The Bentley Tavern Has An Opening Date And A Menu

By Anthony Todd in Food on Jul 16, 2013 4:30PM

The exterior of the new Bentley Tavern.

The Bentley Tavern, a new Lakeview restaurant from Chef Ian Flowers, was announced back in May, but it wasn't clear when it was going to open or exactly what it would be serving. We got a first look at the details earlier today, and we're suddenly a bit more excited.

Flowers was previously the Executive Chef at Lokal and has laid out an ambitious menu that includes an extensive raw bar, house-made charcuterie, and a selection of American-style bistro food. The Bentley Tavern doesn't look like it's going to be too expensive (entrees top out at about $26 for a rack of lamb) and is located on a stretch of Southport that doesn't have much in the way of interesting dining.

If you're looking for some bites before, say, a night at the Music Box, check out the Snacks and Shells sections of the menu. Grab a dozen oysters, an order of tavern clams (cooked with sausage, garlic and lager) and some wild mushroom toasts with manchego and pea vine. For a neighborhood restaurant, the space is sophisticated, with huge bay windows that provide tons of natural light. The original dark wood bar has been refurbished, along with other wood accents throughout the space. Apparently, the space has quite a colorful history, including a stint as a brothel.

Details aren't available yet on the beverage program, but The Bentley Tavern will have a full bar, cocktail program and "chicago-centric" beer program. Oh, and the name? Bentley is the owner's dog, adopted from PAWS. Aww.

The Bentley Tavern is set to open the first week in August. Lakeview residents, mark your calendars.

Bentley Dinner Menu With Logo 7.10

Just keep in mind that this is a pre-opening menu and might change before the restaurant opened.

The Bentley Tavern is at 2834 North Southport Avenue.