WEST TOWN — Beatnik — a restaurant and bar from the owners of Wicker Park's Bordel and Black Bull — is almost ready to roll near Ashland and Chicago avenues in West Town.
Workers on-site at 1604 W. Chicago Ave. said the eatery could open next week in the former Mecca Fashion storefront — a huge space that has been completely gutted and rehabbed.
Tony Kontos, owner of Loop Tavern, a bar and liquor store next door to Beatnik, said he's been watching the transformation and construction for the last six months.
"I am excited. It will bring more people around. I was tired of being alone over here," said Kontos, who will be celebrating Loop Tavern's 29th anniversary next month.
Mecca Fashion closed about three years ago. Its replacement is a spacious restaurant featuring long wooden tables, with large chandeliers and vintage tiles on the walls, as well as a stocked bar that overlooks Chicago Avenue.
A staffer said there are close to 100 seats inside and about 60 on an atrium-style patio that's flooded with natural light and plants.
Eater was the first to report Beatnik's entry into West Town in March. At that time, owners were hoping to open during the summer.
City records show that Beatnik got its business license from the city on Aug. 11.
On Wednesday, a spokeswoman said that more details on Beatnik — such as its cuisine and menu — will be released in the next few days. So far, Beatnik has keep specifics under wraps.
For more info, visit Beatnik's website or Facebook page.
