Local wine experts are bringing their knowledge to a new storefront in the neighborhood.
From Block Club Chicago, Friends & Neighbors is a new wine bar coming to 1861 N Milwaukee Avenue on the south side of Bucktown. It occupies the former Red & White wine bar space. Co-owner Arin Butzon told What Now Chicago she and business partner Joy Johns hope to debut the new bar by Labor Day in September.
While the plan is for a wine bar, a small retail area will also be at the space for purchasing wine. The two want to create a business that can host parties, while also being a destination for those wanting to stop in for a quick glass.
“Our neighborhood deserves a wine spot that feels like home…where you can grab a glass before dinner, wind down after, read a book with bubbles, or if you’re Joy: have a mom’s happy hour before picking up the kids!” Says a post on their Instagram page.
Johns and Butzon have careers in law and finance, and are self-described wine enthusiasts. This is their first solo venture. What Now Chicago is awaiting further comment from the two on the new business.
Spirits will also include cocktails, and the two plan on serving charcuterie boards and snacks at the location. The snack items haven’t been revealed, but at pop-ups the team has served cheeses, grapes and crackers.
The wine bar is coming to the corner of N Milwaukee and N Oakley avenues, across from Irazu Costa Rican Restaurant and Silom 12. Many other restaurants and bars are in this area, and is close to the Western Blue Line CTA station.
The owners will be providing more updates on the opening date on the Friends & Neighbors social media pages.
