LOGAN SQUARE — The owners of Logan Square's newest establishment, the Black Lion, have grand plans for a three-level bar, lounge and restaurant.
The Black Lion opened the first phase of the project earlier this month, the second-floor lounge and bar at 2434 N. Milwaukee Ave.
"We want this to be a bar," said Victor Gonzalez, 38. "We are lounge-y, but we want it to be your neighborhood bar."
The Black Lion's second floor is the main bar area and can be accessed via staircase from street level.
The bar features a small DJ booth in the corner, which can be converted to a stage for live music.
The group behind the business hopes to bring in DJs on the weekend and live musicians such as vocalists and jazz players on other days.
"I think there's an approachability to our concept that differs from a lot of the places around here," said Ryan Johnson, who along with Gonzalez, Hipolito Estrada and owner Dennis Romero brought the Black Lion to life.
The upstairs bar features an extensive selection of local beers on tap as well as a cocktail list, but the owners emphasized there will always be $3 beer available.
The most anticipated part of the project for summer-loving Chicagoans has to be the expansive rooftop the group has planned for the spring.
Once complete the rooftop, which Gonzalez said has been approved by the city, will feature a bar and stretch across not only Black Lion's rooftop, but also the neighboring car wash.
"That will be big," Gonzalez said. "Look at Parson's [Chicken and Fish, 2952 W. Armitage Ave.]. Parson's is crazy."
The group took over the property about a year ago and has been working on an extensive renovation, including refinishing the entire second floor and converting the first floor from a liquor store to a restaurant.
Victor Gonzalez (l.) and Ryan Johnson plan to open the restaurant on the first floor in September. [DNAinfo/Paul Biasco]
The restaurant portion of Black Lion on the first floor is set to open in about 1½ months and will focus entirely on meat and seafood on skewers cooked on a large grill.
"I think anything that brings traffic to this side of Fullerton, northwest of Fullerton, is good for everyone," Johnson said.
The Black Lion is currently open from 11 a.m.-2 a.m., but could eventually try to obtain a 4 a.m. license.
A grand opening is set for Aug. 15 and could include an appearance by a real life lion.
Stay tuned.
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