The sprawling non-pretentious brick building in downtown Chicago beckons with only a neon sign. Inside a busy lounge features a large rectangular mahogany bar surrounded by wooden tables along the walls.
Incandescent lights provide an amber glow that creates a relaxed setting.
The large tap selection is joined by five beerengine handles, two of them still in use. Beer posters and early Chicago brewery placards dot the walls. Nighttime crowds are a healthy mix of men and women, blue collar and Yuppie. The cigar fad continues strong and fresh air is scarce in the main lounge area, not helped by the fact that the bar advertises and sell cigars themselves. The JVNW system stands at the building's main entrance and its stainless steel vessels are visible from the bar and throughout the lounge.