Belmont Tavern Now Open in Avondale

A reincarnation of the Avondale bar that quietly closed in the 1990’s, Belmont Tavern (3405 W Belmont Ave) re-opens its doors after 25 years of dormancy. Spearheading this passion project, bartender and author of the book, Something & Tonic, Nick Kokonas (Queen Mary, Longman & Eagle, and GreenRiver), serves as the new owner/operator and steward of Belmont Tavern. Kokonas’ love of history is ultimately what has shaped the new iteration of this tavern, which served the community for 60 years. The restoration of the building and its interior pays homage to as many details as possible of the 1882 building, as well as its industrial neighborhood. Built around house-made syrups, infusions, and bitters, the hyper-conceptual, seasonal menu delivers spins on classic cocktails in a relaxed atmosphere. 

The inaugural menu, “Everything Old is New Again,” features a cross-section of original cocktails Kokonas has created over the past two decades, crafted with minimal ingredients and spirits.

Menu options s Include:

• Mint Shrub Julep | A reimagined take on the classic mint julep, balanced with sherry and champagne vinegar. (Bourbon, Mint Shrub, Kina L’Aero d’Or, Amontillado)
• Sazaracish | Not a Sazerac, but close. (Rye, Bigallet China-China, Peychauds, Aquavit)
• Coin Toss | Inspired by the two sides of the imperial coin, where Eastern flavors of lime and matcha meet Western flavors of Mexico’s iconic spirit and native cacao, with tonic water tying both sides together. (Cacao, Lime, Matcha, Tonic Water)
• Sea Foam | Nodding to rum’s deep association with the sea, this cocktail leans into a foamy egg-white texture that resembles the ocean’s surface. (Amaro della Sacra, Lime, Egg White)

The menu also includes options like an Old Style, the only beer on draft, paired with a shot during happy hour in a combo named Bus Tracker, alongside a non-alcoholic version, Ghost Bus, both a nod to its location and transportation quirks near the Belmont & Kimball stop.