New Restaurant/Bar Opens in Evanston

A popular bar and restaurant in Chicago’s Wicker Park neighborhood has made its way up to Evanston.

Footman Hospitality’s second Bangers & Lace location opened Monday at 810 Grove Street and debuted the 4,200-square-foot space that is 30 percent larger than the Wicker Park location and seats up to 130 people.

The new location will include the signature 32-tap rotating beer selection, extensive spirits and wine list and the locally sourced menu featuring their house made sausages. The new space features a 30-seat bar and a long communal table, as well as Bangers & Lace design staples like lace curtains on the windows, clapboard siding, bold patterned textiles and interesting taxidermy. The restaurant’s music is played entirely on vinyl, with a soundtrack hand selected by the Footman Hospitality team.

“Evanston attracts throngs of young professionals and it also boasts a thriving family and neighborhood dynamic. It has a vibrant downtown and it’s craving more upscale quality concepts,” said Footman Hospitality partner, Nick Podesta. “The Evanston community seemed like a natural second location when we wanted to expand our brand.”

The Bangers & Lace menu includes seasonally rotating menu items such as gourmet sausages, elevated appetizers and delicious bar snacks.

The libations menu will feature a handful of classic cocktails with a thoughtful twist, like the Manhattan, the Aviation and the Old Fashioned. The craft beer menu will rotate frequently and will highlight interesting pours with a focus on local breweries, such as Temperance Beer Company in Evanston, Off Color Brewing and Metropolitan Brewing located in Chicago, and Solemn Oath Brewery in Naperville.

“We wanted to create an environment where anyone can feel comfortable,” added Jason Freiman, Footman Hospitality partner. “Guests at Bangers & Lace can relax with friends over a pint of craft beer or can sit down with a date for a delicious meal. Above all, they can have a great time.”

In addition to the two Bangers & Lace locations, Footman Hospitality operates The Anthem in Wicker Park, Bucktown Pub in Bucktown and The Betty in Fulton Market.

They will be open seven days a week:

M-F: 3 p.m. - 2 a.m.

Sat: 3 p.m. - 3 a.m.

Sun: 3 p.m. - 2 a.m.