Boozy Target Opening In Chicago? More Like Boozy Starbucks

That new boozy Target in Streeterville is finally open, but it's a bit of a tease. The city of Chicago finally granted the 24,000-square-foot store its liquor license on Tuesday, but it's not the wine bar customers imagined. Instead, the license is for the store's Starbucks, making this Target the chain's first store serving wine and beer from Starbucks Evenings, the name of the coffee shop chain's alcohol and small bites program. Both the Target and Starbucks are open, but Starbucks won't be selling booze until the official Sunday grand opening.

Other news of note: Customers won't be able to exit the Starbucks area with alcoholic drinks. This dashes dreams of shopping and drinking at Target. However, Target officials still feel the Streeterville area is a good fit for the boozy Starbucks, saying they did extensive research to bring the concept to the area.

Food wise, the menu mimics the small bites from other Starbucks Evenings spots. Customers can order the same truffle mac & cheese, chicken skewers and flatbreads. The only change is the beer. A rotating, sometimes seasonal, bottle of local craft beer picked by Target will be available. Starbucks are normal fixture at Targets, but Target officials said there's no plans for more stores with the Starbucks Evenings program.

Target and Starbucks, 401 E. Illinois St., open from 7 a.m. to midnight, Monday through Saturday; 8 p.m. to 11 p.m. on Sunday. Alcohol and food served from Starbucks Evenings menu from 2 p.m. to midnight on weekdays; noon to midnight on Saturday; noon to 11 p.m. on Sunday.