A ladies-only lineup. The kickoff to Beverly Art Walk Week. Craft cocktails! There’s a lot to love about this edition of The Frunchroom.

If you’re just learning about us after South Side Weekly named us one of the Best of the South Side or seeing us on Windy City Live, here’s everything you need to know. Even if you’ve been to The Frunchroom before, there’s new info here for you like the artists whose work you’ll see and details on those drinks.

Who are the readers?

Eve Ewing
Essayist, poet, sociologist, editor, artist

Katy Jacob
Writer, professional nerd, payments expert

Sheila Maloney
Mom, lawyer, professor, friend, wine enthusiast

Eileen O’Connor
Blogger

Mare Swallow
Writer, founder of Chicago Writers Conference, fan of gin, ukulele novice

What’s the time? 730pm. But show up early so you chat with friends, get a drink from the bar and settle in.

Where’s the place? Beverly Woods Restaurant (11532 S. Western Ave.)

What’s the cost? We ask for a $5 donation at the door to support the work of the non-profit Beverly Area Arts Alliance, which co-produces the show, sets up the room and coordinates the beautiful art you’ll see in our space.

Wait, there’s art? Yes, we will have vintage fashion illustrations from Judie Anderson and some sharp hats from Jen Kolb throughout the space.

Are there seats? Yes, but get there early. We tend to pack the house. We’ll be in the Caravan Room.

Where do I park? Beverly Woods has ample parking. Park in the north lot and you’ll be closest to the entrance for the show.

How do I get there via transit? We’re a more car-friendly destination than a transit-friendly one. It’s a 15-20 walk from Metra’s 1115th St. stop on the Rock Island Line. Take Metra’s Rock Island line to 115th St. Walk west on 115th St. then make a left on Longwood to 116th St. and make a right. Walk toward Bell Ave. and make a left until you get to 116th Pl. then make a right. Walk to Western Ave. and make a right. Cross Western at 116th St. You’ll see Beverly Woods on your left. Or you can take the Western Avenue CTA bus (note to North Siders: this is a reaaaaally long ride) or the Pace 349.

Where can I eat? Get there early and you can eat in Beverly Woods’s restaurant area (try their famous rolls). Snapper’s is right next door for some fast-food fish and Lumes Pancake House is across the street. For more nearby restaurants, there’s this list from Yelp.

You mentioned drinks? Beer and wine will be available at the cash bar. Plus, Horse Thief Hollow’s own Lizzy Benner will have two craft cocktails available: Commodores and blackberry gin fizzes, each for $8.

What are the stories like? Some are sincere, some are tongue-in-cheek. One may be a call-to-action, another might make you think. One might be historical, one might make you remember a place you haven’t been since childhood. Basically, like having a conversation with someone you haven’t seen in a while. This review from South Side Weekly really captures what we’re about.

Who’s helping you with this? I’m producing this in partnership with The Beverly Area Arts Alliance (or The Alliance, for short).

A big thanks to Monica Wilczak, Sal Campbell, David Barsotti, Jane Zia, Chris Wilczak and Lizzy Benner who’ve given this event material, financial and moral support. And a huge thanks to Beverly Woods for hosting us. (Thank them by purchasing beverages and tipping profusely.)

And, of course, huge thanks to all our readers and, in advance, to you for coming.