Quiote Has Landed Jay Schroeder, The Bartender Behind Chicago's Mezcal Craze

By Stephen Gossett in Food on Aug 31, 2017 5:44PM

Quiote / Facebook

No one was positioned more at the forefront of the mezcal boom in Chicago—which hit last year and continues to surge strong—than Jay Schroeder, the original bartender and menu mastermind behind the uber-authentic first incarnation of Mezcaleria Las Flores. After splitting from the bar back in January, the cocktail world wondered where the mezcal expert might land next. Now we have our answer—and it's not too far from the place where he launched his name.

Schroeder has teamed up at Quiote, a mere half-mile or so from Mezcaleria Las Flores. Along with serving up celebrated tacos and tortas, the Logan Square spot had already positioned itself as a major player in the local smoky-agave-spirits world. Schroeder's arrival last week as the new beverage director, as scooped by Eater Chicago on Thursday, solidifies that and then some.

According to Eater, Schroeder will help out at the basement bar, make cocktails in the dining room and come up with new concoctions for Quiote's patio-stationed food truck (which is not, alas, The Salsa Truck—Quiote owner Dan Salls' much-loved former project). It sounds like you can also expect a return of that authentic Mexican drinkware that Schroeder brought to Mezcaleria—but was eschewed after new mixologist Caitlin Laman stepped in after his departure.

All said, it's a great get for Quiote, and we're thrilled to see the hyper-knowledgable Schroeder back behind the bar. Listening to the man hold court about his preferred spirit is almost as satisfying as sipping the super-hard-to-find varietals he susses out so well.

[HT Eater Chicago]