New ‘Progress Bar’ Replacing Cocktail in ‘Boystown Renaissance’

Although Cocktail’s messy closure is still being hashed out in court, representatives with the new owners say it’s not stopping them from opening a different bar to reflect the changing face of Boystown.

Construction at the new business—named Progress Bar—will soon be under way at the more than 2,500-square-foot space at 3359 N. Halsted St. Managing Partner David Sikora says the doors will hopefully be open by June with a fresh look that reflects changes coming to the neighborhood.

“Cocktail is out. Buried in the ground,” Sikora said. “It’s called Progress Bar. That name just suggests a moving forward, a betterment, an enhancement, to not only this space, but also the neighborhood as a whole.”

Because court proceedings are still ongoing with the former owner of Cocktail, details surrounding Progress Bar are sensitive, and Sikora says he’ll have more information regarding his vision for the space in the upcoming weeks.

"He screwed dozens of people. He left people laying on the wayside, and you quote me on that."

But for now, he says it’ll be a mix between a lounge space and dance club, and prices will be affordable. The interior will also change, with construction estimated to cost $50,000, according to Chicago permits. Once completed, it’ll be a new space with a different feel.

“Let me put it to you this way: Boystown is about to go through a renaissance,” Sikora said. “Obviously there have been a few businesses that are struggling, have closed, or are already being taken over. In my opinion, we are going to go through a renaissance. Boystown is going to be a much different place in the next couple months than its been in the last couple years.”

It’s clear Boystown is going through a transitional phase right now. Circuit Nightclub is closed, Bucks Tavern is being transformed into the new arcade bar Replay and Sidetrack and Minibar are potentially becoming a part of the new OUT Chicago hotel.

And while the former Cocktail is also going through a transition, it hasn’t been an easy ride. The building’s owner forcefully closed Cocktail on Jan. 18 when the bar’s owner John “Geno” Zaharakis failed to pay more than $85,000 in back rent.

Sikora says that’s just the tip of the iceberg, with Zaharakis owing him $20,500 in loans.

“It’s a mess. This lawsuit will go on,” Sikora said. “The lawsuit is actually five lawsuits combined into one giant lawsuit, and it’ll take months and months and months to get it all figured out. … He screwed dozens of people. He left people laying on the wayside, and you quote me on that.”

Zaharakis could not be reached for comments. 

Editor's note: This story was updated for accuracy at noon on April 22.

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