Wyler Road

Was a fan of the Brown Sack, but I haven't tried the new concept that opened up in their old space, Wyler Road. Does anyone have a report? I'll probably go nonetheless since it's so close, but it'd be interesting to hear some thoughts on their menu if anyone has been.

Wyler Road
3581 W Belden Ave
Chicago, IL 60647

I went thrice in their first two months of operation. Twice for sandwiches, once for beer. It's similar to the Brown Sack in that sandwiches take an eternity to come out. It's polar opposite from the Brown Sack in that they seriously skimp on whatever's between the bread. I remember tasting nothing but generic white bread while eating something beefy. On the other lunch visit, I had the clam belly sandwich. Again, just bread. Kinda made me nostalgic for the significantly more flavorful White Castle clam strips I enjoyed in the early 90's.

That and $6-$8 10 oz draft pours of standard ABV beer have kept me away.

My co-workers and I really miss the Brown Sack. Everything about it screamed "neighborhood". That fat bottomed slow roasted pork sandwich was worth the wait; so was the BLAST. The line between hippie dawdling and hipster aloofness is not so thin, and I much prefer the former.

Don't be discouraged though. My criticism will surely blossom into dissent, and Wyler Road will thrive as the west continues to expand.

Sweetbread wrote:My co-workers and I really miss the Brown Sack. Everything about it screamed "neighborhood". That fat bottomed slow roasted pork sandwich was worth the wait; so was the BLAST. The line between hippie dawdling and hipster aloofness is not so thin, and I much prefer the former.

The BLAST was one of my favorite lunchtime indulgences. Stopped in last night just for drinks and they said they plan to revive the BLAST on special from time to time, but as you note, the environment, attitude, very different from Brown Sack. Draft cocktails a bit too sweet for my taste. I can't say it's not a go out of your way place until I try the food, but "outlook not so good."

I love the folks running - and working at - this place and the concept seems like a can't miss but there's something going on here that, for whatever reason, makes it just a bit less than the sum of its parts for me. The menu reads spectacularly well but doesn't quite play out as successfully as it could. I haven't been there for a few months and should probably stop back in again soon. I imagine that it will come together like a well-oiled machine if it hasn't already.

=R=

I dined here yesterday and enjoyed an order of cheese curds and the reuben sandwich with side salad. Sitting at the bar, service was pleasant and my food items were well-paced (and tasty). Perhaps because it wasn't crowded during the late afternoon service that I had a better experience than others, but I was satisfied enough with what I ate to probably not mind if it had been delivered slowly.

Definitely miss the Brown Sack and I was getting nostalgic while sitting at the counter. I noticed one remaining remnant from the previous restaurant's "decor", a sticker for a particular non-hipster band that still adorns the vent hood in the kitchen. It would be so great if Wyler brought back the BLAST!

Also, Wyler is celebrating it's 1 year anniversary later this week:

https://www.facebook.com/events/305776016444394/

RIP Brown Sack. I lived right around the corner for a few years. Ween and Phish posters everywhere, right?

Talk about getting "Brown," amirite Lerdawg?

Any recent data points on this place? In reviewing the Trip top 25 corned beef list (https://www.chicagotribune.com/dining/c ... -list.html), I read this name - a new one for me. Searched here and sure enough, there's been some chatter, but not for 6+ years.

Wasn't Brown Sack on Armitage? I know I'm a little dusty but could have sworn it was west of Central Park on Armitage.

Ahmad Shareef wrote:Wasn't Brown Sack on Armitage? I know I'm a little dusty but could have sworn it was west of Central Park on Armitage.

It was but iirc, moved to the space now occupied by Wyler Road before it closed.

=R=

Okay, thanks for confirming I'm not completely losing my marbles, Ronnie.

Ahmad Shareef wrote:Okay, thanks for confirming I'm not completely losing my marbles, Ronnie.

Or . . . maybe we both are!

=R=

Well, if you noticed the route of our "March Fourth for Froth" pub crawl for the Logan Square Draught Beer Preservation Society, this would have been in a significant spot on it, and I certainly would have taken a photograph of it. It is not there anymore.