West Town's dining scene just got a bit more buzz-worthy with the opening of GoodFunk, a new wine bar by Bonhomme Hospitality Group, the same visionaries behind the eclectic Beatnik restaurants. Nestled alongside its West Town sibling, GoodFunk rolled out its welcome mat on Thursday, bringing a slice of natural wine heaven to the vibrant neighborhood. Daniel Alonso, Bonhomme's founder and creative dynamo, declared the bar "...a wine bar for wine lovers created by wine lovers, and a haven for those seeking the untamed beauty of unfiltered, organic wines in a cozy, laid-back setting," in a statement given to Eater Chicago.
Alonso's expansion efforts, which first took traction in late 2023, culminated in the new establishment, adjoined to Beatnik West Town and sharing an entrance, allowing the group to stake out yet another spot on the Chicago Avenue strip despite Porto, their Michelin-starred seafood joint next door has been closed since August, it is set to reopen in April, making it a power trio for neighborhood foodies. The group's scramble to bring new flavors and vibes to Chicago began earlier with spaces like the Silk Road-inspired Bambola and French Kiss of Coquette in 2022, but the new GoodFunk aims to top those earlier endeavors as Brasero, the South American brainchild of esteemed chef John Manion, flares to life just a fork's throw across the street.
GoodFunk's opening isn't just about the grape though; it's a full-on palate party with a fresh food menu crafted by Marcos Campos, Bonhomme's culinary director and top chef at Beatnik. Unveiled simultaneously at GoodFunk and the original Loop location, the menu marries international takes on Spain and Portugal's nosh, offering everything from pintxos to conservas, which aim to sync up with the wine's funky notes as Alfonso explained to Eater Chicago: "Chef Marcos and his culinary team are always committed to working with the best purveyors and seasonal products available." A meat and cheese board sided with sourdough bread, and a pepperoni flatbread spin, reimagined with soppressata picante, ricotta, honey, and confit tomato, are but a few of the offerings meant to dance alongside the vino.
True to Bonhomme's form, GoodFunk is dripping with character, sporting a Maison Bonhomme-crafted design that mirrors the Art Deco influences of its Loop counterpart, featuring touches like a vintage-tiled front counter and teak bar stools that speak to Alonso's penchant for transporting guests through decor. Alonso, ever underplaying his hand, teased the possibility of another GoodFunk outpost sometime in the unspecified future but underscored his current focus on fostering community spirit within West Town as he relays "We are thrilled be growing in the neighborhood and to continue to be part of its story and evolution," in comments extracted from Block Club Chicago.
This latest venture firms up Bonhomme's practice of geographically concentrating its concepts, inviting patrons to skip seamlessly from one atmospheric eatery to the next throughout an evening's adventure. West Town regulars, it looks like your culinary map just got a new pin.
