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CHICAGO | Dusek’s is a Pilsen bar and restaurant that’s housed in the historic 1892 Thalia Hall. Since opening in 2013 it’s received several accolades, including two Michelin stars. The one time Czech pub has a welcoming interior – exposed brick walls blend with plastered walls, tiles line the floor, offset by dark wood tables, bar stools and booths, and low lighting. The result, combined with the friendly service, is a place that’s mature and confident, and fresh at the same time.
Dusek’s first came to our attention because of its fantastic craft beer list. There are 24 taps serving a mixture of American and imported craft beers from breweries like Founders, Firestone Walker, and Brouwerij St. Bernardus. There’s a lot of variety across the taps and most punters will find something they want. If you’re looking for something more however, the impressive bottle list features plenty of common and not so common beers – for example several vintages of Abraxas by Perennial Artisan Ales. For those not into beer, there’s also a very good selection of wine, spirits and cocktails.
As you’ve probably figured out given the two Michelin starts that Duseks has, the food here isn’t your typical pub grub. It’s a showcase of modern American food with Asian and European flourishes. Think braised short rib hash with roasted shishito peppers, Brussels sprout leaves, carmelized cippolini onion, pickled radish, poached eggs, and truffled jus, or chicken fried rabbit with hoppin john risotto, charred okra, chicory greens, guanciale, and brown butter tabasco.
If you just want a burger, the Juicy Lucy is one of the best in town – a Slagel farms beef patty filled with oozing American cheese, red onion-bacon marmalade, heirloom tomato, butter lettuce sandwiched between a perfect soft brioche bun served with beef fat frites.
Dusek’s is a place that warrants multiple visits in its own right, but there’s even more of a reason to come here. The basement lounge, Punch House, is a great little bar with a 1960s lodge atmosphere while Tack Room upstairs is a Western-themed piano bar that gets the important things right without going overboard with the theme. Thalia Hall itself has a rotating schedule of live music, films, and festivals amongst other things.
Dusek’s
1227 W 18th Street
Chicago
Illinois 60608
United States
Telephone: 312 526 3851
E-mail: [email protected]
Website
Open
Mon – Fri: 11:00am to 2:00pm
Sat: 9:00am to 3:00am
Sun: 9:00am to 2:00am