Heisler to Inaugurate Queen Mary on Nov. 16 on Division Street

That long-dormant spot at Division Street, between Damen and Western avenues, is almost ready for royalty. Heisler Hospitality's long-awaited cocktail bar, the Queen Mary, now plans for a Monday, Nov. 16 opening inside a refurbished space that's been vacant for 40 years. Heisler's British invasion continues, as in May they opened Pub Royale—which features Anglo-Indian food—a block east of Queen Mary.

No, even though St. Mary's Medical Center is down the street, it's not named for her. The bar's named from Mary Kafka, the proprietor of the Polish bar that occupied the building until 1975, and Queen Mary is a British-influenced cocktail bar with a nautical theme. They'll have eight rotating-seasonal cocktails, as well as two house drinks —their martini and navy strength old fashioned. One light and one dark beer will also be on tap for black and tans. Designer Kevin Heisner aimed to keep the shuttered tavern's original design, including the Brunswick bar.

Less than one week remains before Queen Mary arrives at 2125 W. Division St. Long live the queen.