Chicagoans may have heard that Gus's World Famous Fried Chicken opened up at 11 a.m. on Monday, bringing a bit of that Memphis, Tenn. spice to the Midwest. Folks will line up for a menu that mirrors other Gus's spots. But a full-service bar with kegged cocktails could make the Chicago spot a game changer.
Gus's neighbors The Publican on Fulton Market, and ownership is proud of being part of that meat-packing community and is using Cougle Poultry, right down the street, as a supplier for their birds. There's about 90 seats inside, and the checkered table cloths bring a dose of that Southern charm familiar at other Gus's spots. The space brings those Southern roots, along with an urban and industrial chicness that includes wall paneling made out of reclaimed wood and an exposed brick wall behind the bar. Neon signs float above the passageway for the open kitchen, including a cartoonish chicken with the words "eat me" flashing. There's also two 70-inch televisions that will show whatever sporting event happens to dominate that day's airwaves.
Getting back to that bar, the low prices for the neighborhood could draw drinkers. The priciest drink, at $10, is the Legbar Old Fashioned (J. Riegar whisky, Mandarin Napoleon, Bravo Boomerang and cherry-saffron bitters). They've designed the drinks to pair with the chicken, and there's even a mezcal drink —The Booted Bantam— that will make margarita fans happy.
Check out the photos above.
Gus's World Famous Fried Chicken, open 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. on Sunday through Wednesday, 11 a.m. to midnight on Thursday through Saturday.
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