Bar 109

Intended as the more casual, no-reservation counterpart to Brian Baik’s soon-to-open tasting counter Corridor 109, Bar 109 serves a menu of refined, classically inspired cocktails and reasonably priced wine and beer, plus elevated bar bites like a decadent Wagyu hot dog and a crispy fish sandwich inspired by McDonald’s Filet-O-Fish. The Tuesday 10pm Burger is the ultimate culinary Easter egg—true to its name, the juicy, bistro-style creation is only available after 10pm on Tuesdays, with area locals grabbing seats at the bar well beforehand to ensure they get their hands on one. Before decamping to Bar 109, head bartender Kayla Garcia helped open Thunderbolt’s Valley sibling, Night on Earth, and previously oversaw the drinks program at Chicago’s Kumiko, which has earned both regional and global recognition from World’s 50 Best Bars. On my visit, I enjoyed the non-alcoholic Chic Hey (inspired by Korean sikhye, a fermented malt and rice beverage) and the Marine Layer, Garcia’s seaweed-infused take on a dirty martini. Boozier options like the Mikan Old Fashioned and the rum-based Sanshito will appeal to those who enjoy darker spirits, though the bartenders here also more than know their way around fruitier, lighter options if the Ichigo Punch (vodka, mezcal, strawberry, basil, clarified milk) is any indication.