'Creeping' Liquor Changes In Western Springs: Official

WESTERN SPRINGS, IL – Western Springs officials approved a license for a liquor establishment this week.

But one expressed concern about the "long arc" of the loosening of alcohol rules in town.

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The license is going to The Clever Drinker at 4354 Johnson Ave. It is the same place as The Opry cocktail bar, which closed earlier this year.

In their proposal, The Clever Drinker's owners, Western Springs residents Aron Dorner and Alex Corral, stated that they plan to focus on retail sales. For the third phase, they want to offer on-site drinking in the form of a "small by-the-glass program."

During the Village Board's meeting, Trustee Karen Martin noted the board was approving a liquor license with no food requirement, though the owners plan to coordinate with restaurants for food delivery services.

Having grown up in Western Springs, Martin said the village has seen a long transformation from its dry town days.

She said she had concerns with the "creeping" bar regulations.

"I appreciate that (customers are) being encouraged to bring in food and so forth, and you're focused on the package sales," Martin said. "I worry a lot about all the flexibility on how you execute under this ordinance."

Martin said she hoped The Clever Drinker is "super successful" and that it uses its freedom under the village's ordinance to carry out its plan.

Corral said he appreciated Martin's concern. He said The Clever Drinker is a place to gather, but also a place to learn about wine and take a bottle off-premises.

"It's certainly not going to be open until 1 a.m.," he said.

The planned hours are noon to 8 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday.

Village President Heidi Rudoloph said The Clever Drinker's space is small, with a capacity for 30 people.

"It can't be a giant-type party," she said.

Trustee Nicole Chen said she understood Martin's point, but expected The Clever Drinker's atmosphere to be "very convivial."

"I happened to wander into a wine tasting when I was traveling for business. So I just started chatting with these people. It's a very convivial atmosphere versus sitting at a sports bar," Chen said.

The board unanimously approved the license. The Clever Drinker aims to open in early August.

In April, The Opry, which opened in early 2024, closed after a tough few weeks. The business faced a trademark infringement lawsuit, and the police responded to a fight among employees, with officers saying one was drunk behind the register.