Lardon, Chicago’s neighborhood café by Meadowlark Hospitality’s Steve Lewis and chef/partner Chris Thompson opened their second venture by opening doors to Union, a new 65-seat evening-focused sister spot directly adjoining the same space that houses Lardon. Located at 2202 N. California Avenue almost directly below the L Train’s Blue Line tracks, Union officially opened it’s doors to guests on Monday, March 21, 2022. Showcasing everything from funky sours to dark Czech lagers and classic pilsners by an eclectic array of breweries from both Chicago and the Midwest on its 24 rotating taps (Middlebrow, Marz, Aleman, Dovetail, Hopewell to name a few), the beer program will be complemented by Chef Thompson’s New American cuisine by way of seasonally focused, shareable plates for any occasion.
“Chicago is arguably one of the best beer cities in the country,” said Lewis in a statement. “With Union, we wanted to bring together the best parts about beer and the city’s beer culture in an environment that lends itself to that experience, but with all of the exciting things Chris can put on a plate.”
Thompson’s food will piggyback off the whole animal butchery and emphasis on sustainability found at Lardon. Look for a modern take on classic comfort food with dishes such as the Catalpa Grove Illinois lamb and pistachio meatballs with pomegranate, shaved fennel and a caper salsa verde; cauliflower Romanesco with fire roasted piquillo pepper, queso fresco, almonds and mint; smoked white trout with horseradish cream, accompanying griddled rye and fresh dill-herb salad; or a juicy brisket burger piled high with aged Wisconsin cheddar, crispy onion strings and an indulgent smear of bone marrow aioli on a brioche bun.
Alongside the tap menu, Union features a spirits list of over 200 bottles of whiskey featuring Midwestern small batch distillers, Japanese whiskeys, and Kentucky bourbons. Union’s cocktail program specializes in classic brown liquor-based cocktails. Wine lovers will find a curated list that features ten biodynamic and organic wines, domestically sourced with an emphasis on women-owned boutique wineries.
Traces of the original 110-year-old building are still present in the 1,200 square foot space but have been restored by Lewis to bring new life to the “good bones and old-soul” of the property.
Union has plans to roll out community focused collaborations and beer-focused programming later this summer and is open daily for dinner and drinks Sunday – Thursday 5PM – Midnight, Friday and Saturday 5PM to 1AM.
