Angry Pig Tavern

"Owner Mark Hemmer operated the casual restaurant and bar for nearly a-year-and-half, opening Angry Pig Tavern in April 2018. Hemmer posted an emotional goodbye announcement stating that he needed to be there for his family." - Daniel Gerzina

"Chicago’s dining scene continues to skew casual as Angry Pig Tavern opens tonight in Wicker Park in the space that’s housed Spring, Trenchermen and — most recently — Trench since 2001. Lettuce Entertain You Enterprises’ plans pushed Angry Pig Tavern owner Mark Hemmer out of his riverside space downtown at the Bridge House Tavern. Hemmer rebounded with Angry Pig, where he brings a touch of Bridge House to Wicker Park with dishes like a pineapple-braised pork belly and a 10-ounce classic cheeseburger. Ownership hasn’t done too much remodeling since they took over the space. They’ve added a few TVs and chalkboards inside, and new neon signage outside. The space was in good shape when Heisler Hospitality vacated and closed Trench. Hemmer touted its beautiful bar area. He wants this to be a community hang out spot. Angry Pig Tavern will attempt to solve the riddle that is Wicker Park’s dining scene starting at 5 p.m. today." - Ashok Selvam

"Angry Pig Tavern, named for a statue of a 'disgruntled' pig in a chef's outfit he had on display at Bridge House that he also named a burger after, will be a 'neighborhood polished tavern' that will serve casual entrees, sandwiches, appetizers, bar food, and brunch, owner Mark Hemmer says. Also expect lots of pork, whisky, craft beer, and some cocktails." - Daniel Gerzina

"Angry Pig Tavern is taking a more neighborhood approach inside the space that once housed Trenchermen. Specials include $1 oysters sold by the half-dozen and half-off sharable plates." - Ashok Selvam