Saying Hello to an Old Friend
Bernard’s is back, and it’s exactly what the Gold Coast needs right now.
Here’s the thing about Chicago.
Once you find your groove, you’ll be all right. It might take five years to figure it out. Or perhaps 10 or 20, but eventually you’ll find it.
For me, I enjoy pointing out chic, trendy and elegant establishments for folks to dine and drink. Right now, it’s awesome watching venues re-invent themselves as everything strives to get back on track.
One such spot is Bernard’s, which originally opened in 2009 as part of the Elysian Chicago experience in the Gold Coast. The luxury hotel property was short lived, yet garnered a host of awards and accolades before transforming into the Waldorf. Bernard’s was closed for several years, but it just reopened as part of the hotel unveiling its new bar and restaurant offerings that also includes Brass Tack.
In its first iteration, Bernard’s catered to a mostly local crowd that included many industry insiders. The stylish, hidden cocktail bar was infamous for kicking off a night of fun—or ending one.
Fans loved it because it was simply cute as hell, the staff knew you by name, and the drinks were always perfect. Though it was situated in a fancy hotel, it always felt like a neighborhood bar where everyone just happened to be dressed to the nines.
This new version of Bernard’s is just as inviting, yet it’s still finding its audience. While the drinks and food are all dressed up, many of the patrons are not. But that’s the issue many places now face as they navigate post-pandemic guests.
We observed the crowd as only a few showed up donning lovely dresses and dapper suits. The most disappointing was a guy wearing a backwards baseball cap. In a place like Bernard’s.
Let’s get back to the offerings. Cocktails are categorized as “Tribute to the Past” or “A Moment in the Present.” You’ll find a Sazerac and Boulevardier, and also the signature No. 5 (made with Grey Goose Le Citron, yuzu, Jasmine tea butterfly pea syrup, oleo saccharum and rose water). The latter is an ode to Coco Chanel and garnished with a single rose petal. It’s one I hope they never take off the menu.
Bernard’s bites are meant for noshing as you imbibe from the collection of cocktails, wines or craft beers. It’s refreshing that you won’t find the typical offerings here, which lets you know that they put in much thought for the menu.
There’s lobster pico, a heaping of two pounds of poached lobster that’s seasoned well with tomato, cilantro and avocado, then paired with tajin-enhanced tortilla chips. Duck confit croquettes are crispy with a generous potion of tender duck with tangy stone fruit mostarda. And the highlight is jamon Iberico ham. It’s thinly hand carved and pairs well with the Old Serrano cocktail that’s made with Hibiki Harmony whiskey infused with Jamon Serrano as well as maple syrup and angostura bitters.
In an area teeming with rowdy steakhouses and sports bars, Bernard’s is a welcoming retreat. Glad to see it return.
In other F&B news, Food & Beverage Insider published its last digital magazine of the year. It’s all about what to expect in the new year and beyond, and I couldn’t be prouder. It’s been a great four months cranking out these issues as well as evolving the website and other content for the FBI brand. I am so looking forward to 2023.
In the meantime, check out the new issue right here.
A great location with awesome food and drinks!