Scofflaw.

Courtesy of Scofflaw

The latest addition to Logan Square is a gin soaked, tractor seat lined, & largely successful experience created by Scofflaw. From an array of gin based cocktails to a menu of delicious eats & on to a night that easily becomes standing room only in a very large space, Scofflaw has hit all the right notes to becomes the latest ‘must go’ bar in the area.

The Story: The formation of minds behind Scofflaw is no doubt lengthy & contains many high honors. From Longman & Eagle to The Whistler to The Boiler Room to Bonny’s to Simone’s it’s almost like the list never ends. What you find when you walk into the corner bar is an almost deceivingly large space that fills up quick as the night goes on. The bar is lined with repurposed vintage tractor seats & the two rooms that make up the bar contain two fireplaces to lounge in front of & are probably the most coveted of spaces with the large half circle booth.

The Drinks: Helmed in part by Danny Shapiro, formerly of The Whistler, the entire cocktail menu is set at $8 which is a welcomed return from its disappearance at other Chicago bars. From gin based cocktails like the Rocket Frost, Small’s gin, Schladerer pear brandy, lime, Grenadine, & egg white, to unexpected delights such as the Tomahawk, Ritten House bonded rye whiskey, Miletti amaro, Orgeat, lemon, & orange saffron bitters, the care found in the well crafted menu is extraordinary. One thing to be certain is that the cocktail menu is a list of surprises where nothing is as it seems from just reading the ingredients. The Newer Newark is a stiffer drink containing Lairds bonded apple brandy, carpano antica, yellow chartruese, Ferver Blanca, & root beer bitters while Bourbon is a refreshing delight with Very Old Barton bonded bourbon, Benedictine, orange curacao, lemon, & angostura bitters. With such a menu there is no doubt to find one drink that dances on the palate.

The Food: Longman & Eagle veteran, Mickey Neely, has created a tidy menu containing plates that are in many ways so close to knocking it out of the park. From a spectacular piece of pork belly that is only held back by its oddly paired side of a white bean puree to a very odd scallop that is chilled & combined with an overly earthy sorrel. The real all stars are the simplest of dishes from the cheek sandwich of pork cheek, slaw & mayonnaise, the fries, & the brisket sandwich.

The Verdict: Scofflaw is no doubt destined for greatness but it just needs a bit of time to iron out its kinks. From maybe holding back on their allotted capacity to focus only on its expansive seating, that can fill up fast, to deciding on what plates work best. It’s early & these problems are expected so its easy to overlook them when everything else works so well & especially at midnight on the weekend when you get handed a complimentary cookie.

Cost: $16 for a drink & a plate. (w/o tip or tax)

Scofflaw

3201 W. Armitage Ave.

Chicago, IL

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