Vitalogy Bar Brings New Life to Printer’s Row

Vitalogy breathes life into a 142‑year‑old Printer’s Row building with a cozy, community‑oriented bar. Local owners Jennifer Wilson and James Shields spent three years converting the ground floor of the brick building into a neighborhood hangout with reclaimed decor and a hydroponic herb garden. Now the 18‑seat bar is buzzing with weekly specials, cocktail classes, and live music.

The beverage program draws inspiration from around the world and across Chicago. Beer lovers will find Estrella from Spain, Delirium Tremens from Belgium and local brews from Old Irving; wine and nonalcoholic pours are available, and there’s even a small menu of THC/CBD‑infused drinks. Among the 10 signature cocktails is the "Second City Milk Punch" featuring Chicago’s notorious Jeppson’s Malört.

Although Vitalogy wasn’t initially going to serve food, a chef friend insisted on designing a menu. The kitchen uses a compact convection oven and induction burner to turn out small bites like roasted nuts and chickpeas, chicken and steak skewers, and larger plates like beef and vegan cheeseburgers on brioche buns. Dessert options include a cast‑iron skillet chocolate chip cookie, a root beer float and a THC creamsicle soda.

Even the bar’s name has a story: the owners found a 1916 health encyclopedia called "Vitalogy" (also the title of a Pearl Jam album) while researching the building’s past, and they display it on a shelf along with other vintage books. With its mix of history, hospitality and creativity, Vitalogy hopes to become a permanent fixture in Printer’s 

Read the full story: https://chicago.eater.com/openings/161297/vitaology-bar-printers-row-pub-food-happy-hour

Mystery “Head” Found in Dearborn Park

Weirdness alert! A recent post in the Hello South Loop! Facebook group had neighbors buzzing when Spencer Smith spotted what looked like a severed head on the north side of Dearborn Park. Thankfully it turned out to be a plastic prop, but that didn’t stop folks from speculating: lost Halloween décor? Drama-class castoff? Either way, the image is creepy and hilarious all at once.

If you’ve got any info on this macabre mystery—or you just want to see the photo for yourself—check out the original post here. Only in the South Loop!

Have a spooky story of your own? Let us know and we’ll feature it next.

What’s Buzzing in the South Loop: A Plastic “Head,” Grant Park Overhaul, Open Mic Night & Boutique Hotel Gossip

Ever wondered what your neighbors are talking about online? We took a peek at the Hello South Loop! Facebook group and found some quirky, thought‑provoking and community‑driven posts worth sharing. Here’s a recap of what’s caught everyone’s attention lately.

🧟 Mystery “head” in Dearborn Park

One post from Spencer Smith sparked both curiosity and laughs when he posted a photo of what looked like a decapitated head in Dearborn Park. Spoiler alert: it was a plastic prop — but it still gave everyone a jolt:contentReference[oaicite:0]{index=0}. Spencer asked if anyone knew where it came from, and folks chimed in with theories (Halloween leftover? Drama class prop?). Should we start a neighborhood lost‑and‑found for fake heads? Check out the discussion here.

🌳 Grant Park framework plan sparks debate

Another conversation centered on the Chicago Park District’s draft framework plan for Grant Park. A member shared Chicago YIMBY’s article about proposals to deck over parts of DuSable Lake Shore Drive and create new terraces and ramps down to the lakefront:contentReference[oaicite:1]{index=1}. In the comments, residents debated whether the plan would improve access to the lake or just pour more concrete over green space. Some even suggested capping Columbus Drive. Want to weigh in? See the post and join the discussion here (you may need group access).

🎤 South Asians on the Mic returns Aug. 8

The South Asia Institute posted about its upcoming open‑mic night, “South Asians On The Mic Vol. 4,” scheduled for Aug. 8:contentReference[oaicite:2]{index=2}. The event promises original music, freestyle DJing, poetry readings and a showcase of South Asian talent:contentReference[oaicite:3]{index=3}. If you’re looking for a creative night out or just want to support local artists, check out the details and grab a ticket on their Eventbrite link in the post here.

🏨 Boutique hotel on Motor Row… still a rumor?

Johni Rodgers revived an old topic by asking what happened to the proposed boutique hotel slated for the former Burger King lot on Motor Row. The project was announced back in 2020, but there’s been little visible progress since:contentReference[oaicite:4]{index=4}. Commenters recalled ex‑Chicago Bear Israel Idonije’s plan to build a hotel with a large lobby restaurant and wondered if the idea was dead:contentReference[oaicite:5]{index=5}. It’s a good reminder that big projects often take longer than expected — or quietly fade away. See the post here.

From playful mysteries to heated urban planning debates, the South Loop community is as lively as ever. Have a tip or story idea? Drop us a line or share it in the comments!

South Loop News Round‑Up: New Buildings & Community Wins

Chicago’s South Loop never sleeps. In the last week the neighborhood has seen everything from hair‑raising crime news to uplifting community stories and big development milestones. Below are highlights from four of the most interesting stories we found.

626 South Wabash rises above the ‘L’

Development watchers have their eyes on 626 South Wabash, a 19‑story residential tower being built just south of the elevated train tracks. According to Chicago YIMBY reporter Daniel Schell, crews have poured enough concrete to reach the underside of the second level. When completed the building will house 164 units: 60 four‑bedroom co‑living suites aimed at students, 80 efficiency apartments and 24 two‑bedroom units. The podium will offer 60 parking spaces and about 3,100 square feet of retail space. Developers DAC Development and Melrose Ascension Capital hope to attract student residents with amenities like a rooftop deck and a pool, while the site’s location near the Harrison Red Line and numerous CTA bus routes means getting around should be easy.

Sloopers know that talk of new towers is nothing new, but this one is notable because construction actually started this spring and a construction hoist permit was issued July 17. The project has an 18‑month timeline, which means the building could open in fall 2026. If you’ve walked by the site lately, you’ve probably noticed the crane looming over Wabash Avenue. We’ll be watching to see which retailers nab that ground‑floor space.

Southbridge’s 23rd Place celebrates new retail anchors

There was a celebratory mood on July 25 as Mayor Brandon Johnson and community leaders gathered for a ribbon‑cutting at 23rd Place at Southbridge. Reporter Jamie Nesbitt Golden wrote that beloved brunch spot Batter & Berries and new gym 24Life Training & Fitness are the first retail tenants to open at the 15‑acre mixed‑use development. The Southbridge project replaces the former Harold Ickes public housing complex and will eventually include more than 850 townhomes and apartments, with 244 units set aside for public housing. City officials noted that the Community Development Commission recently approved $11.9 million in tax‑increment financing to help build the next phase, adding 80 more units and ground‑floor commercial space.

Sloopin readers have long followed plans for the near‑South Side megadevelopment, which spans parts of Chinatown, Bronzeville and the South Loop. The opening of Batter & Berries—already a weekend brunch destination in Lincoln Park—suggests the project is attracting quality local businesses. Meanwhile, 24Life Training brings much‑needed fitness options to the neighborhood. It’s great to see a mix of affordable housing, market‑rate units and commercial space coming together. Keep an eye on this site as construction continues and more retailers move in.

Daddy Victory Club puts Black fatherhood on the map

Our favorite feel‑good story comes from Leen Yassine of Block Club Chicago, who profiled the Daddy Victory Club. Founder Kouri Marshall said he created the club after realizing there were few resources for expecting fathers. The group’s monthly “Daddy & Me Strolls” invite dads and kids to walk around the South Loop together, and a recent video of a stroll has been viewed millions of times across TikTok, X, Facebook, Instagram and Reddit. The strolls create space for dads—especially Black dads—to connect and build community, and Marshall emphasizes that the group is open to all fathers.

Marshall told Block Club that the club aims to “shine a light” on Black fatherhood, noting that there’s a thirst among Black dads to come together. At the same time, he stresses there’s no monopoly on fatherhood and invites dads of all backgrounds. The next Daddy & Me Stroll is scheduled for 10 a.m. Saturday, Aug. 23, starting at The Spoke and Bird, 205 E. 18th St. If you’re a dad looking for support or just want to join a wholesome community, check them out—this might be the most heart‑warming viral trend to come out of the South Loop this summer.

That wraps up this week’s South Loop news round‑up. From cranes on Wabash Avenue to dads strolling the streets with strollers, our neighborhood continues to evolve. Did we miss a story you love? Drop us a line and let us know. Happy reading and happy exploring!