A brand new gastropub and gamery called The Parched Pug is opening in Libertyville, located at 1590 S Milwaukee Ave.
The Parched Pug will move into the former home of Taco El Norte, according to the Daily Herald. Owner Mark Carlson tells What Now Chicago he and his wife Heather Carlson hope to open the new 6,000-square-foot gastropub in late May or early June. This new innovative eatery will feature 42 taps on a self-pour beverage wall, more than 200 board games, a nine-hole, tabletop mini-golf course, and more, all designed by Mark, an electrical engineer. The interior will open onto a 1,900-square-foot deck overlooking a pond.
As the name suggests, The Parched Pug will also be heavily centered around dogs. The Carlsons, having four dogs of their own (two of them being pugs), wanted to create a welcoming space for both humans and their pet companions, as well as show their support and passion for local dog rescues. Dog-centric events and features are planned at the new venue on the south end of the building. These events will have to be outside, near the entrance, due to health department code.
Carlson says guests can expect upscale American pub food, such as burgers, flatbreads, pot pies, soups and salads, and a good number of appetizers. To honor the British pubs in the world, The Parched Pug will also serve fish and chips. Despite all the exciting “elevated” pub-style food, Carlson says this will be “more than just a restaurant.”
When the new gastropub does open, guests can expect an industrial-style design with about 140 seats for customers. The majority of drinks will be locally brewed beer and wine, and housemade cocktails, all from a PourMyBeer beverage wall. If alcohol isn’t your thing, but you still want to experience this gastropub, Tala Coffee Roasters in Libertyville will supply coffee for guests to enjoy. Ultimately, this will become Lake County’s first self-serve beverage wall and a board game library.
So excited to experience this innovative and family-friendly spot.