Inside Bar Biscay, West Town’s Highly-Anticipated Spanish/French Restaurant

Bar Biscay, the West Town restaurant from the owners of Mfk, opens on Friday. It gets its name from the province in Northern Spain, although the menu won’t focus on the country: The restaurant’s been described as a “Spanish brasserie” with inspiration from France. Think small bites like pintxos that’s complemented with heartier dishes like a whole flounder. Sari and Scott Worsham, along with partner Joe Campagna, have renovated the former Unite Urban Grill space at 1450 W. Chicago Avenue and given it a dose of neon and some lighter colors.

The Worshams have a breadth of fine-dining experience. Sari Worsham met Campagna while working at Charlie Trotter’s. They’re not gunning for the fine-dining atmosphere, but they’re using that foundation. They’ll feature a late-night small bites menu and have vermouth on tap with a select wine list. Scott Worsham designed the 2,200-square-foot space with an assists from Rachael Crowl of FC Studio and Alan Owca of Nala Development. There are 68 seats with a four-seat chef’s counter, a 16-seat bar, and patio seating for 14. They’re also promising some cool happy hour specials to ignite a hopefully lively bar scene.

Chef Johnny Anderes (Honey’s) knows his French food, and the restaurant will tap into that prowess as Bar Biscay features French and Spanish food. He’s Bar Biscay’s third chef. Ownership parted ways with previously announced chefs Wilson Bauer (Schwa) or Jeremy Leven (Mfk). Management maintains the concept has remained the same despite the chef shuffles.

Take a tour through the restaurant below. Reservations are available via OpenTable for opening day on Friday.

Barry Brecheisen/Eater Chicago

Barry Brecheisen

Barry Brecheisen