Coming Soon: A new traditional bar for downtown Chicago
News Bar, opening soon at 806 N Clark St in River North, Chicago, is a neighborhood bar for downtown, inspired by the city’s Irish pubs and traditional neighborhood taverns and the role they have played in strengthening neighborhoods. Nestled in the heart of a vibrant district, News Bar will blend the timeless charm of a classic Chicago watering hole with a combination of quality, approachable beverage offerings and a small, focused and better than expected bar food menu, all at reasonable prices. The atmosphere will evoke classic neighborhood bar; News Bar is where stress goes to relax.
Whether you're unwinding after a busy day, catching up with friends, or discovering new favorites, News Bar’s comfortable and welcoming atmosphere will be perfect for any occasion. Look forward to joining us for a drink, staying for a meal, and becoming a part of our community. Prepare to experience the perfect blend of tradition and modernity at News Bar. Follow us on Instagram and sign up below to stay up to date on our progress.
About Us
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A comfortable place to just be yourself. Drink a properly made classic cocktail, better wine than you expect, or an ice cold glass of beer from a few heritage choices to what’s new and interesting. Enjoy delicious bar snacks, appetizers and a few signature dishes, in the tradition of our city’s long standing pub kitchens, but updated to contemporary standards for flavor and quality. Service will be traditional, with a casual style. News Bar is designed to be timeless and very much of the city and neighborhood it is located in.
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News Bar will also become your space for events, from casual gatherings of friends to small and medium sized groups. Semi private events and buyout packages will be available. Additionally, in an expansion of what will be offered at opening, an area in the front room of the bar will have the ability to host live music, media interviews and other audio/visual events. Programming for this space will be developed at a later date, and planned as an expansion of the bar’s offerings once past the initial opening phase.
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News Bar will be owner operated, supported by a capable team. The style of service will be casual but attentive. Imagine an airport bar with a great bartender. Or a Tuesday happy hour at a popular steakhouse or Italian restaurant. It can be your “sneak” — a bar you go for after work drinks before you go home for dinner. Or stay for dinner.
The “News” in News Bar refers to the role that bars used to play as places to “pass the news” and a nod to the historical ties between bars and journalists. Aside from the name, the theme will be subtle. Perhaps in the bric-a-brac; a bit of celebration of Chicago’s history as a news town. And there might be a small or vintage TV continuously running C-SPAN in the background.
The News Bar Team
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The News Bar Team //
Meet Seth
Experienced | Entrepreneurial | Passionate
Seth is co-owner of the Lemon cocktail bar in Chicago’s West Town neighborhood, which he opened in December 2023 with business partners who came from respected programs around the city including Billy Sunday and GreenRiver. Lemon has received enthusiastic coverage from Food and Wine, Time OutChicago, Chicago Magazine, Distiller Magazine, Eater, WGN TV. Lemon has earned multiple nominations for the Tales of the Cocktail Foundation’s Best U.S. Cocktail Bar and Best U.S. Bar Team awards, was included in the 2025 Best 50 Bars North America inaugural 51-100 list and was the Campari One to Watch Awardee. Before Lemon, Seth worked around the city at fine dining restaurants, in bar catering and craft coffee. Prior to joining the industry he had a long career in healthcare, nonprofits and professional associations. Seth is a long time jazz fan and a 17 year resident of downtown Chicago.
Meet Betty
Creative | Enthusiastic | Visionary
Betty is an entrepreneur focusing on style and self care. Although she is newer to the hospitality industry, she believes that besides great food and drinks, aesthetics and design are part of contributing to a positive vibe and therefore the success of an establishment. An avid foodie and restaurant/bar enthusiast, Betty sees the hospitality business from the guest’s point of view. An urbanist and devotee of third spaces, she seeks to create environments that encourage people to have social interactions and feel good doing that. Betty is contributing to News Bar in the areas of design, guest experience and diligent administration. She has worked as a restaurant host at Marisol at the Museum of Contemporary Art, Chicago. Before that, she had a career in clothing retail.
