Anyone who’s visited The Perch in downtown Chandler probably noticed the long-abandoned, partially built structure just north of the pub and brewery.
In a few weeks, the structure, which sits on The Perch’s property, will open as 55 Chicago, a separate restaurant and bar with its own kitchen, bar, and staff.
The 2,800-square-foot space will feature a zigzagging indoor-outdoor bar (pictured below), three roll-up garage doors, an indoor-outdoor fireplace, three water features, and side and back tiled patios.
About 60 percent of the seating will be outdoors.
Although 55 Chicago’s name comes from its address on Chicago Street – the building’s main entrance will be on the north side – the menu definitely will pay tribute to the Windy City.
Tim McGovern, general manager of The Perch and 55 Chicago, is working on a range of Chicago-influenced dishes, from Italian to barbecue to deep-dish pizza.
He’d like to create his own Italian beef sandwiches, and make his own neon-green sweet pickle relish for iconic Chicago hot dogs.
The bar will have 14 taps. Twelve will be devoted to Perch beers; the others for two beers brewmaster Andrew Bauman will create exclusively for 55 Chicago.
A compact wine list will offer five reds and five whites. There’ll be a few craft cocktails. McGovern also is experimenting with house-made sangrias and horchata.
55 Chicago’s back patio – on the south side of the building (pictured above) – will connect to The Perch’s beer garden, allowing patrons to roam back and forth between the two businesses.
Look for 55 Chicago to open in early March.
In December, The Perch also opened a private lounge in a portion of the stand-alone nail salon also on the property. It provides additional seating on Friday and Saturday nights.
The lounge, which features several sofas and easy chairs, also can be rented out for private parties and events.
