An Essential South Side Brewery Plans a Bucktown Taproom

One of Chicago’s essential breweries plans to open a second location, bringing a taproom to the Bucktown/Logan Square border. Marz Community Brewing, which opened a taproom with food in February 2018 in Bridgeport, has plans to open a smaller bar next to iconic ice cream shop Margie’s Candies. Founder Ed Marszewski is shooting to open by summer 2020 inside a former bank at 1965 N. Milwaukee Avenue.

The project needs community approvals, according to the Tribune. It will be a 40 seater. Marszewski, who also runs an art gallery and a radio station using the Lumpen name, said opening a North Side facility will help ensure the South Side brewpub survives, increasing the availability of Marz products. There are still plenty of North Siders without the curiosity in visiting South Side neighborhoods.

“I think a lot of people don’t know who the hell we are,” Marszewski said. “It’s a good opportunity to try our wide array of beers and the non-alcoholic drinks we have.”

Those spirit-free drinks include kombucha, CBD-infused sodas, and shrub sodas. The new taproom will have 16 to 20 taps. The new Marz may have snacks, but won’t have a full food menu.

Before moving to the South Side, Marszewski lived in Bucktown. He said he survived on Margie’s Candies’ ice creams, Arturo’s Tacos burritos, and Costa Rican food from Irazu. He’s always been interested in opening in the area and hopes the community will welcome him. Stay tuned for more news his new taproom.