Patio at Jet’s Public House receives resident support

by BRIAN NADIG

A proposal to install an outdoor patio at Jet’s Public House, 6148 N. Milwaukee Ave., was well received at community meeting hosted by Alderman Margaret Laurino (39th) on a Jan. 22.

Jet’s owner John Eshoo said that the rear patio would be accessible to patrons from the inside of the tavern and that it would include a mix of high- and low-top tables and couches. He said that the patio would be open no later than 11 p.m. and have no live music.

Plans call for a new fence along the alley that would allow access to the establishment’s dumpsters and then a second barrier separating the dumpsters from the patio. An existing concrete slab is expected to be used for the patio, and a retractable covering may be installed over a portion of the patio.

"I really want to work with the community," Eshoo said. "I will build the fence as high as the city will allow."

The patio, which would have a dedicated wait staff, is intended to help attract more "couples, small groups and families" and would be open during warm weather months, Eshoo said. The tavern’s food menu features burgers, wings, wraps, tacos, salads and chicken sandwiches.

Laurino said that the project might include a plan of operation, which is an enforceable agreement with the city in an effort to address any community concerns. "We always have to be a good neighbor," she said.

No objections to the patio proposal were raised at the meeting.

RCI Realty owner Emilia Crespo said that her office is located between Jet’s and the Garage Bar and Sandwiches, 6154 N. Milwaukee Ave., which has a rooftop patio, and that she has not experienced noise problems from either establishment.

An outdoor patio license, which is classified as a secondary liquor license, is allowed under the site’s B3-1 zoning. However, a special use permit from the Zoning Board of Appeals would have to be acquired before obtaining the patio license.

A tavern has been located on the property for more than 50 years and was once named Wally’s Polish Pump Room, Eshoo said.