The Spoke & Bird (Pilsen)

Spoke & Bird Is Back Open in Pilsen | Eater Chicago

"The Pilsen outpost, at 1248 W. 18th Street, reopened in June after originally opening nine years earlier and then closing late 2023 due to a sewer drain break in the basement; the owners used that downtime to re-concept, initially starting with limited delivery and then shifting away from wholesale toward a retail focus. Golas explains the re-conception as part of a broader approach: "If you visit New York, every corner has a bodega on it," and added that they "are moving towards a smaller, nimbler place where you can get a coffee, a meal made to order, and pick up some supplies, but with our focus on things sourced as much locally as possible." The Pilsen shop features about 300 products from primarily Midwest-based providers, including pickles from Bridgeview's SuckerPunch and sauces from Chicago's Big Fork Brands, flavored dried shiitake mushroom chips from Popadelics, produce from the Urban Canopy, honey from Irie Farms, Effie’s Homemade salad dressing, and more. In addition to retail, the location serves sandwiches on house-baked breads with meat from Slagel Farms, offers coffee drinks with a small counter area providing a few seats, and no longer operates its former wholesale business. Hours are listed as 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. Monday to Friday, closed Saturday and Sunday. The owners plan to replicate this model in other neighborhoods and are building a larger Bridgeport site (about 6,500 square feet) to resemble the original South Loop format with a full kitchen, liquor license, and espresso bar that will eventually serve as a production hub; as Golas puts it, "That’s going to be our MO going forward," with "a little more focus on retail and grab-and-go items that people can take with them." - Lisa Shames