Chicago's beloved Motel Bar is reopening as a supper club this spring

The nostalgic charm of the Northwoods is officially arriving in River North. Episcope Hospitality, the powerhouse team behind local favorites like Layla & Ringo’s and Marshall’s Landing, has announced the reopening of the iconic Motel Bar at 600 West Chicago. It's going to look a little different, however, as the space is being reimagined as a classic Wisconsin-style supper club.

Drawing inspiration from the "dependable menus and nostalgic rituals" of the Dairy State, the new Motel Bar aims to be a sanctuary of comfort in the heart of the city. The design prioritizes a lived-in feel, featuring low lighting, rich wood tones and vintage Midwest photography that evokes the spirit of a lakeside lodge. Whether you're tucked into a cozy booth or sitting at the lively central bar, the atmosphere is unpretentious, complete with a standing piano and dart boards to add a social vibe.

The menu is designed as a love letter to supper club traditions. You'll enjoy the quintessential hospitality of complimentary relish trays before diving into hearty traditions like slow-roasted prime rib carved to order, a garbage salad and a Friday night fish fry.

Of course, no supper club experience is complete without a specific brand of mixology. The beverage program leans heavily into Wisconsin nostalgia too, with a spotlight on the Brandy Old Fashioned. For those with a sweet tooth, the bar will serve boozy, blended ice cream cocktails like the Grasshopper and Brandy Alexander—the perfect "nightcap" to end a leisurely meal.

Complementing the Motel Bar revival is the opening of Monty’s, an all-day café situated within the same sprawling footprint. Designed to cater to the workday crowd, Monty’s offers everything from morning breakfast burritos and smoothies to a gourmet deli counter and a curated market. Monty’s will transition into a cocktail bar in the evenings, serving as a versatile precursor to the supper club experience next door.

Motel Bar is set to open its doors this spring, offering Chicagoans a taste of Wisconsin warmth without the three-hour drive up I-94. Follow @episcope.hospitality on Instagram for updates.