Windy City Times was among the media outlets invited to an Aug. 27 sneak peek of Blackfinn AmeriPub (65 W. Kinzie St.), which is set to open in the River North area in late September.
Although food had yet to be unveiled, a tour of the place revealed an expansive space that can accommodate hundreds. Interestingly, there are garage-door dividers throughout the space that Operating Partner Michael B. Schultz said can allow one group to have a business presentation will others on the other side can enjoy DJ-supplied tunes. (By the way, there are about 30 screens. Sports enthusiasts will be happy, but Windy City was told that if some people wish to see something else, the staff will try to accommodate them.
As for the music (which "will have words," Schulz said), it seems like it will be '80s and '90s pop for the most part, with tunes from acts such as Michael Jackson and Destiny's Child. And if people want to dance, the staff will make room, according to PR manager Peace Sanchez.
For those who want to get their drink on, there will be 100 tap handles handling at least 80 brands of brews. In addition, there will be two cocktails on tap.
Incidentally, Blackfinn (a password used in speakeasies during Prohibition, Schultz related) has branches in Austin, Texas as well as Merrifield, Va.—although the Chicago restaurant definitely has a local feel, thanks to murals throughout the establishment that feature landmarks such as the Chicago Theatre sign.
One of the things Schultz stressed during the tour is that he wants Blackfinn to be a place where people of all backgrounds feel welcome—which would explain the prices of the items on a quite expansive menu that includes starters, flatbreads, salads, burgers, "handhelds," and desserts. (There's even an "Air, Land & Sea" section that has baby back ribs and parmesan-crusted swordfish among the offerings.) The vast majority of items are under $20, with some under $10.
The tour reflected a place and staff gear toward convenience. (That's even the case in the women's restroom, which has handles by the sinks for purses.) It's a promising start for the restaurant, although the real test will happen before the end of the month, when it opens to the public.
—Andrew Davis
