Cocktail bar to replace wine tasting room in downtown St. Charles

The Lewis to open at 106 E. Main St.

A cocktail bar plans to open in the space that formerly housed 100 Grapes wine tasting room in downtown St. Charles.

Aldermen on the St. Charles City Council’s Government Operations Committee on Monday will consider a request from the owners of The Lewis, located at 106 E. Main St., for a liquor license as well as a 2 a.m. late night permit. The owners of The Lewis also own Bogart’s bar at 219 W. Main St. in downtown St. Charles.

100 Grapes opened in 2019 and closed last year.

“They are looking to capitalize on the craft beer, wine and specialty cocktail industry and open a ‘70s themed cocktail bar with food and beverage offerings from local merchants,” St. Charles Police Chief James Keegan said in a memo to aldermen. “This location has a quaint appearance and the owners believe they can build on the success of Bogart’s.

Plans are to open by mid-December. Local businesses such as Riverlands Brewing Company, D and G Brewing, Alter Brewing + Kitchen and The Wine Exchange would provide the majority of The Lewis’ inventory and Blue Goose Market in St. Charles would provide prepackaged meat and cheese boards.

The Lewis would have seating for 39 people. The full City Council is set to review the plans on Nov. 1.

Prior to 100 Grapes opening, the building housed an antique store.