Business & Tech

SIP Appetizer Bar Brings A Touch of North Side to 95th Street

Bringing the North Side to the South Side, one plate at a time.

A couple of restaurateurs are banking that their North Side tapas concept restaurant will become a gathering place for South Side residents who want an alternative to sports bars and franchise restaurants.

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“There was a need for a place like this for people to come out and enjoy themselves without TVs blasting,” co-owner and chef Tymm Diamond said. “We wanted a place where people could come and talk.”

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So far, business has been great at Oak Lawn’s SIP Appetizer Bar at 4911 W. 95th St. Open for the three months, SIP is already living up to locals' expectations looking for more than the grilled chicken and burger fare offered at other 95th street establishments.

 “There was a need for a place like this for people to come out and enjoy themselves without TVs blasting,” co-owner and chef Tymm Diamond said. “We wanted a place where people could come and talk.”

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Diamond and partner and co-owner, Tasso Papadopoulos hatched the idea for a South Side tapas bar at a reunion after losing touch for 15 years.

Take a video tour of SIP's tasting table with owner and chef, Tymm Diamond.

“It was magical,” Diamond said. “You know if something is right. He asked me to look at a space in Oak Lawn.”

After walking from the Cicero Avenue Orange Line stop (Diamond’s car had broken down), Diamond walked to 95th Street on a raw, rainy afternoon last fall when he couldn’t find a bus.

“It was instant love,” Diamond said. “You could feel the magic of this place. It was one of the best walks I ever took.”

Both partners decided against opening white tablecloth, $25 entrée restaurant and instead, create an appetizer bar with wines and spirits that would create an experience for patrons.

“We both felt the South Side was coming back to community and ready for a nice local bar,” Diamond said.

With its high vaulted ceilings and marble floors, comfortable chairs and retro light fixtures, SIP offers the perfect atmosphere to discuss solving world problems, or a friendly Sox vs. Cubs debate.

 “Growing up there were neighborhood taverns that became community centers. You walk into some bars and it’s very cliquey,” Diamond said. “Here a 70-year-old can sit next to a 30-year-old and just chat.”

We tried the “3 Way,” dates wrapped in three different pairings, including cured smoked bacon, fresh dates and a raspberry maple sauce, the San Miguel organic avacado, and made-from-scratch ocean crab cakes.

Chef Diamond also served up a barbecued chicken pizza. All of ingredients are natural or organic. SIP also carries a well-stocked wine cellar where the selection is constantly evolving, microbrews and martinis.

The restaurant is trying out different theme nights, and hopes to open an outdoor patio with Sunday brunch tapas and a Bloody Mary this summer.

SIP also hosts monthly demonstrations where for $20, patrons can learn a few tapas tricks to wow their family and friends, and drink some good wine.

Tapas items range from $6 to $10 for Portland tuna or the All-SIP beef, an 8-ounce prime, beef filet, marinated in bourbon and citrus sauce.

A group of friends can order a variety of appetizers and still have money left to drink.

The restaurant can take groups up to 25, evidenced by some parents of the bride who were sent to SIP by their out-of-state daughter to arrange the rehearsal dinner back home.

SIP Appetizer Bar is located at 4911 W. 95th St. is open from 3 p.m. to 2 a.m., Tuesday through Saturday. For reservations, call 708-346-9658. Parking is available in the back.

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