LINCOLD SQUARE — A new speakeasy taking over the rear of Jimmy’s Pizza Cafe later this year will feature a new artisanal burger from the award-winning restaurant owner.
After Jimmy Kang moved his popular pizza joint to 2434 W. Montrose Ave. two years ago, he quickly realized the larger space could allow him to play with a potential new restaurant concept like adding an arcade or something else, he said.
We always wanted to do some sort of extension back there, Kang said.
About a year ago, the plan started to solidify into the new speakeasy concept, which is slated to open this fall, Kang said.
Customers will have to be at least 21 years old to enter and its entrance will be hidden behind a secret door disguised as a cabinet inside the cafe, he said.
Unlike the front restaurant, which sells New York-style pizza by the pie and slice in both a grab-and-go and a casual dining setting, the new speakeasy will be more like a traditional sit-down restaurant, Kang said.
It’ll have a bar, a good amount of TVs and be a little more of a quiet space, he said. The finishes are black walnut and it’s really well put together back there. The vibe is really different from the front.
The speakeasy also has a raised platform that can double as a stage for live music or other performances. Customers will also be able to rent out the new speakeasy for private events, Kang said.
So while a dad coming back from a little league game at Welles Park may prefer to eat with his kids and their friends in the front cafe, the new speakeasy will cater to people seeking a cool spot for a date night with great food and cocktails, he said.
It’s going to be a place where people can come for a special night out, Kang said. It’ll be a fun experience and we’re going to focus on the details.
It’s not going to be a place for a large group of kids to run around, but rather for a couple on a date or a small group of friends, Kang said.
We’re trying to keep the menu simple, keeping it to one or two appetizers, Kang said. And some menu items available in the front won’t be available in the speakeasy. It’s going to be a little bit different.
To that end, Kang is taking that same approach to developing a new burger recipe for the speakeasy menu, testing out recipes and using ingredients from Slagel Farms over the last few months, he said.
A lot of burger places in the city use them if they’re not using frozen patties, Kang said. And we’ve gone through hundreds of pounds of beef. My employees have been the guinea pigs and they’ve loved the whole process.
As for the speakeasy’s name, that’s still a work in progress, Kang said.
I’m still undecided on that, Kang said. Because if it’s a speakeasy, should it even have a name? Maybe just have a big J on the hidden door? That’s something in the works I’m still thinking about, he said.
What to Expect at the Speakeasy:
- A new burger recipe, developed with the help of Slagel Farms, will be a key offering on the speakeasy menu
- The restaurant will have a bar with a selection of craft beers and cocktails
- Live music and performances will take place on the raised stage
- Customers will be able to rent out the speakeasy for private events
- The vibe will be upscale and quiet, with black walnut finishes and a more subdued atmosphere than the main restaurant
Frequently Asked Questions:
- What kind of food will be available at the speakeasy?
- The menu will feature a new artisanal burger recipe, along with a limited selection of appetizers and other offerings.
- Who will the speakeasy be catered to?
- The speakeasy is designed to be a romantic spot for dates and couples, as well as a spot for small groups of friends to enjoy a nice meal and cocktails.
- Will the speakeasy have a name?
- The name is still undecided, with the option to simply feature a logo or design element on the hidden door rather than a traditional name.
