Chicago’s Irving Park neighborhood is about to get a new go-to spot for pizza lovers and beer enthusiasts. Easy Street Pizza & Beer Garden, a beloved establishment from Portage Park, is opening a second location, taking over the former premises of Pitchfork Food and Saloon at 2922 W. Irving Park Road. This expansion promises to bring Easy Street’s signature casual dining experience and delicious offerings to a new corner of the city, solidifying its presence as a key player in the Chicago food scene.
From Portage Park Favorite to Irving Park Expansion
For three years, Easy Street Pizza & Beer Garden has been a cornerstone of the Portage Park community, winning hearts with its quality pizza and laid-back beer garden atmosphere. The driving force behind this success is restaurateur Dan Latino of Waterhouse Bar Group, who also owned Pitchfork. Latino expressed his enthusiasm for this new venture, stating that his passion for pizza and the consistent support from the Portage Park community inspired him to expand. He noted that after a decade, Pitchfork had run its course, and the timing felt right to introduce the Easy Street concept to Irving Park, breathing new life into the location.
Taking Over Pitchfork’s Spot: A Refresh for Irving Park
The transition from Pitchfork to Easy Street represents more than just a change in name; it’s a refreshing evolution for the Irving Park space. Pitchfork, known for its extensive whiskey selection and hearty menu of ribs and burgers, had a successful 10-year run. However, Latino recognized the need for change and saw an opportunity to introduce the Easy Street brand, known for its pizzas, to a new audience. Adding to the refresh is a vibrant new mural painted on the building’s exterior by talented artist Nora Balayti, signaling a fresh start and adding a splash of color to the neighborhood.
Mural art by Nora Balayti adorns the exterior of Easy Street Pizza & Beer Garden in Irving Park, Chicago.
What to Expect at Easy Street Irving Park
Patrons of the new Easy Street Chicago location can anticipate a menu mirroring the popular Portage Park establishment. This means a focus on delicious pizzas, alongside a curated selection of beers and cocktails. Latino also hinted at the possibility of incorporating some of Pitchfork’s most-loved dishes into the menu, creating a blend of familiar favorites and new Easy Street signatures. The location will retain Pitchfork’s spacious patio, making it an ideal spot to enjoy Chicago’s warmer months. Sports enthusiasts will be pleased to know that Easy Street plans to continue showcasing sporting events, making it a great place to catch a game. Complementing the food and atmosphere will be a brand-new cocktail and beer list, promising exciting new flavors to discover.
Equipment Delays and Anticipated Opening
While the transformation is underway, the opening timeline is slightly dependent on external factors. Latino mentioned that pandemic-related equipment delays, particularly with the arrival of pizza ovens, are a factor. Despite these challenges, the target opening is set for the first week of July, contingent on the timely arrival of the necessary equipment.
Portage Park Menu and Potential Pitchfork Additions
While the exact menu for the Irving Park location is still being finalized, customers can expect the core offerings that have made Easy Street in Portage Park a success. This includes a variety of pizzas, appetizers, and sides. The potential addition of Pitchfork’s popular dishes suggests a menu that could offer a broader appeal, blending the best of both worlds.
Patio, Drinks, and More
The spacious patio, a popular feature from Pitchfork, will be retained and enhanced at Easy Street. This outdoor space will be a major draw, offering a relaxed environment for dining and drinks. The promise of a new cocktail and beer list adds another layer of excitement, suggesting a commitment to providing a well-rounded and appealing beverage program.
Stay Tuned for the Grand Opening of Easy Street Chicago in Irving Park
The arrival of Easy Street Pizza & Beer Garden in Irving Park is highly anticipated. It represents a positive development for the neighborhood, bringing a proven and popular concept to a new location. As Irving Park welcomes this new addition, residents and visitors alike can look forward to enjoying Easy Street’s pizzas, drinks, and welcoming atmosphere. For the latest updates on the official opening date and menu details, be sure to visit Easy Street’s website.
Exterior view of the former Pitchfork location at 2922 W. Irving Park Road, soon to be Easy Street Pizza & Beer Garden in Chicago.
