ALBANY PARK — After nearly two decades of serving as a neighborhood gathering place, Lizard’s Liquid Lounge will close its doors for good on April 18, 2026, exactly 18 years after it first opened. Owner Liz Kavanaugh announced the closure Saturday, citing a desire to move on and challenges recovering business since the pandemic.
Kavanaugh, who moved to Chicago from Dublin approximately 35 years ago, began her career bartending at local establishments like the Vic, Edgewater Lounge, and Katerina’s. She continued bartending while also working in logistics before realizing her dream of owning a bar.
Lizard’s, located at 3058 W. Irving Park Road, quickly became a staple in Albany Park, known for its welcoming atmosphere and dog-friendly policy. Kavanaugh emphasized the bar’s inclusivity, stating it was “a melting pot of culture” where “everybody likes everyone.”
The bar has hosted countless events over the years, including live music performances, birthday parties, holiday festivities, and even weddings – including Kavanaugh’s own in 2021. Local artists have also showcased their work on the bar’s walls, with Kathryn Eli creating a “Lizard Queen” mural on the exterior.
The decision to close wasn’t easy, Kavanaugh admitted. Business hasn’t fully rebounded since a temporary closure during the pandemic, and she has faced increasing mobility issues that have prevented her from bartending recently. “I decided to go out gracefully,” she said.
The final two months will be filled with celebrations, including a Mardi Gras party on Tuesday, which Kavanaugh calls “the best in the city,” featuring New Orleans-inspired music and no cover charge. A larger joint anniversary and closing celebration is planned for the weekend of April 10-12, with live music from Chicago bands.
Lizard’s took over a space previously occupied by Lost and Found, one of the city’s oldest lesbian bars. Kavanaugh said she was drawn to the location and aimed to create a space that welcomed everyone, building on the existing community and her own established clientele from years of bartending.
“It’s going to be missed, and I’m going to miss it more than anybody,” Kavanaugh said. “All my customers and friends that I’ve made from the bar will still be my friends forever.”
Looking ahead, Kavanaugh plans to enjoy retirement by traveling and spending time with friends. While she acknowledged the sadness of closing Lizard’s, she expressed a sense of peace and readiness to move on to the next chapter of her life.
Kavanaugh encouraged neighbors to visit the bar one last time before April 18, saying she’s “sorry they missed out on it” if they haven’t had a chance to experience Lizard’s Liquid Lounge.
