Lillie's Q Owner Adds Companion Cocktail Bar To New Bucktown Restaurant

Lillie's Q owner Charlie McKenna plans on opening his southern-focused restaurant, Dixie, in either late May or early June inside the Takashi space. Now comes news of a companion cocktail bar called 1952½. McKenna wants to challenge diners' perception of southern cooking, moving past fried chicken and barbecue, he told Crain's.

McKenna announced the restaurant in October and he envisions upscale small plates with fresh vegetables, seafood and rice. Dixie's dining room will include 64 seats, while 1952½ will feature 20 seats and center around bourbon cocktails.

They've transformed Takashi, which closed in 2014. McKenna wants to take diners back to larger southern cities like Charleston, S.C. and Atlanta with a carriage house feel. Stay tuned for more in the coming months.