Tavern on the Point

6724 N. Northwest Highway

TavernOnThePoint.com

773-867-6300

The scene: Going strong four and a half years after opening right in the heart of the pandemic, Tavern on the Point — and its impressive and versatile 7,500 square feet of space — is like nothing else in the area. “It’s a slice of River North and the Gold Coast mixed with Edison Park — classy and stylish but friendly and welcoming,” owner John Capesius told us when he opened. And he wasn’t wrong.

Tavern on the Point has a modern, industrial design with exposed air ducts, finished concrete floors, a custom-made wall dedicated to Chicago’s first responders and 16-foot floor-to-ceiling windows that open to the outside. A beautiful square bar is the centerpiece of the main floor, and customers can enjoy a mix of booths and tall tables, as well as a second-floor dining room and rooftop deck (more on that later). It’s also the perfect place to catch the game with some 37 TVs and a top-of-the-line sound system designed for live music and DJs.

It reminds me of a favorite sports bar in downtown Chicago that I used to work at years ago. Same kind of lively vibe, and so friendly and welcoming. I love bringing my family here for brunch.”

The menu: Think elevated American comfort food with a flair, and plenty of rotating seasonal specials. Go light with one of seven creative salads, or start things off with an appetizer like Irish nachos, steamed Prince Edward Island mussels, ricotta meatballs or — our favorite — arguably the best fried calamari in the area that comes topped with a sweet chili glaze, cilantro, toasted sesame seeds and sriracha aioli.

The grilled cheese with braised short rib and a sweet onion jam, smoked salmon on rye bread with a caper aioli, and the baked chicken parm are sandwich favorites of ours for sure.
As for entrées, which Caspesius said they modeled after a Wisconsin supper club, the fried chicken, bourbon-glazed pork chop, bone-in ribeye and sautéed walleye in a lemon butter sauce are some of the highlights. “You’ll never find a better pork chop anywhere, and I’ll give you your money back if you disagree,” Capesius says with a smile, we think half-joking.

A popular weekend brunch from 10 a.m.-3 p.m. offers tasty options like carrot cake French toast, breakfast burritos and a filet-and-eggs Benedict, not to mention a mimosa package and bloody Mary bar.

Events galore: There is never a shortage of activity at Tavern on the Point, with events ranging from police, school and breast cancer fundraisers to Acoustic Fridays, holiday markets and the classic voice of Tony Ocean. Hosting a party, looking for customized catering or just need space for a large group? This is your place. Keep an eye out for major Super Bowl plans too.

Find yourself with an afternoon off or able to head out for a few drinks before dinner? Tavern on the Point’s stellar weekday happy hour from 3-6 p.m. features $3 wells, seltzers and domestic beers, along with half-price appetizers and kids under 12 eating free.

A happy hour not to be missed: Find yourself with an afternoon off or able to head out for a few drinks before dinner? Tavern on the Point’s stellar weekday happy hour from 3-6 p.m. features $3 wells, seltzers and domestic beers, along with half-price appetizers and kids under 12 eating free. Other specials include a $10 burger-and-beer combo on Mondays (along with trivia or name-that-tune competitions), half-price bottles of wine on Tuesdays, 99-cent wing Wednesdays and ladies night on Thursdays with half-price appetizers, $5 mixed drinks and $8 Tito’s martinis.

Summer destination: Unless you’ve been living under a rock the last few years, you have to know that Tavern on the Point is one of the area’s premier destinations during the warmer months with its beautiful sidewalk patio (with shaded overhang) and spacious rooftop deck overlooking the heart of Edison Park. It’s a unique setup for sure, and the kind of sun-soaked space that makes it easy to lose a few hours. In a good way.

Patron appreciation: “It reminds me of a favorite sports bar in downtown Chicago that I used to work at years ago. Same kind of lively vibe, and so friendly and welcoming. I love bringing my family here for brunch. We even order takeout once in a while because the food is that good. The filet Benedict is my favorite, and I’ve fallen in love with the cobb salad recently too.” — Sabrina McGreal

From the owner: “We set out to be the greatest community tavern around, and the goal was always to bring the best of what you’d find in downtown Chicago out to Edison Park. And through the worst economy we’ve seen in a long time, with the support of our wonderful patrons, we’ve endured and are ready to get even better. We have so much more on the horizon for everyone… just wait and see.” — John Capesius