Last night I headed over to the Broken Barrel Bar in Lincoln Park. It’s been open for less than a week now, but it’s hard to tell because service was running smooth and the place was packed!
Photo Cred: Broken Barrel Bar
Broken Barrel Bar is the newest concept from Wine Not Hospitality and owner Luke Johnson. Executive Chef Bryant Anderson, who has won countless awards at Chicago’s Best Wing Fest, Bacon Fest, Mac & Cheese Fest and WACO Wing Fest, introduced 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.”
Chef Anderson is smoking meats in a custom smoker using hickory and oak logs to elevate the flavors in his tacos, sandwiches and flatbreads. Check out some of the yummy food items we had below!
Oak-Smoked Wings
Oak-Smoked Wings Smoked over oak logs and fried crispy (Multiple sauces to choose from)
Broken Brisket Dip
Broken Brisket Dip 14-hour hickory brisket, Muenster cheese, house pickled Asian peppers, sautéed mushrooms and onions, buttered French roll
Roasted Brussels Sprout Nachos
Roasted Brussels Sprout Nachos crispy Brussels sprouts, fresno peppers, pickled red onions, radish, smoked cheddar sauce, cilantro and queso fresco
Mac and Cheese
Mac and Cheese Prepared to order with smoked cheddar. Multiple toppings to choose. Pictured Bacon and Roasted Tomatoes.
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
Cocktails: Mango Number Five and Kiwi Margarita
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.
Photo Cred: Broken Barrell Bar
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.
Chef Bryant Anderson and Tavi J.
All photos, unless otherwise noted, were taken by Tavi J. of the Chicago Lifestyle blog Chi@Glance.
Meal was complimentary, but opinions are all honest commentary from Tavi J. of the Chicago Lifestyle Blog Chi@Glance.
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