Flamingo Rum Club Finally Lifts The Embargo With Friday Opening

Frigid Chicagoans can use a dose of rum and a cabaret show, and Flamingo Rum Club aims to help. After weeks of delays, the buzz-worthy River North bar is set to open on Friday at 601 N. Wells St. It’s a collaboration between restaurateur Phil Stefani and Adolfo Garcia with an atmosphere heavily-influenced by 1940s-1950s-era Havana. Those two have already worked together on Broken English Taco Pub.

They’re taking reservations via OpenTable. The booths are big and the drinks are from The Tippling Bros., the consultants known for their kegged cocktails and fancy presentations. The bartenders will have access to supposedly the largest rum selection in the U.S., though that’s not confirmed.

Multiple burlesque shows will happen nightly in the kind-of two-level space. The upper level balcony has seating but is also where the dancers get ready, as most of the action happens on the first floor. The dancers will from time to time climb down from a ladder to the ground floor, which is filled with spacious booths and a large bar. Also expect Cuban-inspired snacks and small plates.

Will Flamingo Rum Club provide the city with a much-needed Caribbean escape? Find out tomorrow as the wait’s finally over.