A Northwest Side Tavern That’s Been Around Since 1915 Reopens in Portage Park

Fischman Liquors, a packaged goods store that endured for nearly eight decades, is ready to launch a new chapter at a new location. Fischman moved from Jefferson Park to Portage Park in November with only the liquor store portion open for the last eight months. The bar side opens today as Fischman Public House at 4056-60 N. Milwaukee Avenue.

Packaged goods bars are primarily known as shot and beer establishments that evoke plenty of emotions from certain Chicagoans, and Fischman is a great example of the genre. Older patrons bristle when they hear or read they word “splitty” or “slashie” and some bring a “get off my lawn” mentality. The new Fischman hopes to bridge the gap between the old and the new. The Jefferson Park location had long embraced craft beer and the new Portage Park bar features 24 taps. Fischman’s also brews its own beer. FISCH is a Vienna-style lager.

If the old faithful took time to adapt to craft beer, they’re going to need more patience as the new location throws in another wrinkle: food. Hopefully no one’s triggered by parmesan and truffle popcorn, lettuce wraps stuffed with turkey meatballs or the “avocado bomb.” That’s an avocado stuffed with pepper jack cheese, wrapped in breaded pork, and then fried. Chicken wings, garlic-cilantro pork spare ribs, and chorizo mussels are other highlights. The full menu is below.

The Karmaniolas family have been operating Fischman since 1996. The Jefferson Park location closed in 2016 because of a landlord dispute. Check out the photos and menu below, as Fischman Public House is open.

Fischman Public House, 4056-60 N. Milwaukee Avenue, open 4 p.m. to 1 a.m. on Monday, Wednesday, and Thursday; 4 p.m. to 2 .m. on Friday; 11 a.m. to 2 a.m. on Saturday; 11 a.m. to 11 p.m on Sunday.

Barry Brecheisen/Eater Chicago