Clutch

This casual bar and eatery gives a nod to the building's original uses as a gas station and auto detail shop, two garage doors open up onto a 60-seat beer garden on Ogden Avenue. Owner Matthew Harris (who also owns Lakeview hang Matilda) says he didn't intend for this industrial-chic looking bar to necessarily be auto-themed, but you'll find the references both overt (plenty of car-speak on the menu, garage doors opening out onto the patio) and covert (four beer taps built into a vintage gas pump, a restroom sculpture cut out of metal). A basically stocked bar turns out simple mixed drinks and a solid margarita, plus a few wines by the glass. To eat, try unique fast food such as a super-cheesy cheeseburger and deep-fried hot dogs (not available yet; they're still working on sourcing the hot dogs from the east coast) plus bar food staples such as nachos, chips and salsa and cheese fries.

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West Town bars, Chicago bars, Chicago bars, West Town restaurants, Chicago restaurants, Chicago restaurants, Neighborhood bars