15-May-16 – The Chicago Riverwalk between Dearborn and Clark Streets will be turned into a 75-seat music venue, according to one of three new concessions this year.

Tiny Hatt, a partnership between Tiny Lounge, located in Lincoln Square north of the Loop, and Big Hatt Gourmet, is taking over space utilized last year by Flander’s Belgian Beer & Fries.

The new location for Tiny Lounge will serve “barbecue-centric” food, craft cocktails, local craft beer, and wine. Free, live music, featuring local singer/songwriters, will be heard every Monday and Wednesday from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m.

“This neighborhood favorite is an example of the Riverwalk featuring an increasing number of options for residents and visitors to enjoy,” says Mayor Rahm Emanuel. Tiny Lounge is also a personal favorite of the mayor’s, one of his favorite bars in Chicago, he said in a 2014 interview.

Colleen Flaherty, founder of Tiny Lounge, expects Tiny Hatt to open in early June. The new venture is owned by Flaherty and Mark Johnson, the bar’s managing partner. It will be open every day from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m.

“Native Chicagoans ourselves, we are proud to be a part of the dynamic revitalization of the Riverwalk, welcoming locals and visitors alike to this scenic location,” says Flaherty (left).

Under the direction of Big Hatt Gourmet founder and executive chef Craig Bell, the Tiny Hatt menu will include Applewood Smoked Pulled Pork Sandwich with Bourbon BBQ Sauce, “Dr. Claw” Lobster Roll, Tri-Tip Steak Sandwich with Basil Aioli on a Pretzel Bun, and appetizers such as Candied Bacon Brittle, Chicago Pulled Pork Nachos, and Grilled New York Strip Steak Bites with Bourbon Mustard Glaze.

A third location, “Tiny Tavern,” will open this summer at Navy Pier.

Tiny Lounge was located on West Addison Street until 2006, when it was torn down so that the Addison Brown Line CTA Station could be expanded. (Right) Tiny Hatt’s view of the river from the Riverwalk between Dearborn and Clark.

River Theater gets first food vendor

The Riverwalk between Clark and LaSalle Streets, meanwhile, is getting its first food and beverage vendor, Lillie’s Park Grill. A spokesperson for Lillie’s says they will serve Chicago-style hot dogs, Maxwell Street Polish, nachos, pizza, corn beef, roast beef, and “many other great Chicago food choices.” They hope to be open the weekend of May 28.

And the Riverwalk will have its first mobile food cart. Dulce in Horto will serve cupcakes, cookies, and brownies from various locations.

Vendors must operate at least until November 1.

Not returning to the Riverwalk this year, besides Flander’s, are The Hideout and WanderBikes.

Collectively, concessions on the Riverwalk last year generated $4.5 million, which according to Mayor Emanuel is nearly four times greater than gross revenue generated by Riverwalk vendors in 2014, when the Riverwalk went no farther west than State Street.

“As a direct result of the positive reaction by Chicago’s residents and visitors throughout the summer,” reads a statement from the mayor’s office, “the city received a large number of highly competitive proposals for the 2016 season.”

2016 Riverwalk vendors… 13 Chicago Water Taxi Water taxi service throughout the summer. Website  5  Chicago’s First Lady Cruising vessels for chartered boat tours and special events. Opened April 29. Website  8  City Winery Wine, music, culinary and cultural experiences. Opened May 2. Website  4  Cyrano’s Café & Wine Bar French food and wine inspired by Monet’s garden.  9  Downtown Docks Transient docking for motorized recreational boats, allowing access to Riverwalk amenities. New this year is the option to charter an electric boat. Opening May 18. Website 14 Dulce in Horto Variety of cupcakes, cookies, and brownies. Cart will operate at various locations.  2  Island Party Hut Island-themed food, tropical drinks, beer, live music, and charter boat rentals. New this year, docking for recreational boats. Opened April 29. Website 12 Lillie’s Park Grill Food, including grab-and-go options, to enjoy on Cove and River Theater benches.  6  McCormick Bridgehouse & Chicago River Museum Celebrates the Chicago River and its world-famous movable bridges. Opened May 14. Website  5  Mercury, Chicago’s Skyline Cruiseline Chicago River boat tours and Lake Michigan cruises. Opened April 29. Website  7  O’Brien’s Riverwalk Café Food and beverage. Live entertainment on Thursdays. Soft opening on May 19 weather permitting. Website 10 Tiny Hatt Food, drink, and live music. Website  1  Urban Kayaks Kayak outpost to allow paddlers to rest from the busy downtown river and purchase supplies. Opening May 27. Website 11 Urban Kayaks Kayak rental and guided tours. Opened May 6. Website 15 Wendella Boats Tours and specialty cruises. Dock on north side of river. Website  3  Wheel Fun Rentals Bicycle and specialty cycle rental. Fun for the whole family. Opened April 23. Website

Riverwalk goes west

Construction continues of the last three blocks of the Riverwalk, between LaSalle and Lake Streets. Chicago Department of Transportation says these stretches will open in October. Work includes forming concrete foundations, installing sewer lines, backfilling areas behind new river walls, and some demolition.

Says the mayor’s office, “The completed portion between LaSalle and Lake Shore Drive will have a wide variety of food, beverage, and recreational opportunities to enjoy a natural amenity surrounded by an urban canyon of great architecture.”

CDOT has also confirmed the city did change the name of one of the Riverwalk rooms. When it was introduced, the area between LaSalle and Wells was called “Swimming Hole.” It is now called “Water Plaza,” which a CDOT spokesperson describes as “classier.”

(Left) Finished concrete and wooden forms west of LaSalle Street on April 26, 2016.