Griswold’s at Houndstooth

Change is coming to the new Houndstooth Saloon, Wrigleyville’s dedicated country bar—much to the delight of ‘80s pop culture fans. Inspired by the 1989 classic National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation, Houndstooth will become Griswold’s for the holidays, opening Sunday, Nov. 17 with themed rooms, an RV, beverages, food and more.

Houndstooth, 3369 N. Clark St., underwent a makeover last year by new owners The Dovetail Group, revealing a new menu and refreshed design. At Griswold’s, guests are in for a kitschy, interactive experience that replicates iconic scenes from the classic movie.

Houndstooth’s front bar and dining space will become the Griswold family’s living room in all its ‘80s glory. Past the bar and down the hallway, the second dining space will turn into a tiki bar, inspired by the infamous pool scene. And in the back room, a chest of old clothes and stacks of gift-wrapped boxes will lend a Griswold attic-feel to the space. Expect a burnt, decorated Christmas tree; a bartender in a comfy bathrobe; and one too many Christmas lights.

An RV parked on Houndstooth’s patio for the duration of the pop-up should be immediately recognizable to fans of the movie (Cousin Eddie’s here!). On weekends during the pop-up, the RV will be open for guests to capture their own Instagrammable moments, and a lively costumed Santa will pass out hot chocolate and cider to guests and neighbors on the weekends.

In addition to the bar’s regular Alabama-inspired menu and weekly specials—including $6 dinner on Wednesday and $5 Chambongs and Burgers on Saturday—Chef Leo Wotitzky (Old Town Social, North Pond, Table, Donkey and Stick) will offer an ‘80s-inspired “TV Dinner” featuring a turkey leg and Aunt Bethany’s Jell-O.

A $5 cover or toy donation will be collected every Thursday – Sunday after 5 pm to benefit Toys for Tots until New Years Eve.

Take your shot at the perfect New Year’s Eve party in spirit with the Griswold’s. The Griswold’s at Houndstooth NYE party will include live entertainment and a cash bar. Or, mosey in for the bar’s popular New Years Day pajama brunch the next morning where guests will receive a gift card equal to their check from 11 AM to 3:30 PM.

Griswold’s at Houndstooth will be open all winter. The original Houndstooth Saloon returns on Monday, Feb. 98 to return to the original Houndstooth Saloon.