BRIDGEPORT — A new bar is opening in Bridgeport.
It's called The BallPark Pub, and you'll soon be able to grab a beer, eat tapas and watch the White Sox on big TVs at 514 W. Pershing, just a few blocks from U.S. Cellular Field.
The former home of Cobblestones Bar & Grill, The BallPark Pub will include a bar shaped like home plate, ductwork painted to look like a giant Louisville Slugger baseball bat, ample seating and — eventually — an outdoor patio for chowing down on smoked barbecue and tapas from the kitchen.
Richie Rogulich and Nicky Bertucci are the men behind the bar and grill — and they're neighborhood boys through and through.
The 39-year-old lifelong pals grew up next door to each other in Armour Square, where they had a view of old Comiskey Park.
"Fireworks used to land in our pool," Bertucci said.
The boys went to St. Jerome and then De La Salle together.
"And then the School of Hard Knocks," Rogulich said, laughing.
Each was the best man at the other's wedding.
The brains behind the BallPark Pub got their start cleaning tables for Nicky Bertucci's dad, Bruno — the guy who runs the famed Bertucci Buffet at the Cell's Patio.
"And here we are today," Rogulich said.
The BallPark Pub, flush with 20 beers on tap, an ATM and jukebox, will open sometime this spring.
For more neighborhood news, listen to DNAinfo Radio here:
