"Nouveau Bistro" Coming to Historic Space on Southport

There's a new bistro concept coming soon to a building with an interesting history on the cusp of Lakeview and Lincoln Park. The Bentley Tavern, helmed by executive chef Ian Flowers and owner Brian Dohmen, will be a chef-driven "progressive new American bistro cafe" with a low-key neighborhood vibe. They're shooting for a late June opening.

Flowers, an Indiana native, is a kitchen veteran from LOKaL, 676 Restaurant & Bar in The Omni Hotel, and Prost. Flowers' experience lies in cooking classic European and casual barbecue and representatives call this his "breakout gig." Menu details are few at this time but expect fresh bistro-style cuisine with an American focus. For drink choices, expect craft cocktails, beer and wine.

The space is two floors (1800 square-feet on the first, 1000 square-feet on the second), although only second floor will have seating, and there will be al fresco tables along side. Indoor and outdoor will have 50 seats apiece, the interior is currently undergoing cosmetic changes.

Lucca's, an Italian restaurant that closed following the owner's murder in the building, called this location home. The most recent concept in the building was Palette Bistro, which closed almost a year ago to the day. Going back far, the space housed a brothel and a funeral home. The new owner and chef are looking to make their own positive history here.