There have been several mentions around the forums about Ludlow Liquors and Old Habits, the foodservice component that's situated inside the bar (
here,
here and
here, and probably others, too). I figured I'd start a dedicated thread and since this post is mainly about the food, I'm putting it here in the EOiC forum.
The bar occupies the former Orbit Room space and is helmed by Wade McElroy and Jeff Donahue who, along with Heisler Group, also helm the bouncy, pan-latin-themed Estereo in Logan Square and the gritty, nouveau/psuedo-dive bar Sportman's Club in Ukrainian Village. Ludlow is the first venture for this duo outside of -- and apart from -- Heisler, but their natural ability to provide lived-in comfort and welcome-back hospitality shines through from the get-go. The space is inviting with a well-stocked, burnished-wood back bar and creamsicle-orange, art deco-style accent lighting. There's also an exceptional patio space on the east side of the building with a dedicated satellite bar and seating for 60+. In short, the place is a perpetual party.
As if all this weren't enough, under the moniker of Old Habits, chef Nick Jirasek and sous chef Eric Valdivia run the kitchen inside of Ludlow and from there, are turning out some the city's best bar food. In fact, it's almost a mild insult to refer to it as bar food because even though many of the offerings are perfectly suited to be eaten in a bar setting, the food itself far transcends the category.
For example, a friend and I recently enjoyed a dinner of
Shrimp Fried Rice and
Chikin Delight (smoked jerk chiken, dirty rice, coco black beans). I've also enjoyed -- on more than one occasion -- the
Chicago Rib Tips (classic smoked rib tips en su jugo, chicha, cheesed flour tortilla & seeded slaw) and their calling card sandwich, the
Beefy Boi (pot roast sammich - braised brisket and cheek meat, house giardiniera aioli, onion crips, salt n vin chips)
Most recently, I stopped in with the family for some pre-dinner beverages and bites . . .
Crab Dragoon (crab meat, everything crm chz, grunions),
Filipino Egg Rolls (beef, pork, spam, patis)
Shrimp Fried Rice (laughin bird schwumps, old bay rice, egg),
Frensch Cut Fries w/bolognese, aka Bolo Fries
For reference, here's a shot of the printed version of the menu . . .
Old Habits menu - 18.0707It's a great pleasure having this fine and friendly establishment within walking distance (though, I generally don't walk under the Kennedy after dark!
). It's a quintessential neighborhood spot, and it feels that way from the moment you walk in. And just to be clear, even folks from outside the neighborhood are treated warmly there.
On appearances this is not the kind of setting in which one might typically expect to find food this compelling or destination-worthy. But having been through most of the menu -- and some of it multiple times -- I can say with certainty that is. So, if you're a fan of great food, you need to check out the fare being put out by Old Habits @ Ludlow Liquors.
p.s. The bar offerings are equally notable but that's a story for another post.
=R=
Old Habits @ Ludlow Liquors
2959 N. California
Chicago, IL 60618
(773) 754-7492
Same planet, different world