High Noon Saloon Replacing People Lounge in Two Weeks

When People Tapas Lounge shuttered January 20, it seemed obvious that another concept would rush to open in the prime location. It turned out to be true, as High Noon Saloon will open at 1560 N. Milwaukee next month.

Owner Baris Yuksel, who also owned People, calls High Noon an "old west saloon with modern interpretations." The food will be tex-mex-focused, with former Topolobampo and Frontera Grill sous chef Ruben Beltran helming the kitchen. Look for house-made tamales, shrimp flautas, tortilla soup, and Mexican-style brunch fare in shareable small-plate form. The beverage program features 15 craft beers on tap, small-batch bourbons and tequilas, and multiple varieties of margaritas like jalapeno-watermelon.

The interior holds 99 high-top seats plus patio, clad in old blue-tone wallpaper. They found an old saloon-style piano and made it into a DJ booth by placing glass over the keys. 11 televisions will show mostly sports, they're an official Blackhawks and Illini bar.

Yuksel says he wanted something up-to-date with the neighborhood demographics. He envisions people stopping in to catch a game, sample craft beers and whiskeys, and down tamales at 1:00 a.m. Despite other Wicker Park Mexican options like Big Star and Flash Taco, he believes he has something different. It's opening in two weeks.
· People Tapas Lounge Shuttering January 20 [~ECHI~]