No Vacancy, a new dive bar concept in the Wells St. corridor of River North, has officially opened its doors.
Located at 509 N Wells St, Chicago, IL 60654, No Vacancy is the brainchild of industry veterans Keegan Moon (former Operating Partner of Chicago’s Dine|Amic Hospitality and former Chief Operating Officer for Scottsdale, AZ-based Evening Entertainment Group) and Ivan McCullagh (formerly of Gibson’s Restaurant Group and Smith & Wollensky).
The intimate 64-seat space boasts a custom bar, sleek décor and an array of seating arrangements – all in a black and silver motif. Patterned wallpaper is juxtaposed against exposed brick and, overhead, large Edison bulb chandeliers hang from a textured, pressed tin ceiling.
While the bar has a decidedly modern vibe, at its core, the No Vacancy concept is as classic as it gets: a neighborhood watering hole where people can come to enjoy each other’s company over delicious drinks. “A lot of what we’re doing is bringing it back to the basics,” says Moon in a statement, pointing out that community, authentic hospitality and a no-nonsense attitude are what the No Vacancy experience will be all about.
As with any neighborhood spot, No Vacancy has a menu of domestic & international beers (draft, bottled & canned) as well as a dozen or so wines. The real showstoppers, however, are the cocktails (called “Tasty Refreshments” on the No Vacancy menu.) Highlights include:
One & Done
1800 Reposado Tequila, Rumchata, Cantera Negra, Coffee Liqueur, Vanilla, topped with a Smoke-Filled Balloon (popped tableside)
Silver Lining
Bombe Sapphire Gin, Blueberry, Lemon, Sage, Prosecco Float
Picture Me
Grey Goose White Peach & Rosemary Vodka, Watermelon, Lemon, Mint
A vintage Slush Puppie machine serves up frozen treats – all of which can be made boozy – in flavors like Cherry, Blue Raspberry, Strawberry and Lemon-Lime.
The kitchen at No Vacancy is headed up by Chef Zenas White, who has created a menu of modern American bar bites, sandwiches and snacks, most of which are meant to be shared. Guests can dig into dishes like:
Birria Egg Rolls
8-Hour Braised Beef, Oaxaca Cheese, Cilantro, Onion, Consume, Charred Lime
Pretzel-Crusted Chicken Tenders
Agave Mustard, Housemade Ranch
NV Burger
100% Certified Black Angus Blend of Ribeye, Chuck & Brisket, White Cheddar, American Cheese, Lettuce, Beefsteak Tomato, Onion, Pickle, Lemon Garlic Aioli
Pigs In A Blanket
Nueske Bacon, Flaky Puff Pastry, Roquefort Cheese for dipping
Frites Street Fries
Brown Butter, Salt + Pepper, Lemon Garlic Aioli
Once the warmer weather rolls into town, No Vacancy will also feature a 22-seat sidewalk patio, giving guests a chance to drink and dine al fresco.
No Vacancy is open Sunday – Friday from 4:00pm – 2:00am and Saturday 4:00pm – 3:00am.
