LOGAN SQUARE — Fans of Logan Square mainstay Cafe Con Leche may be pleased to hear that its owner is venturing out again on that stretch of Milwaukee Avenue.
The Harding Tavern is scheduled to open next week at 2732 N. Milwaukee Ave., just a half block north of owner Esam Hami's other popular businesses, Cafe con Leche, as well as the restaurant D'Noche and Red Star Liquor.
Unlike D'Noche and Cafe Con Leche, The Harding Tavern won't serve Mexican food, instead opting for a more classic American pub feel, though a bit more upscale, according to Jennifer Bryson, who is in charge of marketing for the new venture.
"We have a limited menu, but we will be offering a chef-driven kind of farm-to-table style concept," she said.
Menu items along those lines will include pork belly skewers, tuna tartar and house-made pickles, but Bryson said the bar will also serve up more classic pub fare such as burgers and wings, though made with beef ground in house and wing sauce with a special flair.
"Kind of like traditional style, but with a twist," said Bryson.
Still, Bryson emphasized that The Harding Tavern will be affordable with a beer list that includes something for everyone and prices that range from $3 to $8.50.
"It's definitely an approachable menu for the non beer aficionados but there's definitely some very special crafted beers as well," she said.
That list will include half a dozen beers on draft as well as 56 bottles and cans that include everyday brands as well as locally crafted brews.
The drink menu will also include five classic cocktails such as a Manhattan and Old Fashioned from $8 to $10.
Food prices have yet to be finalized, but Bryson said those will be reasonable as well.
"The basic idea is that we just want to be that approachable neighborhood tavern that anyone can walk into, have a shot and a beer and a great bite to eat at affordable prices," Bryson said.
The Harding Tavern will hold its grand opening April 4 but will be open earlier in the week — Monday or Tuesday, according to Bryson — for a soft opening. After that it will be open daily from 11 a.m. to 2 a.m.
