Old Town Pour House Opening in Former 33 Club Space

It has been almost a year since 33 Club shuttered, and it was pretty clear at that time that the next project would not involve Jerry Kleiner (Carnivale). Instead, the Bottleneck Management Group (Boundary, Sweetwater) has taken over with a brand new concept called Old Town Pour House, which is slated to open sometime next week. The space is a modern version of a classic tavern with a focus on beer and American comfort food.

The 10,000 foot space allows seating for 180. The interior is lined with custom-milled mahogany as a throwback to the the bars of the past. The first floor features a 48-foot copper and steel bar that has additional seating for 40 people. Above the bar are two flat-screen TVs to catch the latest sporting events. The windows in the front of the building are retractable and will open up to Wells Street when the weather permits. The grand staircase leads up to a mezzanine dining area and additional bar. There is also a secluded lower level room for private parties of up to 50 standing (30 seated) that includes another smaller bar and additional televisions.

The tavern boasts an extensive draft menu with over 90 beers on tap, the most in Chicago. What's on tap will rotate, but you can expect to see a wide variety of regional and seasonal specialties at any given time. There will also be eight wines on tap made from reusable keg containers eliminating the need for any glass bottles. Seasonal cocktails and spirits will also be available.

The menu was created by corporate chef Paul Katz of the Bottleneck Mangement Group, but will be implemented by executive chef John Madden. With a twist on classic American fare, expect to see bar snacks like fried cheese curds and pork shank wings; small plates that include Calvados house cured salmon with frisee, grape tomatoes and grilled asparagus topped with a citrus mustard vinaigrette; and crab fondue made with jumbo lump crab, Humboldt fog goat cheese, and chives served with garlic crostini. A variety of salads, sandwiches and entrees like Guinness-braised shortribs; a Wagyu burger; and blackened red snapper tacos are also available. You can view the entire menu below.

Old Town Pour House will be open Monday through Tuesday from 4 p.m. to 2 a.m., Wednesday through Friday from 11 a.m. to 2 a.m., Saturday from 11 a.m. to 3 a.m. and Sunday from 11 a.m. to 2 a.m.

Old Town Pour House Menu

Paul Katz, Corporate Chef of the Bottleneck Group