Beer Street South

Inspired by W.Hogarth’s 1751 etchings, “Beer-Street” & “Gin-Lane” depicting the evils of gin vs. the merits of beer, this Prospect Heights craft beer bar provides just such a gathering place. The renovation transforms a raw corner storefront into a warm, industrial taproom organized around a dramatic curved bar and a sculptural ceiling installation. The long curved copper-topped counter is clad in vertical copper tubes and backed by a curved wood portal framing a chalkboard beer list and a continuous row of brass-tap handles. Overhead, an intricate lattice of exposed copper piping weaves across the ceiling, integrating custom LED bulbs and extending down select walls to form a spatial canopy that visually connects entry, bar, and seating zones. Translucent backlit vignettes from the original ‘Beer-Street’ etching are featured thought the space.The build-out was a collaboration with multiple craftspeople including Iron Oaks – custom bar/millwork; Jason Krugman – copper/LED light installation; BOSS-Associates – general contractor.