Park Tavern
WHAT: Park Tavern (Contemporary American)
WHERE: 1645 W. Jackson Blvd.
OUR RATING: Chance It! (Only if you’re nearby)
(parktavernchicago.com)
Here’s a new location for you to try. Part of the Park Tavern brand (the same as the Rosemont location), the new Park Tavern in the West Loop is in a rather odd location, that seems solely designed to serve the nearby United Center. A multilevel event space, Park Tavern invited us to their launch party to experience their space, food and libations.
(parktavernchicago.com)
Park Tavern is housed in a huge, modern warehouse space that captures a certain stark beauty, with at least 3 bars (along with several, small drink stations) and plush, comfy chairs. Touted as a craft beer location with semi-gastropub credentials, we were hoping to be able to sample their selection. Unfortunately, craft beers were not on offer when we visited and we had to suffice with cocktails, wine and Corona. However, the food selection was truly staggering and mouth-watering.
(parktavernchicago.com)
Adam: To be honest, my first impression of Park Tavern was not positive. The valet staff were extremely impolite to me while I was waiting for the opening, so much so that I had to stand firm and express my dismay at their behavior to them. Nevertheless, when I arrived within the space I was pleasantly surprised by the massive open-plan and wood-and-brick interior that spoke to my minimalist aesthetic.
After proceeding to the upstairs lounge, I imbibed a delicate hibiscus and vodka cocktail, the likes of which I have not encountered. While I have sampled the Upper Egyptian karkadé (hibiscus tea), the addition of alcohol to this had not crossed my mind, and the result was a pleasantly aromatic cordial.
The food was wholesome and hearty, with my personal favourites being the extremely tender buffalo chicken (sauce incorporated into batter, thus avoiding rub-off) and a rich and gamey mini-slider, which was cooked within an inch of medium.
(parktavernchicago.com)
Alicia: If you know or have been to a Restaurants America location before (of which Park Tavern is a part), it’ll help to know that this place is pretty much the same in every respect. Classic American food on the brink of gastropub-ness with an upscale casual feel.
It’s definitely a destination rather than a neighborhood place, which makes it a convenient pre/post United Center show event, but that’s about all. The tastings we were invited to were not very veggie/healthy friendly, with a big emphasis on pork, chicken tenders and sliders, but the salads on their menu sound legitimate enough, and I would definitely order their Asian turkey burger with sriracha aioli if I ever found myself around there again.
(parktavernchicago.com)
Final Thoughts: Park Tavern has an impressive interior, extremely polite wait staff, and a good, solid selection of American favourites, served in a gourmet fashion. However, due to its out-of-the-way location and developing nature, we think that this is one location not worth a special trip, but perhaps would fit well into an outing to the area, perhaps for a happy hour special before the big game. We hope to come back to Park Tavern when it is more established and see how they are doing.
