Broken Barrel Bar Now Open in Lincoln Park

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, 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 items 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 2000 square foot Beer Garden housing a full bar, giant Jenga, communal tables and bleacher seating. 

College sports fans 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.