***** I am sure you have heard the saying “never judge a book by its cover”, indicating that rather than judging by a look, one must know more information before making a judgment or even an opinion. When I was first told that there was a new dining spot in Portage park, and was told the location, I thought, “Who would go there for dinner?”. I worked in the Milwaukee /Irving/Cicero ( also known as “Six Corners”) for many years and 3938 N. Central is just six blocks away. During my yellow page days, I worked that area and had many clients there, including a podiatry office right next door.
Jane and I found a parking space on the street and walked to the restaurant named Fork & Coin Restaurant. The venue is new, intimate, and extremely comfortable. I believe in the restaurant there were seats for 30 patrons not counting the bar itself ( about 8). There is also a patio area in the rear, covered and cozy with seating for another 16 or so. I will tell you that the place was jumping with diners, many of which appeared to be repeat diners who truly made it feel like old home week. In fact, at one point, when one gentleman walked in, I expected to hear the bartender yell out “Norm”. It felt like this was a place like “Cheers”, where everyone knew everyone. In act, after an hour or so, I felt like we had become “regulars”.
The menu is very special, and one might also call it limited. Yet, we lacked for nothing. They have three sections to the menu, not counting drinks or desserts. They are SMALL SHARES: items such as fried cauliflower, Spicy Chicharrones ( pork belly), fish & chips, curry ramen and their burger. This is one heck of a burger ( with bread & butter pickles, caramelized onions, roasted garlic aioli and white cheese). Nothing else was needed. I believ that this is the first hamburger I ever had without the need of catsup…and it was perfect!
Their LARGE SHARES are:
Miso Cod and GochuJawn( a spicy Korean chilli paste yogurt with 1/2 cauliflower, and hummus, a pork Chop ( 12 ounce bone-in, house curry, potatoe & apple ( this one is very special) and last, but certainly not least, the Koji Hanger Steak ( grilled to perfection with mushrooms, a special house sauce and french fries that are terrific). They offer this with roasted garlic mayo. That is one of the sides and the other is something one might never expect on a menu, Grilled Challah. Yes, the Challah bread is sliced, grilled to a light toast and served with miso brown butter, making this one delicious side ( we had several orders, but worth it).
Desserts are again limited and unusual. The Strawberry Yuzu Thumbprints are a delicious almond cookie with straberry preserves in the center. The other treat is a different type of rice crispy treat: made with rice crispies of course, but in this case, black sesame paste and with and dark chocolate. Believe me, this is NOT the rice crispy treat that you grew up on- it is unique, different, and quite a special treat. Both desserts are GLUTEN FREE
They have some unique cocktails. Today’s special the Orange Pilled- liquid swords vodka,amara, and Italian blood orange soda. Tasty with just a little zing. You can also get the beverage without the vodka. They have a number o fother drinks and just as the kitchen is everything Made From Scratch- Made Bold- so is the bar! This is an asian influenced public house. We got to spend some time with Chef Drake and learned some about the people who make Fork & Coin so special.This is indeed a neighborhood bar but at the same time brings the spirit of a Japanese Izakaya to Portage Park. They also have, in addition to their menu, a supper club ( membership only) with a rotating menu and a slower pace.
Again, the address is 3938 N. Central Avenue ( at Irving Park)
The phone number is 312-925-3938
Hours of operation: Monday/Tuesday/Wednesday CLOSED
Thursday and Friday 5 p.m.- 9 p.m.
Saturday 11 a.m. – 9 p.m.
Sunday 11 a.m. – 3 p.m. Saturday and Sunday offers a BRUNCH menu
Coming Saturday, August 29th from 6 p.m.- 9 p.m. Izakaya Tasting a part of the supper club series. Join supper club https://www.forkandcoin.com/about#
More Stories
“Difficult to find, but worth finding- The Franklin Room”.
A “Taste of Nepal”- a little spicy, But done nicely!
“Landmark” on the hill- a hidden treasure