Details on the Secret Cafe Con Leche Bar, Finally Opening April 4

In the works for nearly a year, Cafe Con Leche owner and Logan Square fixture Esam Hani is finally almost ready to open his neighborhood tavern concept, The Harding Tavern, on April 4. Reps describe the spot as an "upscale tavern" but "unpretentious"; it's modeled after a place Hani would frequent with his friends and they promise to keep prices low.

The Harding Tavern will serve small plates and "upscale tavern" fare, as well as a wide-ranging and revolving beer menu. It won't have a Latin theme like Hani's other establishments: Dishes include wings, pork belly skewers, burgers utilizing beef ground in-house, and a sweet tomatillo crisp for dessert. Beers will start at $3 and run the gamut.

The narrow space seats 65 and is described as "vintage industrial" with minimal decoration. Vintage photos of the Harding Theater sourced from the Chicago Historical Society hang on a reference wall and hand-crafted furniture provides the seating.

As far as why it was delayed so long there were no updates since last August, the word is that Hani was frustrated with construction and upset that he wasn't able to open last summer as planned for his Logan Square neighbors. But he's finally ready to open next week, stay tuned for more.
· Secret Bar Coming From Cafe Con Leche Owner [-ECHI-]
· The Harding Tavern [Official Site]