Editor's note: after what first appeared like the same El Construction demise suffered by its step-sister bar, Tiny Lounge, it turned out instead to be an extended vacation, as the Cork Lounge is once again open for business in its original, but somewhat smaller location, though ownership expects to expand into the adjacent storefront soon.

The Cork Lounge is a classic example of an old-school Lakeview tavern, similar to that of nearby Johnnie's, Keenan O'Reilly's and Millie's Tavern. For those in the know, one can enjoy cheep beer, a game of darts, and counting just how many Budweiser Clydesdale horses can be found around the room just as the current regulars' ancestors did going back to 1936 when the bar originally opened.

The Cork is located a stone's throw away from the Addison Brown Line El stop and the empty space that used to be the Tiny Lounge. It has been around for 65 years and shows it. The façade is made of 40's-style stone slabs and a tiny front window crowded with neon beer signs. Entry into the Cork is through a forbidding wooden door that looks like it leads into someone's house in Des Plaines. Never mind the gray-bearded geezer whom may be there to leer at you when you enter, and save the Golden Tee or track ball bowling game for later. Belly up to the ancient wooden bar and order yourself one of most well-poured Leinie's Red in the city, or one of several other choices. Look above the bar and you will see a circular Budweiser sign with Clydesdale horses pulling the beer wagon hanging from the drop ceiling. Also located on at least two of the drink dispensers are smaller, gold chrome Clydesdales pulling a smaller Budweiser beer wagon. The front room is very long with tables along the side and a pool room in the back.

Beyond the pool table lies another large room that looks like what would happen if your uncle got ambitious in decorating his rec room. The back room has a high ceiling, brown and white linoleum, an elevated "stage" area, Leinenkugel clock, and four regulation dart boards that make Cody's dart room look paltry. There is also wood paneling, folding chairs, a coat rack, and another pool table to boot. The pool table looks like it has been around since the bar opened, challenging competitors with its very slow action and balls that are so old, their bright colors have been worn away.

Music heard at the Cork is a combination of Frank Sinatra, Violent Femmes and Cab Calloway. The music reflects the mix of old neighborhood regulars and young area newcomers.

Though more of a tavern than a lounge, the Cork is a good place to start off the night or stop in for a drink as you're coming home for work. Let's hope that the Cork is around for another 65 years and the locals warm up to some of their younger neighbors. For more information, check out the Cork Lounge website.

Examples of conversation heard at the Cork:

"This pool table has sucked up more alcohol than I have."
"If it's been here for 65 years, I believe you."

And:

"Is this my beer?"
"No, that's a cigarette."

~ Have a good story relating to this bar? E-mail me. ~

– written by Sean Parnell

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Pre-El construction Cork Lounge

St. Patrick's Day with the Chancey Brothers at the Cork Lounge