BRIDGEPORT — If Bridgeport is known for hardball politics and hardworking residents, it's also known for Maria's.
The packaged goods store and bar at 960 W. 31st St. is lauded by locals and visitors alike for its massive craft beer menu, eclectic music curation from the bar's resident DJ and bring-your-own-Royal-Pie policy.
But what many drinkers — especially the North Siders who pilgrimage to Bridgeport — may not know is the bar started about 30 years ago as a sorta sketchy dive and liquor store called Kaplan's, which was only fairly recently renovated into the stylish beer mecca it's become.
That was four years ago.
This weekend, brothers Ed and Mike Marszewski are throwing a giant two-day anniversary party called Bridgepork, filled with gourmet grilling, live electronic music and rare craft beers from the bar's collection. Also flowing will be new beers by Marz Brewing, the nanobrewery on Halsted Street.
Casey Cora offers a bit of the background for the anniversary celebration:
On Friday, patrons can get a free taste of the "KoPo BBQ"— think Polish sausage topped with Korean kimchi — and groove to the sounds of DJ Joe Bryl's choice disco cuts. The action kicks off at 8 p.m.
Saturday is more of an all-day affair.
Beginning at 4 p.m., the bar's parking lot turns into both a barbecue station manned by acclaimed chef Kevin Hickey and a live music stage starring several electronic acts.
About 9 p.m, the party moves indoors with a special set from the maestros of the Sonorama DJ collective.
The party is a way of giving thanks to its patrons and it's also a tribute to the bar's namesake, Ed and Mike's mother Maria, who will be honored with a portrait that'll be hanged in the bar.
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