We've all been waiting for some good news to come out of Springfield lately, and it's arrived. And it's covered in cheese.

Introducing 6 Degrees, a new Bucktown pub opening tonight with a few fresh ideas about friendship and one amazing feat of culinary magic coming soon straight from the capital.

Located in the former Chinaski's/Whiskey Road spot, 6 Degrees freshens up the space with a sturdy wooden bar and a wall of photographs featuring the owners, their friends, their friend's friends…and, eventually, you: the plan is to let customers add their own photos, and there's even a secret notebook behind the bar where patrons can scribble out stories about the people pictured (no one tells a band camp story like you).

But it's the bar's downstate connection that's probably most intriguing. Later this month, 6 Degrees plans to become one of the few places in town to offer The Horseshoe, a regional specialty imported from the owners' hometown of Springfield. Think Texas toast piled with your favorite meats (hamburger, turkey, chicken, Italian beef), topped with crispy French fries and, finally, smothered in warm, thick cheese sauce.

Order one with a cold Half Acre or Sam Adams while perched at a high-top table near the front windows, which open onto Damen, letting you wave passersby to come join you.

Because you may need help finishing.