Fri. June 20, 2014
Chicago, IL -
Boystown's latest new bar and restaurant officially opened Thursday, just before the launch of Chicago Pride Fest and not long after its predecessor Spin Nightclub announced its closure.
Located at 3206 N. Halsted St., Whiskey Trust sits comfortably on the corner of Belmont and Halsted, with a new nightclub named Chloe filling the other half of the 11,000-square-foot building to the north.
Owner Jason Zilberbrand, 30, told ChicagoPride.com that Whiskey Trust's focal point is a reclaimed oval bar that can seat roughly 40 people. That's combined with the surrounding seating area, a space Zilberbrand said is complemented by walls treated with wallpaper and paint, creating a distressed look. In addition, copper countertops and leather couches fill an elevated, lounge-like space.
It is all be capped off with a bookshelf that doubles as a secret entrance into a back area used for private tastings and special events.
And for those craving the outdoor scene in Boystown, a garden patio out back has room for 100 people. All of Whiskey Trust is adorned with an antique feel, bringing accessories like a 100-year-old barn door from Colorado into the mix.
According to Zilberbrand, however, the real center of attraction is the bar's featured product: millet and rye whiskey, as well as small-batch vodka -- all of which will be exclusive to Whiskey Trust.
"We are excited to support local distilleries in Chicago. We sourced organic Midwest ingredients for our Trust Whiskey and Trust Vodka and look forward to sharing it with the community," he said. Bottles of the product will be available for retail.
Craft cocktails will range between $12-14, with beer from $6-8. Bud Light and other similar beers will not be served.
As for the food, visitors can expect to enjoy dinner for less than $20 per person. The food menu will offer a handful of creative dishes, many of which will incorporate the house-made whiskey and vodka.
Chef consultants, Max Robbins and Jake Verstegan (hailing from Purple Pig and Kai Zan) were brought on to design the menu.
"The food is here to honor the spirits first, not the other way around," Robbins said in a statement.
Offerings include a Virginia oyster served with a shot of Trust Whiskey and mignonette, as well as a pickled beet torchon that utilizes the bar's Trust Vodka to provide a sharp, peppery taste. In addition, giving a nod to Chicago's "cash-and-carry" pastime, Whiskey Trust will also offer innovative bar snacks, further incorporating the spirits, including smoked whiskey jerky, to grab and go or enjoy at the bar.
The restaurant's regular hours are Tuesday-Friday from 5 p.m. to midnight, and Sunday from noon to midnight.
View more from Whiskey Trust's opening in Boystown
View photos from Chloe's opening in Boystown
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