The Walk-In Launches New Cocktail Program, Happy Hour Specials, and “Friendly As F*ck” Attitude

The Walk-In, the “slashie” accessible through a walk-in cooler door at Red Star Liquor, located at 2727 North Milwaukee Avenue, has launched a new seasonal cocktail menu, new daily happy hour specials, and a new “friendly as f*ck” attitude. So much so, their new web domain is www.friendlyasfuck.com.  

New General Manger and Beverage Director, Phillip Smith, has been tasked with the charge of change at The Walk-In. Smith, a recent transplant to the Logan Square neighborhood from Dallas, Texas having worked most recently in Chicago at Celeste and Boleo, is also the brand ambassador for Davos Brands which include Aviation American Gin, Sombra Mezcal, and Astral Tequila. Smith has a degree in hospitality management and honed his cocktail chops over the years with everything from classic to molecular cocktails. The new, seasonable cocktail program at The Walk-In features ten specialty cocktails, including one kegged cocktail on draft, plus a weekly Farmer’s Market cocktail. Every Sunday, Smith will head to the Logan Square Famer’s Market and select a different ingredient each week to concoct a new cocktail. 

With indoor seating for 50 in a combination of booths, drink rails, and bar space and outdoor patio seating for an additional 20, The Walk-In welcomes dog-friendly dogs both inside the bar and outside on the patio. The Walk-In is the neighborhood bar without pretense, where guests can expect a great adult beverage at a reasonable price, including veritable Happy Hour specials from 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. Monday through Friday, and they aren’t just trying to get rid of the crap they don’t want. Happy Hour at The Walk-In features five specialty cocktails at $5 each and two craft draft beers for $3 each. 

Happy Hour Menu:

Happy Hour Old Fashioned – bourbon, demerara, Angostura, orange oil $5

Basil Gimlet – vodka, ginger, basil, lime $5

Strawberry Collins – (kegged) – gin, strawberry, red bell pepper, basil $5

Always Alright – vermouth, apple, cynar, topo chico, chamomile $5

Colorado Bulldog – vodka, coffee, coconut, cream, cola $5

Half Acre Vallejo APA draft beer $3

Metropolitan Krankshaft Kolsh draft beer $3 

While there’s no shortage of outstanding cocktail bars in Chicago, The Walk-In aims to go above and beyond with their “friendly as f*ck” vibe.  All spirits, beer, and wine at The Walk-In are also available to take home from Red Star Liquor, next door. The music is a mix of ‘60s, ‘70s, and ‘80s soul, funk, and rock and a vinyl-spinning DJ will play on Wednesday, Friday, and Saturday from 10:00 p.m. to close.