A New Two-Level, Late-Night Bar is Heading to River North

Here’s more River North club/restaurant news as word about the imminent arrival of New York’s Bounce Sporting Club just hit the neighborhood. Another new spot, LiqrBox — a new 4 a.m. bar and lounge with food — should open later this year at 873 N. Orleans St. The venture is a collaboration between two companies familiar with River North nightlife, with BDG Hospitality (they ran Parliament/Kensington where Bounce will take over) and Carmen Rossi’s 8 Hospitality (Hubbard Inn, Joy District, Barn & Company, HVAC Pub) are partnering on this new project.

BDG partners Matt Deichl, James Brown, and Jonathan Gillespie will operate the 7,500-square-foot space. They described the concept as having an “art-driven” design. The first-floor space will feature a long bar and TVs, plus tables and booths. They’ve “dramatically” renovated the second floor by adding art, a DJ booth, and reserved lounge seating. The company has also upgraded the kitchen space and they’ll offer more food than the previous tenants. Customers should expect a menu of American bar bites, and BDG promised a “truly-unique beverage program.”

There has been major work to the building. City records, via Chicago Cityscape, show a $750,000 construction permit issued in February. The space has been a revolving door for River North clubs. Time occupied the space until June 2016. From 2012 to 2014, the site was home to Bodi. The club closed after a shooting outside.

But that’s the past, and BDG and 8 Hospitality are striving for a fresh start. A BDG spokeswoman said the two groups have looked for partnership opportunities, but this was the ideal time to team up. They feel that they’ve grown-up in the industry together.

Separate from BDG, Deichl is a partner with Bounce. He said he’s excited to open two spots in River North. Stay tuned for more on both projects in the coming weeks.