LOGAN SQUARE — After a practice run for Parts and Labors' friends and family Wednesday night, the new burger joint from the folks behind the Boiler Room officially opens Thursday.
A novel take on the "classic griddle burger joint," Parts and Labor, 2700 N. Milwaukee Ave., will have a few similarities to its pizza joint cousin, Boiler Room, such as a combo deal that pairs grub and booze.
Like Boiler Room's wildly popular PB&J Special (a slice of pizza, PBR tallboy and a shot of Jameson for $8.50), Parts and Labor patrons will get a burger, plus a side, and a shot or a beer for 10 bucks.
And just as the Boiler Room offers a free shot of Jameson to make up for its ATM's withdrawal fee, Parts and Labor bartenders will pour a free shot of the herbal spirit Fernet.
"We decided to have Fernet here because it's just something we enjoy," said Sarah Docherty, one of three managers at Parts and Labor. "We were able to look at the neighborhood and say 'What does it want?' instead of what will make the most money."
Diners also may notice a few similarities to another Chicago eatery — Mount Greenwood's Wonderburger — which was opened by Parts and Labor owner Russ Grant's father.
Like Wonderburger, Parts and Labor will serve up thin, grilled burger patties, as well as another Wonderburger favorite — fries cut by hand.
"I feel like it's a very personable food and drink menu," Docherty said. "It's a dive bar that serves awesome food."
With its slick industrial decor and fine wood finish, Parts and Labor hardly looks the part of a dive bar.
"OK," Docherty said, amending her description. "We have the menu of a dive bar, but the interior of a much nicer bar."
Parts and Labor will open daily from 4 p.m. to 2 a.m., and until 3 a.m. Saturdays.
