- Credibility:
BUCKTOWN — The team behind acclaimed Logan Square restaurant Giant is opening a new bar/restaurant in neighboring Bucktown.
The new spot, called Chef’s Special Cocktail Bar, will call 2165 N. Western Ave. home, a storefront formerly occupied by Siboney Cuban Cuisine. It’s expected to open sometime this summer.
Menu-wise, patrons can expect an array of cocktails (plus natural wines and beer) and American-Chinese food including vegetable, fried rice and noodle dishes — all using fresh ingredients. There will also be a rotating “chef’s special” menu with experimental dishes.
“Chef’s Special will be a spirited, ‘no judgement’ bar that serves great food,” the bar/restaurant’s spokeswoman wrote in a news release Thursday.
Described as a “dressed up dive bar,” Chef’s Special Cocktail Bar will stay open late. Walk-ins will be encouraged, though a limited number of reservations will be available. Folks will be able to dine in, carry out or get food delivered.
The project is a partnership between Giant partners Jason Vincent, Ben Lustbader and Josh Perlman and Giant staffers Chase Bracamontes, Aaron Kabot and Tom Scodari. Bracamontes will serve as general manager and Kabot and Scodari will man the kitchen.
“We’ve built a really solid team at Giant and are lucky to work with a crew who has been with us since the beginning. That gives us a lot of confidence to expand with this new spot,” Vincent said in the release.
“We all have our favorite dive bars in town and are drawing inspiration from those casual and comfortable spots to create a place that feels immediately familiar.”
Giant, 3209 W. Armitage Ave., has become a foodie favorite since opening in 2016. The restaurant, which serves elevated Midwestern fare, has scored glowing reviews from dining critics across the city. It was also named one of the country’s best new restaurants by Bon Appétit Magazine in 2017.
Chef’s Special Cocktail Bar will be open daily from 5 p.m.- 2 a.m.
For updates, follow @ChefsSpecialChicago on Instagram.
