Featured Cocktail of the Week: Deadbolt’s Pisco #2
This week’s featured cocktail of the week keeps us in Logan Square and directs us to the local cocktail bar, Deadbolt.
Deadbolt opened its doors to the public in February 2017, six months after taking over the space once run by dive bar and neighborhood staple, the Two Way Lounge.
It has created a simple yet impressive cocktail list including this week’s featured cocktail — Pisco #2.
An addition through the summer menu, the Pisco #2 is the perfect summer cocktail. The star of the cocktail lies in the namesake, pisco. The South American rum has skyrocketed in popularity in recent years and is featured in the Pisco #2 flawlessly.
Paired with lemon juice, simple syrup, egg whites and Angostura bitters, the pisco is prominent amongst them. The egg whites are a welcome addition, giving the cocktail a smooth taste and creamy texture. The lemon juice and bitters deliver depth to the cocktail and a bit of sweetness. Cinnamon powder is added slightly to the top of the egg whites, giving the drink a visual compliment.
The combination of flavors gives the drink a kind of funky taste, in a good way. It is light and direct, the quintessential summer cocktail.
When neighboring ramen shop, Furious Spoon, purchased the Two Way Lounge and announced the eventual takeover of Deadbolt, there were mixed emotions. On one hand, a new spot could be enticing with modern cocktails. On the other, the Two Way Lounge was a staple, serving locals for over fifty years.
Deadbolt has created a new and exciting space, while paying homage to Two Way. They’ve almost completely remodeled the space, adding black ceilings , dim lighting, and large booths. Towards the back there are a group of couches that enforce the laid back lounge feel of the bar.
The menu is direct and diverse, which includes $3 Old Styles to various spirits and twelve house cocktails. Deadbolt welcomes patrons with a variety of live music showcasing a mix of punk, R&B, and jazz. Three and four piece bands frequent Deadbolt almost every weekend.
The food menu consists of tasty traditional bar grub featuring Chicago-style hot dogs, garlic fries, and hand-breaded chicken nuggets.
Deadbolt aims to keep customers happy and coming back by using a classic formula: good tunes, good food, good drinks and good vibes.
So far, it’s working.
Deadbolt is located at 2928 N. Milwaukee Ave. and is open:
5 p.m. to 2 a.m. (kitchen until 1 a.m.) Sunday through Friday
5 p.m. to 3 a.m. (kitchen until 2 a.m.) on Saturday.
