Bad Alice Bar Opens in Geneva, Combining Cozy Charm and Craft Drinks

A new bar named Bad Alice has opened its doors in downtown Geneva, Illinois, offering a unique blend of cozy atmosphere and craft beverages. Managed by Chris Claboltz, the establishment aims to create a friendly neighborhood bar experience, distinct from the more upscale dining options available in the area.

Claboltz, who has spent the past six months overseeing the bar, shared that some patrons have described it as an “upscale dive bar.” He prefers to characterize it simply as a “friendly bar.” This concept aligns with the vision of the restaurant group behind Bad Alice, which includes Marshall McCarty, Devin Beerman, and Laura Beerman. The trio previously established other notable venues in Geneva, such as The Walrus Room and The Alchemist, each offering different atmospheres.

When a previous tenant vacated the location at 204 W. State St., the restaurateurs seized the opportunity to create something new in the local bar scene. Claboltz explained that the original idea was to focus on craft beer and innovative cocktails, with a potential Tiki bar theme. Over time, the vision evolved into a neighborhood bar reminiscent of the iconic “Cheers” setting.

Claboltz’s relationship with the Beermans and McCarty was facilitated through his co-ownership of Manbot Coffee Roasters, which provided coffee to their restaurants. His extensive background in the hospitality industry as a chef and assistant director of operations for Bourbon Belly Hospitality has allowed him to contribute valuable insights to the bar’s development.

The atmosphere at Bad Alice is designed to be inviting and affordable. Claboltz emphasized the intention to create a space where patrons feel at home without spending excessively. “You can call it your own when you go there,” he noted. The bar features a cozy layout with about 20 bar stools and a few tables, accommodating around 70 people during busy nights.

Though a television is available for viewing, it is not primarily a sports bar. Claboltz mentioned that the bar would screen Chicago sports teams upon request, but the main focus remains on fostering a relaxed environment where music plays in the background, encouraging patrons to unwind.

Unique Offerings and Community Events

Bad Alice hosts a variety of events to engage the community. Among these is Vinyl Sundays, where visitors can bring their vinyl records to share on a turntable, enhancing the bar’s nostalgic feel. Claboltz likened this element to the ambiance of Seve’s Tavern in St. Charles in the 1980s, known for its great music.

In addition to a curated drink menu, Bad Alice features a selection of food items, including pizzas from East Side Café, Chicago-style hot dogs, and their signature dish, the Spam melt. This unique offering consists of fried Spam slices on toasted bread, accompanied by Thousand Island dressing, Swiss and American cheese, shredded lettuce, and tomato. Claboltz expressed that the Spam melt is a personal favorite.

Business has been promising since the bar’s opening. Claboltz remarked on the positive reception of this new concept amidst existing dive bars and full-service restaurants in the area. “This is just a good, old neighborhood bar,” he stated, emphasizing the goal of creating an environment where “good people and good times” thrive.

To further enhance community engagement, Bad Alice hosts bingo nights on Tuesdays and trivia nights on Wednesdays, as well as special tiki cocktails on Thursdays. The bar operates seven days a week, with varying hours: open from 17:00 to 22:00 on Mondays, 17:00 to 00:00 from Tuesday to Thursday, 15:00 to 02:00 on Fridays, 12:00 to 02:00 on Saturdays, and 12:00 to 22:00 on Sundays.

The Story Behind the Name

The intriguing name, Bad Alice, plays on the Alice in Wonderland theme associated with The Walrus Room. Claboltz revealed that the name was a concept the owners had considered using in the past. He noted that many beloved neighborhood bars tend to be named after a person, and since his daughter is named Alice, they felt it was a fitting choice.

As Bad Alice continues to establish itself in Geneva, Claboltz remains enthusiastic about the bar’s direction and community impact. With its inviting atmosphere and diverse offerings, Bad Alice aims to become a cherished gathering spot for locals and visitors alike.