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Logan Square's The Walk In reopens with entrance through a cooler

Logan Square's The Walk In reopens with entrance through a cooler

Money Moves Chicago, IL local

The revamped bar requires patrons to walk through Red Star Liquor and Deli's walk-in cooler to get inside.

Today: Block Club Chicago reports The Walk In will reopen Friday

Overview

Updated 1 hour ago

The Walk In, a bar in Chicago's Logan Square, reopens Friday. To get inside, patrons must walk through the walk-in cooler of the adjacent Red Star Liquor and Deli.

The bar's unusual entrance is a novelty that could draw crowds. It also adds to Logan Square's nightlife scene, which has seen rapid change in recent years.

Why it matters

For Logan Square residents, the reopening offers a new nightlife option with a quirky entrance that recalls the speakeasy trend.

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Organizations Involved

TW
The Walk In
Bar
Reopened

A bar in Logan Square known for its hidden entrance through a cooler.
RS
Red Star Liquor and Deli
Liquor store and deli
Operational

A liquor store and deli next to The Walk In that provides access to the bar through its walk-in cooler.

Timeline

1 event Latest: Today

  1. Block Club Chicago reports The Walk In will reopen Friday

    Today Announcement

    Block Club Chicago reports that The Walk In will reopen on Friday, November 6, with a new entrance through Red Star Liquor and Deli's walk-in cooler.

Scenarios

1

The Walk In remains open for at least one year

Possible Resolves by Nov 5, 2027

Discussed by: No public predictions yet; this is a baseline outcome.

If the bar draws enough customers, it will stay open. The novelty of the cooler entrance may attract curiosity seekers. Success depends on repeat business and neighborhood support.

2

The Walk In's cooler entrance draws national media attention

Unlikely Resolves by May 5, 2027

Discussed by: No public predictions yet; based on similar novelty bars.

A bar with a hidden entrance through a cooler could become a viral story. National outlets sometimes cover quirky bar concepts. If it happens, it could boost tourism.

3

The Walk In changes its entrance policy due to accessibility concerns

Unlikely Resolves by Nov 5, 2027

Discussed by: No public predictions yet; possible if patrons complain.

Walking through a cooler may be difficult for some people. If there are complaints or regulatory issues, the bar might add a second entrance. That would change the concept.

Historical Context

2 moments from history that rhyme with this story — and how they unfolded.

2007

Please Don't Tell (2007)

Please Don't Tell opened in New York's East Village, hidden behind a phone booth inside Crif Dogs hot dog shop. Patrons entered through the phone booth to find a cocktail bar.

Then

The bar became a popular destination, known for its secrecy and craft cocktails.

Now

It helped spark a speakeasy revival in the U.S., with many bars adopting hidden entrances.

Why this matters now

The Walk In's cooler entrance follows a similar strategy of using a hidden entrance to create intrigue and draw customers.

2011

The Blind Barber (2011)

The Blind Barber opened in New York, with a bar hidden behind a working barbershop. Customers walked through the barbershop to reach the bar.

Then

It gained popularity for its unique concept.

Now

It expanded to multiple locations, showing that hidden-entrance bars can be a successful business model.

Why this matters now

The Walk In's entrance through a liquor store cooler is another example of using an adjacent business as a front.

Sources

(2)
Block Club Chicago Choose Chicago