RIVER NORTH — If you're looking for the Underground Wonder Bar in River North, don't be fooled by the new name or look.
As part of a reality show, the bar was given a makeover that might have some regulars doing a double-take.
"New name, same wonder," owner Lonie Walker said.
Shortly before 8 p.m. Tuesday, Clear Bar opened with more than 100 people coming out to the reopening and filming of an undisclosed reality show that provided the renovations.
Mauricio Peña says reactions have been mixed:
The television show set to air in December completed the interior and exterior renovations in a little more than 36 hours heading into Tuesday's launch.
"We completed the renovations by the skin of our teeth," Walker said.
In addition to the name change, some of the renovations included an adjustable light fixture at the main bar, changes to decor in both levels of the venue, as well some changes to the menu.
But not all patrons are digging the new trendy look.
"We've had mixed responses," Walker said. "Some people are shocked and devastated about the changes, others really like it. But I've been telling people, it's a completely blank slate, we'll funk it up in no time."
Originally located for 21 years on 10 East Walton Place in the Gold Coast, the Wonder Bar moved two times before settling in River North on October 2011.
The idea of participating in the reality show renovations emerged when a friend submitted an application earlier this year. In April, Walker heard the bar had made the cut.
"There were about 2,000 applicants, and from there it was narrowed down from 40 to 8, and then to 3 before they selected us," Walker said.
Now Walker is taking in the new changes to her bar.
"I really like it," Walker said. "They brought in some cool, slick ideas."
With the aesthetic changes, the bar is adding some new food and drinks including, an Old Fashioned, a take on the Moscow Mule, pickle plate and Korean-style beef tartar.
"We have some fun colorful additions, like the Old Fashioned, [classic] drinks being brought back," Walker said. "Not all our [older menu items made] the new menu but if someone asks for them, we'll still make it," Walker said.
"They've enhanced what we had, and really stepped it up."
The makeover comes in time for the bar's 25-year anniversary, scheduled for Nov. 16th with 12 hours of live music, the bar's bread and butter.
"It's still clearly Wonder Bar," Walker said. "They've just coolifed it."
For more neighborhood news, listen to DNAinfo Radio here:
