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Liquor Ban Lift Clears Way For Wine Bar With 'Pretty Epic' Brandy List

By Linze Rice | September 25, 2015 8:19am
 Owner Nelson Fitch was confident his wine bar concept would get approval from the city council so he could open shop at 5959 North Broadway.
Owner Nelson Fitch was confident his wine bar concept would get approval from the city council so he could open shop at 5959 North Broadway.
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DNAinfo/Linze Rice, Nelson Finch

EDGEWATER — City Council voted to approve lifting a liquor moratorium on North Broadway in order to allow for a new wine bar and eatery that will serve up "not well-known" cocktails and other uncommon spirits.

Nelson Fitch, the owner of the spot at 5959 North Broadway, had been sitting tight since earlier this summer when he met with neighborhood groups to see if the ban on booze would be temporarily lifted so he could open business. The bar was also supported by Ald. Harry Osterman (48th).

Once lifted, the moratorium would cease for a year, then resume under city law.

Fitch, who is the husband of "Divergent" series author Veronica Roth, told DNAinfo Chicago in August he'd become "obsessed" with fine wine and lesser-known spirits, and withthe idea of opening his own business to showcase his new passion. He could not be reached Thursday.

Now, thanks to City Council's approval, that obsession can become a business plan.

Fitch said the concept for Income Tax — a name that not only refers to a vintage early 1900s cocktail, but also harkens back to the Prohibition faux storefront era — will appeal to everyone from the casual wine drinker to the comparative sommelier.

He said wine and spirits will be the cornerstone of the bar, but they'll also offer an array of classic cocktails that are "not well-known," along with other "fun" spirits that aren't used as frequently in mixed drinks.

Wine by the glass and a "pretty epic brandy list" will also be available at the hangout, fitted with an "old world, French-Italian" feel.

The bar will serve food as well, Fitch said.

Fitch, a photographer, said he got his start in the liquor business when he needed to find a new job. Twice a week he'd work shifts at the locally owned fine wine and spirits shop Independent Spirits, Inc. around the corner from where he lived — now just doors down from his own shop.

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