Logan Square bar reopens Friday with 2727 N. Milwaukee Ave. Entrance through neighboring deli cooler

The Walk In cocktail bar at 2727 N. Milwaukee Ave. Reopens on Friday, Nov. 6, more than a year after closing for renovation. Patrons will enter the establishment through the walk-in cooler of the adjacent Red Star Liquor and Deli at 2725 N. Milwaukee Ave., according to owner Esam Hani.

Hani stated that the bar's original front door on Milwaukee Avenue remains in place but will not be used until at least the spring. He described the new entry point as a special experience that fits the speakeasy atmosphere the business is adopting. The naming of the bar originally referenced the cooler at Red Star, which was previously located where The Walk In now stands.

Hani, who owns the deli and liquor store, said the arrangement also supports the neighboring business. Customers can purchase snacks and sandwiches from Red Star while waiting or visiting. Hani operates the properties through his company, One of a Kind Hospitality, which manages several restaurants in the area.

The soft opening on Friday will feature DJ Billa, with DJ KOZ scheduled to perform on Saturday. A larger grand reopening is set for Nov. 14. The renovation work included new bathroom tile, a new back bar, fresh paint, and new paneling. The interior now features vintage pop art, vintage speakers, exposed brick, and brass railings. Local artist Jeanette Margaret created the interior art.

The new cocktail menu expands the list of cocktails and liquor options. The bar will also serve selective draft and canned beers. Hani explained that he originally planned to reopen last year but delayed the launch to focus on opening other nearby businesses. He wanted to give the space time to breathe before reopening. A new team was hired for The Walk In last month.

Hours for the soft opening are 9 p.m. To 1 a.m. On Friday and 9 p.m. To 2 a.m. On Saturday. Following the Nov. 14 grand reopening, the bar will operate from 4 p.m. To 2 a.m. On Fridays and Saturdays. From Sunday to Thursday, hours will be 4 p.m. To midnight.