My name is Jeff. I manage Millie's Tavern, a bar that has been in my family my entire life. It's a long, boring story how I ended up back in the bar business, I'll spare the details. The focus of this blog will hopefully be to document Millie's physical transformation.
The Wellington Inn was opened in 1906 by Anton Merkel. it's changed hands a few times throughout the years and outlived most all the taverns from that era. Millie Wahlenfeld, my grandmother, purchased the bar from Joe and Vi Pimperl in 1975. We've seen lots of changes in the neighborhood since that time, the biggest being the factories leaving in the 90's.
Millie's is about to return to it's roots, Construction starts tomorrow morning (Tuesday August 30, 2011), the goal is to fully restore the facade to it's original 1906 glory.
Phase I will have the existing facade/ overhang pulled off, new framing and windows will follow a couple of weeks after. The entrance will be opened and enhanced exposing the original support column that is currently encased in the northeast corner of the entrance. The new windows will create additional seating (a 1ft counter will be installed at the north face of the new facade, along with new stools.)
Phase II will have some of the historic signage recreated, hopefully in late fall.
Phase III will have an addition, ADA approved ramp installed on the west side of the building.
Along with these changes, we have expanded out beer list, constantly rotating in new craft selections. With all of these changes, we are happy to report that our service remains among the friendliest in Chicago. We pride ourselves in being a long time member of the Lake View neighborhood and hope to enhance our position in the neighborhood for years to come.
We hope you give us a shot to pour you a shot! Or a beer, or mix you a drink, you get the idea. Hopefully you can help us out with ideas of your own! Stay tuned to Chicago Dive for construction updates, specials and neighborhood events!
