Fab Review: Brunch at Beatnik

Beatnik, the newest restaurant from the Bonhomme Hospitality Group, opened its doors this past summer in Ukrainian Village with Executive Chef Marcos Campos and Chef de Cuisine Joseph Hejtmanek heading the kitchen. While there’s been quite a few trendy restaurant openings in this area, Beatnik is unlike any other. From the wide array of cuisines to the décor, Beatnik is truly one-of-a-kind.

I stopped in for brunch to check out the scene…

{Ambiance}
Beatnik stands out amongst the old buildings on Chicago Avenue with its colorful and inviting entrance.

When you first walk into Beatnik, you feel like you’re somewhere outside of Chicago. It’s very bright and open with an eclectic vibe. The front half of the restaurant has a see-through roof allowing a lot of natural light to come in. This restaurant can transport you away from the gloomy Chicago weather.

You can tell a lot of thought went into the planning and décor of this restaurant. While there are a lot of different patterns and textures throughout the space, it all flows seamlessly. The front half of the restaurant is a mix of tiled hi-top tables with wooden bars stools and large comfy couches decorated with a variety of patterned pillows. The floor has a cool orange and white chevron pattern.

Throughout the entire restaurant, you will notice several crystal chandeliers hanging from the ceiling, Persian rugs covering the ground, and a lot of plants and trees.

There’s a large space with a DJ playing a creative mix of upbeat music.

When you walk in, there’s a bar on the left-hand side, which is separated by a retractable wooden panel. The main bar is on the opposite side and is adorned with multi-colored tiles. The restaurant has a boho vibe to it, but also has an urban feel with a black and brown brick wall behind the bar.

The back half of the space is perfect for large groups. On the right side, there are couches lining the wall with long dining tables as well as smaller circular tables. You can also see directly into the open kitchen at the very back of the restaurant.

{Food}
The menu at Beatnik is just as eclectic as the décor. Even the plates each dish is served on are a mix of patterns and different types of bowls.

Easy Tiger Slushie
I began brunch with a creative cocktail made with absinthe and pineapple. The Easy Tiger Slushie was a refreshing, tropical drink. I felt like I should be sipping this cocktail on a beach. This tropical drink makes you forget about the fact that you’re still in Chicago and it’s freezing outside.

Grilled PB&J
This was not the typical PB&J you had as a kid. I was never a fan growing up, but Beatnik’s version has changed my mind. It was served on a warm and buttery, grilled brioche bread and had a sweet apple-blueberry jam paired with banana custard.

Pork Cheek Fried Rice
If you’re in the mood for a mouth-watering savory dish, I recommend the Pork Cheek Fried Rice with generous amounts of tender pork cheek and a medley of chickpeas, eggplant, and carrots with wild rice. This dish was on the larger side so it’s perfect for sharing, but you won’t want to because it’s so good!

Spanish Tortilla
The Spanish Tortilla was a very UNI–que dish you won’t find anywhere else. The omelette was filled with caramelized onions and Tetilla cheese and had a sharp and distinctive flavor. It was topped with fresh uni and trout roe, which is not normally something you would find on a brunch menu. I was with someone who isn’t a big fan of seafood and she was able to take the uni and trout roe off for an equally delicious dish. That was fine with me because that meant more uni for me.

Muffaletta Sandwich
Beatnik puts an innovative twist on a classic New Orleans dish… the Muffaletta Sandwich. The last time I had this tasty sandwich was in New Orleans, but Beatnik’s interpretation of it was just as great. The arepas are an exceptional addition to this sandwich. Salami, pistachio mortadella, spicy Coppa, and melted provolone are piled high on the arepa-style buns with olive tapenade and rabbit liver crema.

FAB TIP: Brunch available on Saturdays and Sundays.

{Experience}
Beatnik is officially my favorite new restaurant. Not only is the food fantastic, the vibe is lively and atmosphere colorful. It goes beyond the average new restaurants in the city. If you’re in search of a unique, but approachable dining experience, I highly suggest Beatnik.

{Location}
Beatnik
Ukrainian Village || 1604 W Chicago Ave, Chicago, IL || P: (312) 929-4945

{Price Range}
$$$ ($37-$65)

{Fab Rating: 4.5 Fabs}

What is your favorite type of food to enjoy for brunch? Share below.

Eat, Eat, Repeat,
Lisette

Note: This meal was not complimentary. The views and opinions expressed herein are those of the writer.