Quantcast

The DNAinfo archives brought to you by WNYC.
Read the press release here.

Pi Gallery Bar to Feature Rooftop Deck, Pizza Oven

By David Matthews | January 12, 2015 5:43am
 A first look at the rebranded River North bar under construction. 
Pi Gallery Bar
View Full Caption

RIVER NORTH — Gallery Bar is getting ready to return to River North after adding Pi to the equation.

Pi Gallery Bar, as the rebranded pub at 738 N. Clark St. will be called, will still feature art for sale but cater to a "swankier crowd" than its graffiti-themed predecessor, general manager Nick Martaus said.

Still, Martaus aims for an "unpretentious" vibe at the bar including eclectic music, craft cocktails and film noir on TV. The new bar will also feature a wood-fired pizza oven, second-floor patio lounge and a rooftop deck that will open during the warmer months. 

Dave Matthews says the owners are realistic of the challenges ahead:

Martaus, who is still renovating the bar, expects Pi to open near the end of January. 

"We’re not trying to reinvent the wheel; we’re just gonna put some rims on that b----," he said.

A Cleveland native, Martaus, studied art and mathematics (among other disciplines) in college, and is employing math-inspired design into the bar's decor. Considering the bar will also bake pizzas, the "Pi" name was born. 

Assisting in the effort are beverage director Colin Haley, who counts Untitled in River North and Irish Oak in Wrigleyville among previous employers, and Chef Donna Allers, who formerly worked at the Publican, 837 W. Fulton Market. 

Inspired by "the universal language," Martaus' STEM-inspired designs can be seen on the bar's tabletops. A sketch of dopamine and ethanol compounds, representative of alcohol and love chemicals mixing, hangs as an idea in his workspace. 

Haley's aims to bring a rotating drink list and "approachable mixology" to the bar. One of his ideas is "Atom & Eve," a vodka cocktail including "caviar," or apple juice engineered to resemble the delicacy. Another, "Bourbon Babe," features chocolate bourbon. 

Like its predecessor, Pi Gallery Bar will hang artwork on its walls for sale. Martaus said he recruited local artists for inventory, hoping he can feature their works across all media.

Gallery Bar, the predecessor, opened in June 2013 before closing in September. Haley acknowledges their admittedly nerdy approach to a reboot could flop, but it won't be for a lack of effort. 

"A new baby always has problems," Haley said. 

For more neighborhood news, listen to DNAinfo Radio here: