BUCKTOWN — A changing corner that has seen a new Japanese eatery and a juice bar will soon be welcoming an upscale American diner with a wide selection of craft beers and whiskey, it was announced Friday.
Steven Tsonis, 31, a second-generation restaurateur, has signed a lease to bring AMK Kitchen Bar to 1954 W. Armitage Ave., where a long-running popular Peruvian restaurant once was.
Tsonis' father operated several steakhouses and neighborhood bistros in the southwest suburbs.
"I've been in the business my whole life, from dishwasher to owner," said Tsonis.
For his first venture as a restaurant owner, Tsonis has taken over a 1,600-square-foot location on the northeast corner of Armitage and Damen avenues in Bucktown.
If everything goes as planned, Tsonis said AMK Kitchen Bar could open in April.
The 70-seat diner will feature dishes by chef Barney Smith, whose menu will include Turducken meatballs with red gravy and cheesy garlic bread; whiskey barbecue salmon brushed with bourbon; and double American cheeseburgers with fried pickles on buttered buns.
AMK also will offer up to 70 craft beers focused on local breweries and 20 types of whiskey.
Hours will be 11 a.m. to 1 a.m. daily, with the exception of Sunday and Monday, when the diner likely will close by 11 p.m., Tsonis said.
"We are playing the hours by ear until we open," he said.
Tsonis, who lives in West Town, previously lived in Wicker Park.
"I have always been fond of the Wicker Park and Bucktown neighborhoods. Bucktown is a hot and trendy neighborhood, and it is just going to keep getting better. I have been wanting to open a spot in Bucktown and was just waiting for the right time and location," Tsonis said.
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