Lakeshore East Coffee to transform into the Drunken Bean

By Nicole VanderBoom | Staff Writer

Lakeshore East Coffee quickly became a local favorite this summer. In Sep-

tember, owner Nick Papageorgiou will close the doors and remodel the local gem so it can cater to the nighttime scene. When the coffee shop reopens in October as the Drunken Bean, its hours will be extended to 11 p.m. and its menu updated with wine, premium vodka and bourbon, including blends like Bourbon Chai.

On weeknights, residents can expect happy hour and live entertainment by

local performers. General Manager Mary Quinn’s current staff is made up of many local performers from Second City and other Chicago theaters. “We are bringing in a local artist to create a mural on one of the walls,” Papageorgiou says.

Papageorgiou explains he is crafting an atmosphere with interior changes like cozy, relaxed seating, and that the transformation aims to fill a void in the area. “The neighborhood called for a place where it could be affordable to have a glass of wine while watching live entertainment,” he says.

North Harbor Tower resident Kat Tushim says that “having a casual corner spot is something the area’s been missing.” Still, others like Lancaster resident Marina Dubinska have concerns. “People will be drinking, there will be music, and every day it will be noisy,” says Dubinska. “Our windows face the park and I am afraid it will be a constant nuisance.”

One thing all residents agree on is the store’s delicious gelato, which Papageorgiou confirmed is a permanent feature.