BRIDGEPORT — If you’ve spent any part of your summer driving, strolling or pedaling past Maria’s Community Bar, you’ve surely seen the progress of the joint’s forthcoming attraction: a new restaurant, complete with indoor and outdoor seating, and a second bar.
Builders have been constructing walls, installing glass and doors. Now — finally — neighborhood folks can grab a glimpse of the project taking shape at 960 W. 31st St.
DNAinfo Chicago got a chance to walk through the shell of the restaurant. Here’s a look at the progress so far:
Second Bar
This bar sits below a skylight and will bring patrons out of the dark and windowless indoor bar Maria’s has become known for over the years.
Back Patio
The benches now on the back patio will be replaced with new, stylish ones. The back patio is currently open for patrons wanting to smoke a cigarette or enjoy a beer under the stars.
Side Door
Construction crews will eventually convert this old window into a side door accessible from inside Maria’s indoor bar.
Kitchen
Here’s the modest kitchen that will be the home of well-known local chef Won Kim, of Wrigleyville. The kitchen will feature a four-range stove, a griddle and fryer. The restaurant’s menu will serve Asian-inspired street food with a fusion twist.
Front Patio
The restaurant’s front patio will feature more seating and a lighted bay window looking onto Farrell Street.
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