Tung & Cheek Hospitality Group to Bring Upscale Dive Bar to Near North in January

By Socialhood News · Il/Chicago/Near North · January 24, 2026

Near North residents will soon welcome an exciting new addition to the neighborhood's thriving bar scene as Tung & Cheek Hospitality Group prepares to open their concept in January 2026. The newly formed hospitality group—led by industry veterans Derrick Tung, William Ravert, and Tony Dezutter—is creating what they describe as a "comfortable yet curated dive bar" featuring classic cocktails, wines, spirit-free selections, and THC-ready-to-drink beverage options.

The bar's food menu will showcase six to eight carefully crafted items, including standouts like crispy taters with black walnut aioli and chives, along with their signature "Girl Dinner"—a creative plate of in-house pickled vegetables, sliced bread with whole mustard, and a dirty martini. This addition continues the trend of innovative food and beverage concepts opening in the Near North area, joining other recent arrivals like Machine Cocktail Bar, which opened within the Machine Hospitality Group's growing portfolio of Near North establishments.

Residents looking to experience the neighborhood's evolving nightlife scene can visit the new venue when it opens next month. The opening represents another sign of Near North's continued development as one of Chicago's premier destinations for innovative dining and drinking experiences.

Sources:
1. https://www.modernluxury.com/most-anticipated-chicago-restaurant-openings/
2. https://www.cbsnews.com/chicago/video/machine-hospitality-group-opening-new-cocktail-bar-on-chicagos-near-north-side/