The Rookery, Old Oak Tap's Successor, Flies In Thursday To Ukrainian Village

The Old Oak Tap site will finally rock once more in a few days, as The Rookery plans on opening on Thursday. Michael Dean Reynolds, the former chef at Brass Monkey over in Fulton Market, will serve a menu including fried chicken thighs with curry cheese fondue and more.

The Rookery, 2109 W. Chicago Ave., has undergone a bit of a facelift after the Old Oak Tap closed in December. There's teal walls and a couple of TVs in the corners. Many locals worried about the loss of the brunch favorite, but Reynolds advised they they'll retain the character and obviously use the restaurant's patio area.

"The Old Oak was a very popular, accessible restaurant," Reynolds said. "We see trying to hold on to that as much as possible."

[Photo: Ashok Selvam]

There's a bird theme throughout. The menu includes several veggie options, including the BBQ mushroom sandwich. Meat lovers will enjoy the fish and chips, as well as a double cheese burger. Reynolds also singled out the calamari.

It's a small drink list, but that aviary theme also carries through. Try the Doves Cry, a Prince-themed drink with purple salt.

Check out the food menu below.