La Sirena's John Manion Unveils Argentine-Inspired El Che Bar Today In West Loop

Today's the day that acclaimed chef John Manion finally, officially, opens his second restaurant. The man behind Eater 38 inductee La Sirena Clandestina has put the finishing touches on El Che Bar, his "Latin local" restaurant and bar on Washington Boulevard in the West Loop that's been in the works since October 2014 and was initially slated to open in 2015.

Manion's menu revolves around hearth cooking, which churns out a variety of creative Argentine-inspired dishes. Large plates include braised lamb ribs with yogurt and mint relish and toasted fregola, while smaller items include grilled oysters with miso-corn butter, garlic-lime aioli, and brown butter crumbs. Drinks include twists on classic cocktails, seasonal caipirinha, and Fernet and Coke on tap.

Was the wait worth it? Take a look around the space and read the menu below.

El Che Bar, 845 W. Washington Blvd., (312) 265-1130, open every day from 4 p.m. until midnight.

Marc Much/Eater Chicago

Nick Fochtman