Smooth Sailing in Troubled Waters: Weather Mark Tavern celebrates six years in the South Loop

Weather Mark is the only
nautically themed bar in Chicago.

Weather Mark Tavern at 1503 S. Michigan Ave. celebrates six years in the South Loop Saturday, June 16, 2012. Weather Mark is the only bar in Chicago with a nautical theme, featuring great food and drink in a casual, family-friendly atmosphere.

Owner Mark Stern’s vision was to open an establishment with a casual bar atmosphere featuring upscale entrees and appetizers, along with craft beers and rum drinks. Stern remembers when his concept was considered a risk at best and foolish at worst. “We were a ‘gastro pub’ before the term was coined. From day one, we offered food that wasn’t normally part of a casual tavern’s menu,” Stern said. At Weather Mark Tavern, you can order a Reuben sandwich with fries or a filet mignon with port wine reduction, potato spring roll, and asparagus off of the same menu.

Click on poster above to enlarge.

When Stern opened Weather Mark in June 2006, the South Loop was one of the hottest neighborhoods in Chicago. Once upon a time, the area south of Roosevelt Road was populated with old—and mostly abandoned—factories and warehouses. It wasn’t until the late 1990s that residential development kicked off the boom. And then came 2008 and the economic downturn. Dozens of businesses in the South Loop closed. For several years, things looked pretty bleak, but somehow Weather Mark Tavern navigated the choppy waters of the recession. “We’ve seen businesses come and go in the South Loop, but we’ve managed to stay fresh and relevant to our customers and there’s a lot more competition in this neighborhood than there was in 2006,” notes Stern. What about 2012 and beyond? According to Stern, it looks like  “smooth sailing” ahead.

The 6th anniversary celebration includes giveaways, free appetizer buffet, live music and DJ, champagne toast.

For more information on the anniversary event and Weather Mark Tavern, call 312.588.0230. You can also find them on Facebook and follow them on Twitter.

Local Business Celebrates 5 Years in the South Loop

Weather Mark Celebrates 5th Anniversary
It’s hard to believe that Weather Mark Tavern located at 1503 S. Michigan Ave. has been open for five years. Today, June 18, 2011, is set aside to celebrate this milestone. There will be special appetizers, drink specials, as well as a live DJ from 8 p.m. to 1 a.m.

South Loop Mainstay
Owner Mark Stern has worked hard to become part of the fabric that makes up the South Loop. Stern a Chicago native, has over 16 years of experience in the retail business. When we interviewed Stern last year,  he was gearing up for his 4-year anniversary. Inside, the nautical theme isn’t stodgy like a yacht club, but friendly like a neighborhood bar. And that pretty much describes the Weather Mark. Full disclosure here, we usually stop by Weather Mark at least once a week. The Monday brew and burger deal (Burger with two toppings, fries, and domestic pint for $6) is hard for us to pass up. And don't get us started about Friday fish fry.

Stop by and pick up your 5th Anniversary cup.

Congratulations, Mark Stern and Weather Mark Tavern; we’re glad you decided to moor in the South Loop.

For more information on tonight's celebration, check out the Weather Mark Tavern's Web site and Facebook page.

Weather Mark Tavern: A Great Neighborhood Bar and Restaurant

This is one in a series of articles focusing on small businesses and entrepreneurs in the South Loop.

Ship Ahoy!

Mark Stern, owner of the Weather Mark Tavern at 1503 S. Michigan Ave., has created a tavern with a casual nautical theme. In fact, it might be the only tavern in the city with sails and yachting flags as part of the decor. Stern thought this was somewhat remarkable considering how much Chicago looks to the water not just for commerce, but for fun and recreation.

This Place is Yar

Stern, a Chicago native with over 15 years experience working in retail, will be celebrating four years in this South Loop location on June 26, 2010. His vision to create an alternative to the stodgy old yacht clubs of yore looks like it’s working. From the comfortable booth-like seating along the south wall to the high tables near the Michigan Ave. entrance to the outdoor seating during the warmer months, Weather Mark Tavern has the look and feel of a neighborhood pub. It’s the kind of place you can meet your friends for a beer, snack, or a complete meal.

Burger and Brew Night

The Weather Mark Tavern has specials every day of the week, including the very popular Monday Burger and Brew Night. For $6 you get a hamburger, fries, (house sweet potato or steak fries) and a beer. Full disclosure: I’ve had this special many times and have never been disappointed. For all the weekly specials, check out their Web site.

Over the years, Stern has adapted and changed the menu based on customer feedback. But his commitment to offering “high quality food, good service” in a friendly comfortable setting is one of the reasons they’ll be a lot of celebrating on June 26.

What do you think? Have you eaten at the Weather Mark Tavern? Tell us about your experience.