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After 39 years of live music, craft beers, and neighborhood hangs in Logan Square, Quenchers Saloon will close. The bar at the corner of Western and Fullerton is set to become a doctor’s office. Staff will serve the bar’s last pint on June 16. There is even a countdown clock behind the bar closing in on the final day at 2401 N. Western Avenue.
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Owner Earle Johnson finally sold his bar after it had been on the market for five months. In February, he told Chicago that he planned to retire after the sale. There was some interest in keeping the space as a bar. Instead it will be converted to a medical office, as first reported by Block Club Chicago (even though the site of ex-DNAinfo journalists hasn’t officially launched).
The cash-only bar is split into two spaces. The main bar area features a popcorn machine for customers who order from a list of 250 beers. The other room houses a stage for local bands, live band karaoke, and art shows. There was a recent display with art from Chicago musician Wesley Willis. There is also a beer garden and it serves a dependable menu of sandwiches.
The Tribune in March covered the space’s history. It was a packaged goods store called Jug Full Liquors in 1946. Quenchers still used Jug Full’s bar. The story also chronicled Quenchers history from hipster hangout to craft beer mecca.
Bar staff has kept a few special kegs of beer like vintage Half Acre Big Hugs and Goose Island Bourbon County Brand Stout. They will tap those kegs in the coming weeks to celebrate. There will be specials for Chicago Craft Beer Week and afterward. But the rumors are true. According to the countdown clock, fans have 53 days to visit before Quenchers closes.