ukrainian Village.
The Alley Cat, 2013 W. Division St., is taking over the former home of Takito Kitchen, which closed last year.
Ownership and Management
The bar is owned by Derrick Tung, William Ravert and Tony Dezutter, who also run the Paulie Gee’s pizza restaurants in Wicker Park and Logan Square.
The trio will continue to operate Paulie Gee’s, but they plan to run The Alley Cat separately under a new hospitality group called Tung & Cheek.
Menu and Beverage Options
The Alley Cat will offer a classic cocktail menu priced at $14 or less, wines and spirit-free and THC beverage options, according to a press release.
Its food menu will be limited to six to eight items. That includes “Crispy Tatters” with black walnut aioli and chives as well as the “Girl Dinner,” a nod to the popular social media trend that will feature pickled vegetables, bread and mustard, plus a dirty martini.
Renovations and Ambiance
The Alley Cat team is currently undertaking a gut rehab of the former Takito restaurant.
That includes transforming a back garage area into what management is calling “The Green Room” with space for about 30 guests. The front area of the bar will be lined with bookcases and include bar seats and high top tables.
A “mid-lounge area” will seat 12 people and will feature a vintage chandelier that was formerly used at the Chopin Theatre a few blocks east. The bar’s total capacity will be about 86 people, the press release said.
Opening Date and Hours
The Alley Cat isn’t yet sharing a definite opening date, but owners are shooting for sometime in January. The bar and kitchen will be open daily.
Conclusion
The Alley Cat is set to bring a unique and curated experience to the Ukrainian Village neighborhood, with a focus on comfort, classic cocktails, and a limited but thoughtful food menu. With its transformed space and vintage touches, it’s sure to become a popular spot for locals and visitors alike.
FAQs
Q: Who owns The Alley Cat bar?
A: The Alley Cat is owned by Derrick Tung, William Ravert, and Tony Dezutter.
Q: What type of menu will The Alley Cat offer?
A: The Alley Cat will offer a limited food menu of six to eight items, including "Crispy Tatters" and the "Girl Dinner," as well as a classic cocktail menu and wine and spirit-free options.
Q: When is The Alley Cat expected to open?
A: The Alley Cat is expected to open in January, with daily hours.
Q: What is the capacity of The Alley Cat?
A: The bar’s total capacity will be about 86 people.
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