Boystown's Gourmet Grape transforming into specialty bar
Wed. April 17, 2013 9:33 AM by GoPride.com News Staff
the gourmet grape closed tuesday
photo credit // andy ambrosius/lakeview patch
Jeff Durbin: 'I kind of want it to be a surprise for everyone.'
Chicago, IL -
The Gourmet Grape in Boystown closed Tuesday as owners prepare to open a new low-key specialty wine and bourbon bar in mid-May.
The 1,000-square-foot storefront at 3530 N. Halsted St. will be transformed into The Twisted Vine, a 55-seat bar. Further details about the renovation haven't been disclosed as owner Jeff Durbin said specifics are being kept under wraps until the big reveal.
"I kind of want it to be a surprise for everyone," Durbin told Lakeview Patch. "I haven't even told some of my good friends the specifics quite yet."
Durbin said the former fine wine and gift shop is nearing its 10-year anniversary, and both he and his business partner Mike Banko think it's time for a change.
"We are planning on opening around May 19th, which is actually our 10 year anniversary weekend," Durbin told ChicagoPride.com.
The new bar will feature craft beer, a full range of wine selections, scotches and bourbons. "It will be a place where you can learn about what you order," Durbin explained. "Where you can bring a date or a group of friends to have a glass of wine or possibly a wine or bourbon flight."
Durbin added that non-cooked foods like specialty cheeses will also be on the menu.
The space will also feature a small retail area.
The 1,000-square-foot storefront at 3530 N. Halsted St. will be transformed into The Twisted Vine, a 55-seat bar. Further details about the renovation haven't been disclosed as owner Jeff Durbin said specifics are being kept under wraps until the big reveal.
"I kind of want it to be a surprise for everyone," Durbin told Lakeview Patch. "I haven't even told some of my good friends the specifics quite yet."
Durbin said the former fine wine and gift shop is nearing its 10-year anniversary, and both he and his business partner Mike Banko think it's time for a change.
"We are planning on opening around May 19th, which is actually our 10 year anniversary weekend," Durbin told ChicagoPride.com.
The new bar will feature craft beer, a full range of wine selections, scotches and bourbons. "It will be a place where you can learn about what you order," Durbin explained. "Where you can bring a date or a group of friends to have a glass of wine or possibly a wine or bourbon flight."
Durbin added that non-cooked foods like specialty cheeses will also be on the menu.
The space will also feature a small retail area.