Pour Souls is hosting their recurring cocktail class series this Wednesday. Learn to make three new gin cocktails while supporting a Black-owned business we love this Black History month! Details below.

Hello, West Towners!

Putting this week's edition of happenings together was no small feat—there is SO much going on in West Town! And honestly, when isn't there?

 Keep scrolling to lock in your Super Bowl plans for this Sunday, and get a jumpstart on preparing for your Valentine's Day celebrations next week while you're at it (we've got some Mardi Gras and Paczki treats for your consideration, too).

And, as I mentioned above (and as you're hopefully aware), February is Black History Month! On Wednesday, I'll be sending out a separate roundup of Black-owned businesses you can support in West Town this month (and always), but until then, Pour Souls is a great place to start! A little about them:

Pour Souls is a BYO cocktail catering and private bartending company providing everything except the booze! Located at 1740 Division, Pour Souls operates not only as a Cocktail Counter, but a storefront where you can buy vintage glassware and/or host curated, private events for your friends!

See you there for cocktail class this Wednesday?

Until next time,

Kaylen Ralph

Director of Communications & Marketing, West Town Chamber of Commerce

3-4pm: Join Sonya Tompkins representative from The Office of the Attorney General at the West Town branch of the Chicago Public Library as she provides information about identity theft. This hour presentation will discuss various theft scams used, how to prevent them, and what to do if you, or someone you know, has been the victim of identity theft.

This month's movie is Remember the Titans. Sound on, free popcorn and music at Midwest Coast Brewing!

7-8:30pm: Want to be the go-to person for making gin cocktails? Join Pour Souls to learn about the spirit and three cocktails to make and impress your friends! Register here.

7pm: Join Dorothy for an hour of jazz by the trio comprised of drummer Lily Finnegan, saxaphonist Anisha Rush & bassist Emma Dayhuff!Doors open at 6pm and our trio kicks off at 7pm. Tickets are a sliding scale $7-15 and will be $12 at the door. Get tickets here.

6pm: Join Intuit museum for a special exhibition tour in partnership with Western Exhibitions. The exhibition features Courttney Cooper's America’s Octoberfest. Zinzinnati. U.S.A. and Gayleen Aiken's I Have Many Hobbies at Western Exhibitions (1709 W. Chicago Ave.). Deepen your understanding of these artists through guided close looking and discussion with Scott Speh, owner and founder. This event is free and open to all. Light refreshments will be provided. Learn more here.

7:30pm: Watch the Midwest Coast Brewing taproom turn into an intimate concert venue! SoFar Sounds shows feature three acts of unique artists and genres.

8am-5pm: The Roof Crop is moving back to our original HQ and adding a coffee shop, apothecary and studio! Reusable coffee tumblers by Huskee will be 25% off all day and filled with your first cup of Metric drip coffee free! Store hours Tuesday - Saturday, 8am to 5pm.

6-9pm: Come join West Town Social Club for the best pre-Valentine's Day mixer in the city! We'll have conversation, play some games, have Jell-O shots, and search for your valentine/show yours off by wearing the color that corresponds with your status. More info + RSVP here.

12-4pm: Handmade Market is a unique day event at Empty Bottle that connects makers of beautiful things to people who appreciate the wonderful world of handmade. Herein you'll find jewelry, handbags, candles, journals and more! Grab a mimosa from the bar and mosey through all of the beautiful crafts. Free! 12pm - 4pm.

9:30-10:30am: Tunes with Tim is back at Midwest Coast Brewing for another Family Day. Doors open at 9am, show starts at 9:30am. Parents can enjoy catching up and hanging out while the kiddos enjoy the show! Tickets are $20 per family (not per person).

11am-3pm: Artist Molly Anne Bishop and chef and owner of Pink Salt Kitchens Palita Sriratana are popping up at The Center of Order and Experimentation for a Valentine's celebration! Shop Molly's limited edition ceramics, prints, and clothing featuring the 'naked lounger' illustration. Palita will be sampling her Nam Prik Pao Thai Chili Jam with some delicious snacks! Pick up some gifts for everyone you love.

5pm: West Town Social Club has a great Super Bowl party for you! Meet new people while cheering on either the Golden Boys or the Swifties. Tickets include your first drink, pizza, a halftime raffle, free squares, and more! More info + RSVP here.

5:30pm: Mac’s Wood Grilled hosts a watch party for the Big Game on Sunday, February 11, and augments the normal daily deals with all-day specials inspired by each team’s home city. Kansas City Chiefs backers can dig into a $14 Pulled Pork Sandwich with Kansas City-style barbecue sauce on a brioche bun with pickles and white onions (served with fries). Pair the sandwich with a Kansas City-made Boulevard Brewing Southwest BLVD (lager with lime and salt, $5 12-ounce can). San Francisco 49ers fans can show support with a $15 Mission District-Inspired Carne Asada Burrito with carne asada, rice, beans, cheddar jack, salsa verde, guacamole and pico de gallo. Root for the Niners with a San Francisco-brewed 21st Amendment Brewery El Sully (Mexican-style lager, $5 12-ounce can). Watch the Big Game, including the commercials and halftime show, on 17 Ultra HDTVs with sound; all tables have direct views of multiple TVs (no obstructed views). The daily drink deals, which include $4 Paddy Irish Whiskey shots, $5 Skrewball Peanut Butter Whiskey shots, $5 vodka Mules, $5 Pink Whitney Vodka shots, $5 Bloody Marys, and $5 house vodka cocktails (excludes Red Bull) are also on offer. Mac’s Wood Grilled is open from 11 a.m.-2 a.m. on Sunday, February 11. The kitchen is open from 11 a.m.-11 p.m. Kickoff for the Big Game (Kansas City Chiefs versus the San Franciso 49ers) is scheduled for 5:30 p.m. Seating is first come, first served (no reservations). There is no cover charge to attend.

"BIG Sandwich" for the BIG Game

Let the Publican Quality Bread team help take your Superbowl party to the next level with our "BIG Sandwich". It's the perfect BIG meal for you and all of your guests to enjoy while you watch the BIG Game.

Serves 10 to 12

Italian BIG Sandwich

Turkey BIG Sandwich

Roast Beef BIG Sandwich

Veggie BIG Sandwich

Paczki Day at Heritage Restaurant & Caviar Bar! Pick up available 6am -5pm on 2/13. Preorder half dozen ($30) or full dozen ($55) per flavor on Tock or through the restaurant (until 9pm Monday, Feb 12th). Walk-up orders accepted while supplies last. $5 each and filled to order. Gluten Free Available for all flavors (pre-order directly with restaurant only).

February Drink Special - Rosy Cheeks Matcha Latte! Meet the Rosy Cheeks Matcha Latte, made in collaboration with our friend Big Sis Bevs! Matcha mixed with a beautiful, delicate rose petal honey, topped with the milk of your choosing.

Come try this month at The Center of Order and Experimentation!

Midwest Coasting Brewing is hosting a Valentine’s Day beer scavenger hunt at the brewery from February 1st – February 14th. When you visit the brewery, ask for a playing card. Complete all the V-Day tasks (and drink a few cold beers!) for a chance to win big! The grand prize is “A Night Out in West Town” including a giftcard to The Fifty/50, giftcard to Midwest Coast, an uber giftcard, and tickets to a Blackhawks Game. Check out our socials for all the details.

Mac’s Wood Grilled offers a lineup of New Orleans-inspired selections Friday, February 9 through Tuesday, February 13 (Fat Tuesday). Mardi Gras specials include a Blackened Chicken Po’ Boy with Cajun-spiced chicken breast ($15); an Andouille Sausage Po’ Boy with smoked andouille sausage ($15); and a Fried Shrimp Po’ Boy with buttermilk-marinated cornmeal fried shrimp ($17). All three sandwiches come on a telera roll with shredded lettuce, sliced tomatoes, dill pickles and housemade remoulade (served with Cajun fries). Mardi Gras Bock, a seasonal German-style Maibock produced by Louisiana-based Abita Beer Company, is on special for $5 (12-ounce bottle). The Mardi Gras specials are available during regular business hours.

Join us for some Valentines and Anti-Valentines Day classes at Through The Body. Classes on Tuesday 2/13 are for those with a black heart, enjoy some anti-love and heart break inspired playlists. Thursday 2/15 is all about self love with our Love Your Body event.

3 course diner per couple at Chi-Latin Restaurant

Free dessert and champagne toast at Barcocina

Complimentary Retirement Plan Review from Steven Hefter, CFP®. Whether you're a business owner looking to optimize your company's retirement plan or an individual seeking personalized financial guidance, we'll review your current setup or help establish a plan tailored to your unique needs. Schedule your complimentary consultation today.

Now through the end of March (1st Quarter)