The Lodge Tavern Commemorates its Diamond Anniversary With a Party

The Lodge Tavern kicks off its 60th anniversary celebration with a party on Monday, February 27, beginning at 9 p.m. In addition to drink specials and other festivities, the Tavern will be showcasing its Anniversary Cocktail, Woodford Reserve “On The Rock” – a rocks glass filled with the perfectly balanced taste of The Woodford Reserve Distillery’s award winning Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey poured over a diamond-shaped piece of ice and served with a diamond “stand-in” on the side (along with a certificate for the actual gem from the Chicago Diamond Center in Chicago’s Jewelers Row District). The drink will be available throughout The Lodge Tavern’s 60th anniversary year and will sell for $6,000. Proceeds from the sale of the drink will benefit Misericordia Heart Of Mercy, a community of care that maximizes potential for persons with mild to profound developmental disabilities. Those who purchase the drink will receive a letter of acknowledgement and thanks from Misericordia.

“We are excited to be a part of this fundraising effort,” says Father Jack Clair of Misericordia. “Our charity has much admiration and respect for Owen and Lyn McKeaney, and we are proud to take part in the celebration of Owen’s legacy.”

The Anniversary Party will surely include libations and memories flowing in equal parts, as the Tavern will be featuring 60-cent Burnt City beers, and will be unveiling The Lodge Family Tree, a framed piece of art featuring the names of loyal patrons, employees past and present, and of course, the late former owner, F. Owen McKeaney.

The oldest standing establishment in the Gold Coast’s Division Street Entertainment District, The Lodge Tavern was opened in 1957 as a neighborhood gathering spot for conversation over beer, classic drinks and copious amounts of free peanuts! The Tavern’s commitment to its mid-twentieth century roots and cozy ambiance will be celebrated with festivities throughout the evening. Events will take place in the venue’s legendary Bullpen, a back room space frequented by the Tavern’s many famous patrons, including Bill Murray, Eddie Vedder, Cuba Gooding Jr., Theo Epstein, Chris Chelios, and a host of legendary sports and pop culture personalities. The Bullpen was also utilized in the filming of a documentary film that was produced and narrated by Bill Kurtis based on the 2008 non-fiction book, The Devil in the White City written by Erik Larson.

On the night of the party, the first 60 guests will receive their own print of The Lodge Family Tree and will have multiple chances to win $60 gift cards, which will be given away every 60 minutes from 9 p.m. until close.

“We are thrilled to be celebrating 60 years,” says Lyn McKeaney, owner of The Lodge and its management company, Lodge Management Group Entertainment Enterprises. “The Lodge has a long standing history in the community and we want to say thank you to everyone who has taken part in our 60-year journey and those who have contributed to its legacy.”

To learn more about the 60th Anniversary celebration, go to lodgetavern.com.