LINCOLN SQUARE — Optimism is a fickle friend.
Back in April, Jared Leonard, owner of Rub's Backcountry Smokehouse in Rogers Park, thought his new venture in Lincoln Square, the Budlong Pickle & Chicken Diner, might open by the end of August.
By July, he'd revised his estimate to October, and now Leonard's aiming for an early 2016 at 4619 N. Western Ave.
Leonard posted the latest update to Facebook on Thursday, explaining: "Just taking a little longer than expected. We're rehabbing a 80 year old building that's been vacant since the 70's... We're still #comingsoon — I promise!!"
As if the wait weren't torturous enough, Leonard also released a preview of Budlong's menu. Along with the previously teased Spudnuts (doughnuts made from potato flour) and fried chicken, dishes include a house-smoked, hand-sliced pastrami sandwich.
For a taste of Budlong right now, here's a pro tip: The restaurant's burger — made from ground brisket, including burnt ends — is also available at Rub's.
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