King Of Cups- Lincoln Park

Psychic cocktail bar built on theatrical drinks and high-volume execution.

Results & Impact

A dimly lit bar or restaurant interior with a black leather booth, a round table, and a wooden bar counter with a lit candle in a sculpture holding a candle. There is a painting of a woman on the brick wall and purple curtains with a chandelier.

Scope

  • Opening support and bar program development

  • Cocktail menu creation (seasonal + rotating)

  • Spirit curation and sourcing

  • Staff training and service flow

  • Ongoing consulting (menu + operations

Bar counter with bottles of flavored syrup labeled 'sweet' and 'banana,' a QR code sign that reads 'King of Cups,' and a basket of oranges in the foreground.

Program

Built an extremely dynamic cocktail program centered around:

  • House syrups and prep-driven builds

  • Bespoke spirits and curated back bar

  • Large format cocktails for groups

  • High-volume execution without sacrificing quality

Seasonal menus were introduced to keep the concept evolving and drive repeat traffic.

Young woman smiling and holding a cocktail glass, wearing a white sleeveless top, dark hair, in a dimly lit setting.

Concept

Helped shape the identity of King of Cups into a fully immersive experience:

  • Tarot-driven, mystical bar concept

  • Interactive cocktail presentations

  • Drinks lit on fire — a viral moment that became part of the brand

  • Ongoing activations including Halloween programming, pop-ups, and themed events

  • Cocktail classes and dating events to drive engagement and build community

Colorful cocktail with orange slices on top on a bar counter with a person in the background creating a flame over the drink.

Impact

  • Established as one of the most recognizable cocktail bars in Lincoln Park

  • Built a strong following with a female and LGBTQ demographic in a predominantly male, college-driven nightlife area

  • Created a safe, welcoming environment without losing high-energy bar appeal

  • Maintained a high-volume cocktail program with a strong, consistent happy hour.

Range

A colorful layered cocktail with a lemon slice on the glass rim, on a bar counter with a bartender igniting a flame in the background.

KING OF CUPS

Mystic • Experiential Cocktails

Ed Rey Chicago bar consultant cocktail menu development
Craft cocktail program by Chicago bar consultant Ed Rey
Chicago cocktail and beverage consultant Ed Rey Ed Eats

STORYVILLE

New Orleans • Restaurant • Live Music

Ed Rey Chicago bar consultant cocktail menu development
Craft cocktail program by Chicago bar consultant Ed Rey
Chicago cocktail and beverage consultant Ed Rey Ed Eats

ESMERALDAS

Latin Tiki • Tropical Cocktails

Ed Rey Chicago bar consultant cocktail menu development
Craft cocktail program by Chicago bar consultant Ed Rey
Chicago cocktail and beverage consultant Ed Rey Ed Eats

STARDUST

4am Late Night • High Energy • Nightclub

Ed Rey Chicago bar consultant cocktail menu development
Craft cocktail program by Chicago bar consultant Ed Rey
Chicago cocktail and beverage consultant Ed Rey Ed Eats

Lulus Speakeasy

Romantic • Intimate Cocktails

Ed Rey Chicago bar consultant cocktail menu development
Craft cocktail program by Chicago bar consultant Ed Rey
Chicago cocktail and beverage consultant Ed Rey Ed Eats

Ada Street

Boutique Wine Program • Bar Geek Cocktails

Ed Rey Chicago bar consultant cocktail menu development
Craft cocktail program by Chicago bar consultant Ed Rey
Chicago cocktail and beverage consultant Ed Rey Ed Eats

Brandos

Draft Cocktails • Karaoke • Late Night

Ed Rey Chicago bar consultant cocktail menu development
Craft cocktail program by Chicago bar consultant Ed Rey
Chicago cocktail and beverage consultant Ed Rey Ed Eats

L’Patron

Tacos • Tequila • Cocktails