Where do we start when it comes to the flamboyant history of this now low- key Bucktown sports bar? The all-night gambling parties? The illegal prostitution rings and strip shows? Or the fact that Lottie, who opened the joint in the 1930s, was born a hermaphrodite? Lottie's long gone, but current owner Mark Domitrovitch wants to mix the bar's colorful past with a hip new outlook. Beginning with the bar's shabby exterior, which was long overdue for a makeover, Domitrovitch painted and fixed whatever needed fixin'. Then inside, he replaced the well-worn furniture and fixtures, but left intact many of old-time memorabilia that made this place a Chicago classic. Other additions include 13 new televisions for sports fans to watch their favorite games on cable and Direct TV. The cafe beer garden, which seats about 48, also received a makeover with new seats and a brand-new menu featuring a blackened chicken sandwich, steak sandwich, chicken tenders, homemade chili and an Asian mandarin salad with grilled chicken. Guests are encouraged to bring their four-legged friends out here and staffers usually bring out water bowls for them. The chill neighborhood bar is a standby for area folks who usually stop by for the inexpensive drinks and jukebox featuring an eclectic selection from Guns 'N' Roses to Lenny Kravitz to NWA. The downstairs party room is a popular destination for bachelor parties. -- Audarshia Townsend

Categories: Brewers (mfrs), Night Clubs, Bars

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