There's a brand-new brewpub in town. Called Empirical Brew Pub, the fresh addition is a food-inclusive spinoff of Empirical Brewery, and is located at 1328 W Morse Ave. (between Wayne Ave & Glenwood Ave) in Rogers Park.
From Empirical's owners:
Located on Morse Avenue, in the front of a completely renovated and meticulously restored theater (Mayne Stage), Empirical Brew Pub will finally allow us to experiment with beer AND food. We will experiment with dishes that incorporate beer, some that pair food with particular beers, craft some awesome beer cocktails, and generally just celebrate beer, food, and our neighborhood.
Open since mid-June, the new spot offers bar-friendly snacks like pretzels and beef jerky, plus a full spread of appetizers (think poutine, crab cakes, and shepherd's pie wontons), as well as salads and larger dishes like the BBQ pork belly, signature burger, fish 'n' chips, and build-your-own sandwich option.
Being a brewery, Empirical also offers a variety of flagship and seasonal beers, as well as low-ABV beer-based cocktails, and nitro brews, cider, and wine on tap.
With a 5-star rating out of three reviews on Yelp so far, Empirical Brew Pub is on its way to developing a local fan base.
Anne D., who was among the first Yelpers to review the new spot on June 23rd, said: "5/5 would recommend. This is going to be my new spot! If you love excellent food and craft beer and check this place out. Great environment and friendly staff are also a plus :)"
Yelper Lindsey A. added: "Visited on a Saturday afternoon during this spot's soft launch and was uber impressed. Amazingly sweet, attentive staff. Tasty, and filling food. Delicious beer cocktails (and beer.)"
And Melissa B. said: "Great food and beer! I had the tempeh meatballs, pickled veggies, and and the gamma ray ginger wheat beer. Super delicious! I couldn't even tell that the meatballs were completely vegan."
With a price rating of two dollar signs on Yelp, an outing to Empirical Brew Pub is estimated to cost $11-$30 per person.
Interested? Stop by to welcome the new business to the neighborhood. Empirical Brew Pub is open Tuesday and Wednesday from noon to 10pm, Thursday to Saturday from noon to midnight, and Sunday from noon to 8pm. (It's closed on Monday.)
