A sports bar is opening in Logan Square on Monday, so there has to be a twist. There is nothing ironic or hipster about this Milwaukee Avenue location, rather the twist is more exotic. Located on the second floor, Suite 25 opens on Monday.
The Story: The team behind Bucktown’s Rio D’Sudamerica wanted to open a hangout for their family and friends to enjoy the comforts of their restaurant with the added enticement of watching their favorite teams. The classic sports lounge pays homage to local legends with a mural in the stairway painted by a local artist. Once inside, the 80-seat spot features ten televisions and an 80 inch projection screen will show every game with a side of Peruvian cuisine.
The Food: Bar food with a South American twist is the name of the game. This means the usual burgers, nachos and tater tots with a bit of a kick. “Incan tater tots” are topped with sirloin, hard-boiled eggs, black olive and onions with a mayo pesto sauce. “Buenos nachos” are smothered in beef or chicken, black bean, pico de gallo, lettuce, tomato, onion, sour cream and guacamole. The signature burger is served with avocado, Gouda cheese, and a fried egg on a pretzel roll. It’s not exactly authentic, but it’s better than deep-fried-whatever-they-are-serving in Wrigleyville.
The Drinks: They serve beer and booze, but when in a Peruvian sports bar it’s only logical to drink a Pisco Sour Martini made with pisco, fresh lime juice, sugar and egg whites shaken. Insist on beer and there is an extensive list divided by style. We spy Three Floyd’s Gumballhead, Breckenridge Vanilla Porter, Lagunitas A Little Sumpin’ Sumpin’ and Tecate.
The Details: 2529 N. Milwaukee Ave.; 312-360-7478
