Bruno & Tim’s Lounge
Bruno & Tim’s Lounge Soundex Code L520
Tap rooms are the original hybrids: these half-bar, half-liquor stores are a dying breed in Chicago, lost in a wave of gastropubs, upscale dives and liquor spas. It's easy to get nostalgic and romanticize their waning existence, but in Bruno & Tim’s Lounge (and liquor store) you can find reasons to both mourn their loss and celebrate their passing. If you're visiting the Loyola University area or live within three blocks, Bruno & Tim’s Lounge can be a solid choice for a cheap round of drinks and/or a bottle and six pack to go. Otherwise, chances are you've got a better option closer to home.
At least you know exactly what to expect at Bruno & Tim’s Lounge. This is not some up-market lounge posing under cover of a down-market name, i.e. Motel Bar. You'll find B&T's double-storefront entrance on the west side of Sheridan Road, just north of the Loyola Avenue "L" Station. Step through the glass door and enter a space that is 50% liquor store, 50% lounge. Probably to deter shoplifters, the packaged goods side is as brightly lit as a Walmart at Christmas. Probably to hide the regulars, the lounge side is darker than the mockumentary Man Bites Dog. If you're there for carry out, B&T's has a fairly decent selection of beer, wine and spirits to choose from. If you're there for a round, head to your right and try to figure out what the over-powering smell is. It's not incense. It's not air freshener. Oh, it's pine disinfectant.
Tables are set up in the front windows and run along the north wall of the smallish, rectangular lounge space. The curved bar backs up to the half-wall that separates the two sides of the business. So, the majority of patrons have to stare at the bright lights of the liquor store from the gloom of the bar, creating an effect like you've just walked out of a matinee. A few TV sets above the bar provide most of the bar's lighting, offering a murky view of the classic tin ceiling above and the smattering of decades-old promotional beer objects that have become antique collector's items over time. The jukebox, unplugged when I was there, is entirely filled with Greatest Hits collections ranging from the Pixies to the Rolling Stones. For unexplained reasons, B&T's does have free wifi, so ask your bartender for the code.
There are no beers on tap, but if they sell the brand at the liquor store side, you can probably snag a bottle or two for your drinking pleasure. Beer prices are reasonable, but not scandalously cheap.
