CHICAGO — Something old just found new life in West Town. A brand-new bar named Friends of Friends opened this past weekend at 701 N. Damen Ave., but for many longtime Chicagoans, it’s the sign out front that sparked the real buzz. Hanging outside the building is the legendary Schlitz beer sign from the now-closed Danny’s Tavern in Bucktown — a bar that shaped generations of late-night memories.
The return of the iconic sign immediately struck a nostalgic chord for Bucktown regulars, evoking memories of dancing nights, dark interiors, and the unspoken community vibe that made Danny’s a neighborhood institution. But its reappearance here, across town in West Town, has stirred both excitement and controversy.
Bucktown’s Loss, West Town’s Gain?
Danny’s Tavern closed its doors in 2022, ending a nearly 40-year run. Known for its dim lighting, dance parties, and strong drinks, the Bucktown dive had become a cultural landmark. Now, the relocation of the Schlitz sign to another neighborhood has revived emotional ties—and questions.
The reuse of the sign has sparked a minor dispute. The former landlord of Danny’s Tavern says the sign wasn’t the bar’s to remove. “That sign never belonged to them,” he told Block Club Chicago. However, no formal legal action has been taken.
Meet the Team Behind the Bar
Friends of Friends is the vision of Chris Owen, Joseph Brinckman, and Johnny Costello — three longtime friends and hospitality pros. All are veterans of Chicago’s nightlife and bar scenes, and they wanted to open a place that felt familiar without being a copy of anything else.
“We think Danny’s is a perfect bar,” Owen said. “We wanted to do something that has the same spirit without being Danny’s 2.0.”
He also explained their approach to the space: “It’s very casual. We’re not trying to be fancy. We want it to be a neighborhood spot. There will be DJs, but it will also be a place where you can just sit and talk.”
They acquired the sign with the landlord’s verbal permission and saw it as a meaningful callback to Chicago’s bar history. The name, Friends of Friends, represents their goal: a space where anyone can feel welcome, whether it’s your first time or your fiftieth.
The bar quietly opened on Friday, May 10, with an informal invite-only party. It officially opened to the public on Saturday, May 11, with regular hours beginning at 4 p.m. on weekdays and 2 p.m. on weekends. Closing time extends to 2 a.m. on weekdays and 3 a.m. on Saturdays.
The Bar Vibe: Retro Yet Refreshing
Inside, the bar mixes vintage charm with welcoming comfort. You’ll find exposed brick walls, checkerboard tile floors, cozy leather booths, and a ceiling full of hanging plants. There’s a DJ booth tucked into the corner, and the sound system is primed for late-night dance vibes.
Their drink menu features a mix of rotating beers, classic cocktails, and neighborhood specials. The co-owners plan to host DJs regularly and want the space to evolve as a creative and musical hub.
Community Reactions: A Sign of the Times
While many are thrilled to see a nod to the past, not all feedback has been positive. Some Bucktown residents feel the sign belongs in its original location. But others see it as keeping a piece of Chicago alive, even if it’s in a new zip code.
As neighborhoods shift, symbols like the Schlitz sign carry more weight. For some, it’s a logo. For others, it’s memory.
Have you walked past Friends of Friends and noticed the sign? What do you think about bringing legacy symbols into new spaces? Share your take below and tell us how you feel about Bucktown memories living on in West Town.
Sources:
- Block Club Chicago (May 2025) | Original Report
- Friends of Friends Bar | Instagram
