Michael Taus Opening A Bar in The Point Space in River West

After opening Taus Authentic less than four months ago, Michael Taus already has another new spot in the works. The former Zealous chef/proprietor and a group of investors have taken over The Point at 401 N. Milwaukee and are planning to open a "casual neighborhood tavern," Black Iron Tavern, in August or September, Taus says.

The Point, a bar and eatery from the people behind Matilda's and Clutch, opened in April 2012 and shuttered just nine days ago. Taus and team took over the space two days later, on May 20.

Taus says he wants Black Iron Tavern, which is named for "the heart and soul of any restaurant—the black iron that goes up the side of the building," to be "very simple and from the heart." Look for lots of craft beer, craft cocktails, and casual chef-driven bar food. He's in the process of interviewing chefs to run the kitchen, although he says he'll draft the food, beer and cocktail menus himself. The space, which is in a historic 1846 building, will receive just redecorating to make it "a little more homey" and "retro-looking," accounting for the quick turnaround.

Taus says that opening and enjoying running a more casual restaurant (for him) in Taus Authentic inspired him to do another casual spot, and the investment team approached him with this opportunity. Expect their bar to open in River West in late summer.