Broken Barrel Bar Now Open in Lincoln Park
September 11, 2018
Broken Barrel Bar, the newest concept from Wine Not Hospitality and owner Luke Johnson, is now open at 2548 N. Southport Avenue in Lincoln Park. Executive Chef Bryant Anderson, who has won countless awards at Chicago’s Best Wing Fest, Bacon Fest, Mac & Cheese Fest and WACO Wing Fest, introduces the chef-driven tailgate restaurant and bar in the former Crossing space.
“We are thrilled to bring Broken Barrel Bar to the Lincoln Park neighborhood and provide a new destination for dining and drinking enthusiasts of all ages,” comments Luke Johnson. “The bar will be the ultimate place for the best tailgate food, creative cocktails in the Beer Garden and brunch with family during a Bears game. There’s something for everyone.”
Anderson is smoking meats in a custom smoker using hickory and oak logs to elevate the flavors in his tacos, sandwiches and flatbreads. Menu must-haves include:
Broken Brisket Dip 14-hour hickory brisket, Muenster cheese, house pickled Asian peppers, sautéed mushrooms and onions, buttered French roll
Roasted Brussels Sprout Nachos crispy Brussels sprouts, fresno peppers, pickled red onions, radish, smoked cheddar sauce, cilantro and queso fresco
Sticky Curry Pork Tacos pickled red cabbage, 12-hour oak smoked pork, housemade cape malay curry sauce and micro cilantro
Anderson’s favorites during brunch on Saturdays and Sundays include:
Guajillo Lamb Stack slow smoked lamb shoulder, fried eggs, spiked hollandaise sauce, served over fresh baked biscuits
The Hangover Sandwich smoked brisket, fried egg, Merkts cheddar, arugula, tomato, crispy onions, toasted pretzel bun
Cocktail maven Miranda Breedlove has crafted the bar’s beverage program including large format cocktails with straws galore for groups and specialty cocktails:
Boozy Root Beer Float banana infused bourbon, vanilla ice cream, Mugg’s root beer served in an old school ice cream glass
The Smokeshow Old Fashioned Old Grand Dad 100 Proof Bourbon, Orange and Angostura infused Demerara syrup, Australian Bitters Company Smoke Bitters
Kiwi Margarita Tromba Tequila, kiwi, pineapple
Three canned cocktails, White Claw Grapefruit, Pampelonne Rose Lime and French 75, and four canned roses will be served individually or in a drinking Trough. The oval-shaped, galvanized, metal planters are used to serve multiple canned beverages and domestic beer on ice. Bar goers can also choose from 16 local beers on tap.
Broken Barrel features a bright airy atmosphere while capturing the exposed brick from the original 1800’s building. Local talents from the graffiti art community have captured their stylistic designs and urban inspirations in various areas of the bar.
The outdoor space includes a massive 2000 square foot Beer Garden housing a full bar, giant Jenga, communal tables and bleacher seating. Guests looking to host a private event will love the event space accommodating up to 50 guests, fit with its own bar, booth seating and Juliet window overlooking the Beer Garden.
College sports fanatics will appreciate the 40 flat screen TVs supporting college teams University of Kansas and University of Notre Dame and of course Chicago sports. Broken Barrel Bar will also feature daily specials and local DJs on Friday and Saturday nights beginning at 10 p.m.
Broken Barrel Bar is now open for dinner and weekend brunch. Reservations are available on Open Table or by calling 773-327-4900. Hours of operation include Monday through Thursday 5 p.m to 2 a.m.; Friday 4 p.m. to 2 a.m.; Saturday 11 a.m. to 3 a.m. and Sunday 11 a.m. to 2 a.m. For more details, visit the website or on Facebook and Instagram @brokenbarrelbar.
