Blues Bar opens tonight in Mt. Prospect

Blues Bar, based on the 1980 smash film "The Blues Brothers," opens tonight in downtown Mount Prospect.

At 5 p.m., the public gets its first look at the bar, 2 W. Busse Ave., which has live entertainment and a full menu.

"We are excited that the bar is opening up," said Bill Cooney, Mount Prospect's director of community development. "It's a great addition to downtown and a continuation of redevelopment efforts there."

The 4,000-square-foot bar had what's called a soft opening Wednesday, meaning only select public officials were allowed to get a taste of what the public will enjoy tonight, Cooney said.

The Bluesmobile used in the movie, which was modeled on a Mount Prospect police car, will be a key attraction.

The bar is built to allow for private parties and has a second-floor atrium that overlooks the stage covered with Blues Brothers memorabilia, Cooney said.

It'll be open during the week until 1 a.m. and until 2 a.m. on weekends.