SOCIAL BURNT BARREL SOCIAL BOASTS FINE BOURBON AND SO MUCH MORE By Diane Krieger Spivak | Photos provided by Burnt Barrel Social
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he name gives it away if you’re a bourbon aficionado. The main focus of Burnt Barrel Social is, of course, bourbon, as barrels are charred in order to impart flavor to the spirit.
much.” The Yorkville spot serves up bourbon from all over the country and all over the world — domestically as well as Japan and Canada. “We have a little bit of everything for everyone, and we support local distilleries out of DeKalb,” says Strong. Its bestselling cocktail is an Old-Fashioned using Old Forester bourbon. The spirits don’t just stop at bourbon, however, says Strong. The venue offers a full bar, including craft beer and seasonal cocktails with freshly
squeezed juices. Everything is made from scratch, like the smoked Manhattan or a traditional whiskey sour with egg white froth. The restaurant’s smaller food menu allows for more focus on the preparation of dishes, from sandwiches to salads. Meats are also locally sourced, including from Ream’s Meat Market in Elburn and Makowski’s Real Sausage Co. in Chicago. And they make a killer burger. “We have one burger,’’ says Strong. “It’s a
Destination Dining
“It just kind of fit our theme,” says operating partner Matthew Strong, who started busing tables at 15. “Bourbon has always been a passion of mine. It’s got a lot of history behind it. It’s been in our country for a very long time and it takes a lot of time and effort to make, and I’ve respected that profession very
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