Curtis Duffy to Open New Cocktail Lounge

US chef Curtis Duffy and wine director Michael Muserback will open a new cocktail lounge, After, in the same building as their two-Michelin-starred Chicago restaurant, Ever, later next month.

Located in 1338 W. Fulton St, the sleek, futuristic and windowless cocktail lounge will offer restaurant guests a place for intimate after-dinner drinks as well as offer local residents a neighbourhood gathering spot. 

The bar will feature rarer spirits, agaves, whiskeys, wines and elevated cocktails alongside more affordably priced drinks, like beer, with "something for everyone at every price point". 

Luis Rodriguez will be lead bartender showcasing three types of cocktail menu: a set of 10 “tweaked classics,” eight to 10 non-alcoholic drinks and another eight to 10 drinks to pair with dishes, reports Eater Chicago. As for the food menu, guests can expect caviar, grilled bites and other small plates for sharing with friends over drinks.

Duffy is synonymous with fine dining in Chicago. He held three Michelin stars at Grace, which closed five years ago, before opening Ever in 2020, managing to weather the pandemic and obtain two Michelin stars earlier this year. 

Reservations are live on Tock.

Take a look at some of the cocktails below:

^{Old fashioned}

^{Barrel-aged gin Martinez}

^{Raspberry with lemon and gin}

^{Cucumber, mint and lime}

^{South side}

All images: Michael Muser