A Lincoln Park Bar/Restaurant Will Open Today, Then Close on Sunday

Just in time for St. Patrick’s Day, the restaurant replacing Barn & Company is reopening today — albeit with a different name versus the one ownership first announced. Instead of calling the new restaurant FareGrounds, the new eatery will be known as Old Grounds Social. The relaunched restaurant opens at 7 p.m. tonight.

Ownership wanted to get away from the barbecue served at Barn & Company and brought in chef Jason Paskewitz to develop a more diverse menu. Though the restaurant debuts tonight, it will only be open through the weekend and close on Sunday night. A spokesperson said they need to give staff more training. The restaurant will permanently open nine days later on March 27.

St. Patrick’s Day is traditionally a huge day for the bar industry in Lincoln Park, and Old Grounds Social will be there to witness those drunken pub crawl antics from holiday revelers now simply known as “The Chi-Rish.” This weekend is also a big time for sports fans and chicken wings with the NCAA men’s basketball tournament.

Old Grounds Social is bringing back Barn & Company’s wings, some of the better smoked chicken in the city. It’ll also have 30 televisions. The food isn’t the only thing that staff is upgrading as they’re adding frozen drinks and new cocktails.

Paskewitz, known for his French cooking at his former Lincoln Park workplace, The Blanchard, has found a new gig at Pearl Brasserie in The Loop. Pearl is owned by 8 Hospitality — the same group that owns the new freshly-dubbed Old Grounds Social. He’ll split his time between the two restaurants.

It should be noted FareGrounds isn’t a unique name. Fairgrounds Coffee and Tea is a new chain that debuted last year.

Armed with the new name, the four-day opening is billed as a sneak preview. Old Grounds Social is promising a big brunch scene on weekends. Check back later for more details.

Old Grounds Social, 950 W. Wrightwood Avenue, when regular hours start later this month, they’ll be open 4 p.m. to midnight on Tuesday throught Thursday; 4 p.m. to 2 a.m. on Friday; 11 a.m. to 3 a.m. on Saturday; and 11 a.m. to midnight on Sunday.