CITY HALL — A long-established Wicker Park bar that was closed last month after an uncover drug investigation appeared at its first city hearing on Tuesday to fight to stay open.
Chris' North Land Tavern and Grill at 1610 W. North Ave. has a tavern and retail food license and is owned by Chris Gramatis.
The bar was closed by the city on July 7, and a city attorney said the bar will remain shut throughout the hearing process.
At a brief Tuesday hearing, an attorney representing the bar and city attorneys agreed to next meet Aug. 15.
County real estate records show Gramatis has owned the two-story vintage building where his bar is located since at least 1985 — as far back as online records go.
"There will be a hearing to see if they can continue to enjoy the privilege of doing business," Lilia Chacon, a Business Affairs and Consumer Protection spokeswoman, previously said.
After the July closure, a Chicago Police Department spokeswoman said police executed a search warrant at the bar.
The spokeswoman said no arrests were made, and no additional information was available.
In June, a 27-year-old woman said she and her roommates were attacked on the sidewalk in front of the bar.
Ald. Scott Waguespack (32nd) said Shakespeare District (14th) police and members of the Chicago Police Department's vice/narcotics unit have been working on "problem spots" throughout the Bucktown ward and city.
"They've been aggressive on businesses with issues. It's good to see them being proactive on these issues," Waguespack said.
On Yelp, fans of Chris's North Land Tavern called it a "solid dive bar" with a pool table and a clean bathroom.
Another said, "It's like Cheers but weirder."
