An Acclaimed Chicago Bartender is Taking Over River West’s Paramount Room

Last September, the owners of Paramount Room closed the restaurant and bar after a decade in River West but now comes news that an acclaimed Chicago bartender is taking over the space. Dustin Drankiewicz helped launch essential Chicago bar Moneygun in the West Loop and created two Logan Square bars: The Pink Squirrel, the ode to Wisconsin drinking and bowling and Deadbolt, the dive bar revival of the Two Way Lounge. He’s now taking his talents to River West to brings his creative cocktails to 415 N. Milwaukee Avenue.

Parmount Room earned recognition from Michelin for quality food at a reasonable price when it made the tire company’s Bib Gourmand list. They will serve food, but details on the menu weren’t available. Traditionally, he tends to understate food’s presence before opening a spot and then surprises customers. For example, he didn’t talk too much about Deadbolt’s Chicago-style hot dogs and fresh chicken nuggets before the bar opened. Deadbolt also eventually added tavern-style pies from Professor Pizza, aka Anthony Scardino, a pizza consultant who once worked at Paulie Gee’s pizzeria in Logan Square.

Drankiewicz said he’s hoping for a quick turnaround. He’s partnering with Roy Appukuttan who he partnered on with Deadbolt and Pink Squirrel. Drankiewicz also confirmed he’s no longer involved with Deadbolt, he said he left in January. He remains involved as a partner with Pink Squirrel. Keep it here for more as details — including a name for the bar/restaurant — become available.