Meet Trench, Heisler’s Replacement For Trenchermen, Opening Wednesday in Wicker

Armed with a new and acclaimed chef, the owners of the former Trenchermen will open their tweaked restaurant, now simply named Trench, on Wednesday in Wicker Park. Heisler Hospitality has brought in Michelin-starred chef Jared Wentworth and hope to establish a “contemporary American tavern” inside of one of Chicago’s prettiest dining rooms, one that previously housed Spring and a bathhouse.

After chef Pat Sheerin’s departure, Trenchermen’s owners—Heisler Hospitality—sought out Wentworth who is best known for his food at Logan Square’s Longman & Eagle. Wentworth’s full menu isn’t available quite yet, but Trench will serve dishes including Kentucky fried quail with southern braised green beans, bone marrow cornbread and country gravy, and hamachi crudo with black lime, cashew, shiso, radish, Meyer lemon, and chili vinaigrette.

Galdones Photography

Heisler’s Michael McAvena, formerly of The Publican, has developed the drink list, along with head bartender Sabrina Kudic (Bad Hunter). They will feature red and white house wines, two ciders and six beers on draft. Cocktails will stay classic, with a few rotating specials.

Changes inside include a DJ booth while there’s a new neon sign and window art outside. Management said their aesthetic tweaks were motivated to better unite the bar area and dining room to create a better flow of energy. Check out those changes first hand on Wednesday when Trench opens at 5 p.m. Reservations are available via Reserve.

Galdones Photography

Galdones Photography