Rocking Horse Owners Rolling Crown Liquors Taproom Into Avondale Today

The owners of High Dive and Rocking Horse wanted a place for "easy drinking" in Avondale. That's why they've opened the Crown Liquors Taproom, which starts serving on Wednesday afternoon in the same building as Crown Liquors' retail operation near the intersection of Milwaukee, Diversey and Kimball. They relaunched the liquor store in April.

There's seating for 50 inside and 48 on the patio. Ownership promises an old-school Chicago drinking experience, and that's reiterated by the chance to play hot dice. What's hot dice? The game gives the customer (for a $3 ante) a chance to roll for their drink. Drinks have corresponding numbers, and if a dice roll lands — say on the same number as root beer Schnapps — well, that's what the customer will receive.

The 3,000-square-foot bar area will feature 24 rotating beers on tap, 12 of which will be seasonal or small release. Crown will specialize in beer flights, as 5-ounce pours will be available. All drinks available in the bar can be purchased in the liquor store. There's not much in the way of food, as bar snacks (pretzels, nuts, etc.) are available. However, in a truly synergistic move, the owners suggest ordering from nearby Dante's Pizzeria (they own Dante's, too).

The past owners held the property for 11 years, but DNAinfo reports the building's history extends to the end of Prohibition. Wednesday's opening day specials include $3 Dark Horse Crooked Tree IPA and Half Acre Vallejo drafts, plus $3 shots of Jim Beam and Malört.

Crown Liquors Taproom, open from 3 p.m. until 2 a.m. Monday through Friday, noon until 3 a.m. Saturday, and noon until 2 a.m. Sunday. 2821 N. Milwaukee Avenue, (773) 252-9741.