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After only opening the first Slightly Toasted in late January, owner Art Mendoza is already building out a second. A new location is under construction at the base of the office tower at 300 S. Riverside Plaza in the West Loop, Mendoza says. He hopes to open it in July.
Mendoza, an industry vet who previously owned Oak + Char (the former Graham Elliot space that’s now Bar Lupo) and helped open Untitled in River North, has been drawing crowds to Slightly Toasted at 22 N. Clinton St. near Union Station. The all-day bar and eatery with the fun name focuses on varieties of toasts, a massive whiskey selection, coffees, a good list of both craft and cheap beer, and an array of sandwiches in a comfortable but chic environment.
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The new location on the west bank of the river at Jackson Boulevard will be larger than the original, Mendoza says, seating 100 people inside as well as another 80 on the large outdoor plaza. The larger space will also include a full kitchen, giving his team the ability to create a larger menu. Specific new items for that menu are TBD for now, but stay tuned for more details when its opening is closer.