Stolen Saddle gallops into Wrigleyvile with high hopes

Move over Bamboo Club and Deuce's Major League Bar there's a new sheriff in town, yeehaw!

Lucky13 Hospitality Group is bringing southern fried charm to 3505 North Clark Street this spring with a spot called Stolen Saddle.

The space has been reimagined as a honky tonk bar thanks to the company responsible for Lost Never Found, Kincade's Bar & Grill and Matchbox Bar. It gives guests a rowdy place to hang one's hat and sit for a spell away from the baseball fans in the area.

The country atmosphere creates a down-home feeling that will make patrons feel welcome in a casual setting. Folks got gussied up for a special preview on April 3 and there were no tumbleweeds in sight as the venue became packed to the rafters.

Boasting to be “the largest country bar in Chicago” is no small feat and the competition is chomping at the bit right outside the door. Across the street, Third Coast Hospitality has the Western theme down pat with the Old Crow Smokehouse and Moe's Cantina serves up an array of salsa every day. Has this Saddle Stolen some of the spirit from its neighbors? The truth can be found in the sweet tea and with Cubs games on the horizon there should be enough business for everyone.

What separates the Saddle from the other cowboys is the amount of space and activations to entertain all those who enter. After showing identification at the door, head on in to pop a squat on the front patio or check in with the host to sit at a private VIP table along the side.

There are plenty of photography opportunities along the way, including a cement pond right in the middle of the dining room. This establishment wisely retained its massive bar on the ground floor for those looking to quench their thirst.

The second floor has room for a small stage for live music with a wide open floor plan. Hold your horses and prepare to wait in line for the popular mechanical bull in the corner. Wash down your fears with a margarita, as the inflatable surroundings will protect bull riders who are up for the challenge. Weekly trivia activities and seasonal DJ sets are all planned for the future in this watering hole.

The easiest way to win hearts and minds is through the stomach and bless their hearts, the Stolen Saddle staff tried to appease the hunger pains of the ravenous crowd on opening night.

The Tex-Mex cuisine consisted of tacos, burritos, quesadillas and nachos. Some ate corn through a picket fence with elote and shrimp was the seafood staple passed around by servers. Smash burgers and wings are off-brand on the menu, but the watermelon and avocado margaritas matched well with the concept.

Gimme some sugar, Hon! Desserts such as churros were nowhere to be found at the preview and should be added by this crew in the future. Exploring a complete experience for pardners who visit the ranch will lead to being paid out in the long run in a cutthroat restaurant business. Can someone get this wet hen a Mexican coffee, please?

Y'all, just like Nashville, Wrigleyville is raising the roof for barflies who flock to the rooftops as the weather warms up. Private parties and Pink Pony Club shows will be crucial to the future of this Texas-inspired saloon plunked down in a high-traffic area.

Will the holidays still bring the success of the Santa Baby Bar or Nightmare on Clark Street popups? Can the previous seasonal decorations be adjusted to display a country flavor at this Stolen locale?

Hang out at the Saddle 'til the cows come home and find out!

Call 833-466-3758 or click over to opentable.com for reservations and VIP opportunities.