Speakeasy-themed bar 'Spats' opens in Warrenville
In the year 2008, alcoholic beverages are obviously quite legal and ready-flowing, but don't tell that to Spats Bar, a new speakeasy-themed establishment in Warrenville.
Sure, you don't actually have to worry about police raids, but within weeks of opening, can the place itself be criminally good?
Motif: Sadly, there is no guy at the front door opening a little window and asking for your password. There were big bouncers, but they just wanted to see my ID.
Spats is located in a dark, rather small room, but with its many booths, tables and seating at the bar, there was no problem finding a place to sit.
Probably the first thing you'll notice upon entrance is the moody lighting around the bar itself and throughout the pub.
The wall behind the bar is lit up in ever-changing colors, and a faux, but still realistic-looking, fireplace adds to the relaxed mood along with the countless candles set upon every table.
A few televisions as well as framed pictures of older relics and celebrities of past eras adorn the walls.
Near the entrance there's a small stage currently containing two pianos used on the nights when Spat's entertains the crowd with dueling pianos. Also near the front entrance is an enclosed VIP area with its own television, couches and mock fireplace for guests to lounge by. And be sure to look out for the side patio when temperatures finally get warmer.
Crowd: The crowd at Spats felt a little more mature and laid-back compared to other late-night bars, with ages settling around mid-20s and up. People here seemed more interested in getting a drink, sitting down and socializing.
Service: To be blunt, these waitresses are gorgeous. There's nothing conservative about their bustier-like tops, though I'm not sure if that's what waitresses wore back during prohibition.
Besides being friendly, the service is already going quite smoothly after having just opened a few weeks ago.
Liquid consumption: This says it all: More than 46 vodkas.
That's right. Aside from priding themselves in an extensive vodka selection, Spats has a full bar with different wines, liquor and on-tap favorites such as Guinness, Stella and Fat Tire.
If you plan on going the VIP room route, Spat's offers bottle service as well.
Sounds: Spats features live music such as jazz on Wednesdays and dueling pianos from 9:30 p.m. to 12:30 a.m. Thursdays. Expect more live music on the weekends producing sounds that may alert the attention of the authorities. Get it? It's a speakeasy!
Food: Spats' food is provided by the restaurant next door, Livorno's (livornos.com), featuring wraps, subs, salads, soups, meatballs, mini burgers, chicken sandwiches, steak burgers, pasta and steak.
Parking: There are plenty of spots to be had in Spats' parking lot. Just be sure to keep with the speakeasy theme and park in the back so the cops don't see you. Just kidding.
Overall: While Spats may not look like your imagined idea of what a speakeasy should be, it is a nice little subdued place. The bar remains classy, yet not uptight.
All are welcome to come hang out and play it cool. Though you're not actually escaping from some bogus laws at Spats, it's a nice place to get away from the usual bar fare.
p class="factboxheadblack">Spats Bar
28331 Dodge Drive, Warrenville, (630) 393-0800, spatsbar.com (under construction)
Hours: 3 p.m. to 1 a.m. Monday through Thursday; 2 p.m. to 2 a.m. Friday; noon to 2 a.m. Saturday; noon to 1 a.m. Sunday