Mas Tacos Rebrands as Wurst Behavior, An Artisan Sausage Spot

Husband-and-Wife Duo Bring Family Recipes and Traditions to Irving Park Restaurant

When customers drop by Wurst Behavior, they can expect a variety of kielbasas, hot dogs, and other sausages and links, all made in-house at the new Irving Park restaurant. Husband-and-wife duo Gosia Pieniazek and Artur Wnorowski have rebranded their short-lived Mas Tacos at 4009 N. Elston Ave. into the sausage-focused spot, with a grand opening planned for Wednesday.

Sausages Made Daily, with House-Made Condiments and Toppings

“All the sausages are made daily by Art, according to his family recipes and to his own ideas,” Pieniazek said. The menu includes pecan-smoked andouille sausage served on a bun with onions, jalapeños, and hot honey, accompanied by house-cut fries and mustard. The smoked Polish kielbasa, based on a recipe from Wnorowski’s grandfather, comes on a bun with caramelized onions, sport peppers, and mustard. The Chicago dog features an Angus beef link in sheep casing served with all the traditional fixings.

“Because we make these in-house, we control quality from the very first step: the meat that goes in there, the spice mixes and the textures. And some of them are smoked, so I can control whether we use pecan, fresh oak, or cherry wood,” Wnorowski said.

A Look Inside Wurst Behavior

A pecan-smoked andouille sausage served on a bun with onions, jalapeños, and hot honey. The crusty bread has a soft interior that melds the mix of spicy, savory, and sweet flavors and is served with homemade house-cut fries and mustard. Credit: Alex V. Hernandez/Block Club Chicago

Husband-and-Wife Team Brings Family Tradition and Passion to Wurst Behavior

Polish dishes like stuffed cabbage and pierogi, as well as smoked wings and other bar bites, round out the menu at Wurst Behavior. The couple eventually wants to add a retail component for customers to buy sausages to-go from a stocked deli cooler, they said.

More Information and Upcoming Plans

The couple, behind Ella’s BBQ in Lincoln Park, Earl’s BBQ in Jefferson Park, and the former Firewood BBQ in Wicker Park, have added Wurst Behavior to their list of restaurants. Wnorowski cures the links and sausages in-house, which further improves the flavor profile and mouthfeel of the finished product, he said.

The restaurant’s hours are 11 a.m.-9 p.m. Monday-Thursday, 11 a.m.-10 p.m. Friday-Saturday, and 11 a.m.-8 p.m. Sundays. The owners plan to add brunch and late-night karaoke sometime after the grand opening. Follow the restaurant’s Instagram page for updates.

Conclusion

Wurst Behavior is set to open its doors this Wednesday, bringing a unique blend of artisanal sausage-making and Polish tradition to the Irving Park neighborhood. The husband-and-wife team has put their hearts and souls into creating a welcoming and delicious experience for their customers.

FAQs

What is the story behind Wurst Behavior?
Wurst Behavior is the rebranding of Mas Tacos at 4009 N. Elston Ave., owned by husband-and-wife duo Gosia Pieniazek and Artur Wnorowski. They wanted to focus on their family recipes and traditions.

What types of sausages will be offered at Wurst Behavior?
Wurst Behavior will offer a variety of sausages, including kielbasa, bratwurst, Italian sausage, and more.

Will Wurst Behavior offer condiments and toppings?
Yes, the restaurant will offer a variety of house-made condiments and toppings to pair with their sausages.

When will Wurst Behavior be open for brunch and karaoke?
The owners plan to add brunch and late-night karaoke sometime after the grand opening.

Will Wurst Behavior offer to-go sausages?
Yes, the restaurant plans to add a retail component for customers to buy sausages to-go from a stocked deli cooler.

Will Wurst Behavior have outdoor seating?
The restaurant plans to open a beer garden in the spring, which will include outdoor seating.

What hours will Wurst Behavior be open?
The restaurant’s hours will be 11 a.m.-9 p.m. Monday-Thursday, 11 a.m.-10 p.m. Friday-Saturday, and 11 a.m.-8 p.m. Sundays.

Where can I follow Wurst Behavior for updates?
You can follow the restaurant’s Instagram page for updates.