Photos: New Cocktail Bar Deadbolt Opens In Former Two Way Lounge Space

By Stephen Gossett in Food on Feb 17, 2017 5:37PM

Perhaps second only to the Mega Mall's in-process transformation from arena of small-vendor stalls to Xsport-anchored mixed-use development, the closure of beloved dive bar Two Way Lounge and takeover by management from next-door ramen joint Furious Spoon heralded a major times-they-are-a-changin' moment for Logan Square. When the space's replacement, Deadbolt (2412 N Milwaukee Ave.), officially opens its doors on Friday at 5 p.m., it might still be that, but it also looks to be a solid, understated, inviting addition with an impressive-but-not-gaudy cocktail list and—as promised—nightly live music.

While its certainly a makeover compared to the Two Way's lovable pool-hall-esque dinginess, the interior vibe is pretty laid-back and unpretentious, if somewhat familiar, with lots of exposed brick, exposed-bulb lighting, tin ceilings, vinyl stools and—speaking of the live music—a bandstand.

Old-man-bar beer options like Old Style and High Life are available, but the cocktail list (each option $11) is headed up by mixologist notable Dustin Drankiewicz, of Moneygun, and certainly looks to be one of Deadbolt's definitional aspects.The kitchen is open until 1 a.m. each night and 2 a.m. on Saturday. The ownership team includes Drankiewicz, Furious Spoon owner Anshul Mangal and Michelin-starred chef Shin Thompson.