Have you ever wanted to be a wizard or witch? Soon, a new magical restaurant and bar will bring you closer to those dreams.
The Cauldron, a U.K.-based chain, is headed to Wicker Park on May 4. The wizard-themed concept will offer whimsical concoctions that change colors, bubble and smoke. The Chicago outpost will take over the 10,000-square-foot space that used to house The Bedford and is the company’s third (and largest) location in the U.S., following openings in New York City and Philadelphia, and sixth overall.
“We’ve developed a competitive cocktail program specifically for Chicagoans that speaks to lovers of fantasy, science, and craft cocktails. We are incredibly excited to open our doors and launch a product that Chicago hasn't yet seen,” co-founder David Duckworth said in a press release.
In addition to having a full-service restaurant and bar, The Cauldron will also feature “The Vault,” a speakeasy located inside a former bank vault. Here, a team of “Magicineers” will create molecular libations that showcase science, some of which can only be obtained by using special wizarding currency. Options include The Ode to Mullica—a bourbon and maple cocktail served in a smoking bell jar—and The Blob, an aloe and tequila cocktail with an expanding head.
On the restaurant side, the kitchen will turn out British comfort foods with a fantasy twist, like Cauliflower Cheese served on fire and extinguished with liquid ribbons of white cheddar, and Elven Bread wrapped in banana leaves and presented on a wooden log alongside lavender-honey yogurt dip.
For those who want to get hands on, The Cauldron will host “Potion-Making Experiences” where you can cast “spells” with interactive wands in order to pour drinks, plus brew your own illuminating cocktails. Though the classes are mainly for adults, there will be specific time slots for guests under 21 as well. And if that’s not enough wizardry, you’ll be able to pick up magical products such as cast iron cauldrons, ink and quill sets, wands and more from Tomes & Trinkets, a gift shop inside The Cauldron.
Take a look at some more photos below and get your robes ready for The Cauldron’s opening in May.
