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Preserving history at the Beachwood Inn, one drink at a time.

Monday Oct 16, 2006.     By Scott Smith

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The Beachwood Inn is one of the last neighborhood taverns of its kind, complete with a storied legend. Opened in 1950, the Wicker Park haunt was originally run by Leonard Stepien, who was shot in the back by an armed robber while working behind the bar. His wife, Lorraine, took over the operation after being shown the ropes by fellow neighborhood gin slinger, Lottie Zagorski. Their sons Jim and Bob would eventually inherit the bar, and continue to run it to this day.

For the last seven years, Beachwood bartender Carla Kozlowski has traced the development of the neighborhood by the bar's patrons. In the beginning, its regular patrons were guys that worked for the parks department. They later gave way to boho artists, who in turn were replaces by condo owners. But it hasn't lost its neighborhood feel. "Wednesdays and Thursdays," Kozlowski says, "eighty percent of the people who walk in the door, I know."

On the inside, the Beachwood looks like a cross between a college dorm room and a church basement. Now attracting a mix of indie hipsters and those who wander over on weekends from flashier joints on North Avenue, the Beachwood is an institution, maintained, in part, by Kozlowski, whose speed with a pour is matched only by the quickness of her wit.

The best drink in the house is:
I tried to start the Carlakaze. I was on this vodka kick, but I liked Stoli Red. So I started making kamikazes with Stoli Red and everyone started calling them Carlakazes. [And] we've been trying to name this one shot I made that tastes just like the Revive vitamin water. It's Stoli Vanilla, Citron, blackberry brandy and then a splash of cranberry. And it is quite delightful. It's just a random mixture. It would be so annoying if someone asked me for it all the time, I'd probably say 'What's wrong with whiskey?'"

Patrons might score a free drink if:
You can't sleep with me because I won't remember it. Be personable. Fuckin' tip me good and I'm easy.

Little known fact about this joint:
Just that it's been here for so long. I don't even think you could find a management company that's been the same for 56 years, much less a bar or a club. It's definitely a rarity in this neighborhood. In all honesty, the only thing I would change in the Beachwood would be to have draft beer.

For good grub before or after a shift, you hit up:
Sultan's Market. I like Zen Noodles, Santullo's Eatery. Good sandwiches. I like Li'l Guys. They're a sandwich shop as well. This whole sushi influx has been magical for me. I love sushi.

When you're not boozing here, you prefer to patronize:
Still love Gold Star. They're kinda like the Beachwood on Division. After hours, I gotta go to the Note.

Another bartender/owner we should know is:
I think all our bartenders are completely different. Bob is the owner and knows the neighborhood. Tries to be Mr. Witty. Patti...she's got a nice ass. Helen probably knows more about Chicago than anyone else, but with a lovely English accent. I'm fast and I'm a bitch. We're a really good meld of people."

The song I never want to hear played on the jukebox is:
Oh shit, 'Mmmbop' by Hanson. If none of the owners are there, I'll [skip] it. But if they're there, they're playing it.

Is there a kick-ass bartender that we should know about? Tell us what's what.