Maplewood Brewery & Distillery is turning up the heat this spring with the official launch of its brand-new kitchen inside its newly expanded Lounge, bringing a new food program to pair with its award-winning beer and spirits. The revamped kitchen debuts alongside an expanded taproom and additional patio seating, creating even more space for guests to sip, snack, and stay awhile. The new menu is rooted in Eastern European and Polish comfort food traditions, infused with a Chicago edge and reimagined American classics. Think “pierogi meets gastropub fare,” always with Maplewood’s signature twist.
“We’ve always wanted the Lounge to be more than just a place to grab a drink. With this kitchen, we’ve created an experience where food and drink work together to reflect the same creativity and quality our fans expect from our beers and spirits,” said Adam Cieslak, Founding Brewer & CEO.
At the helm of the kitchen is Joanna Janczurewicz, a self-taught chef with a passion for Polish and Eastern European comfort food, as well as bold takes on American classics. After a career change over a decade ago, Joanna immersed herself in hands-on kitchen work and independent study, carving her own path in the Chicago culinary world. As the chef at Maplewood Brewery & Distillery, she brings heartfelt creativity to every dish, blending tradition with reinvention.
Joanna’s cooking is rooted in memory. Each plate is an attempt to recapture not just flavors, but the emotions and stories behind them. She’s on a mission to show that Polish cuisine is rich, nuanced, and far more than pierogi and kielbasa. She also has reinvigorated a few Lounge American classics from years past.
Located in the heart of Logan Square at 2717 N. Maplewood Ave., the Lounge will offer full food service alongside its renowned draft list and cocktail offerings. Whether you’re stopping in for a beer, grabbing a cocktail on the patio, or looking for a new go-to neighborhood bite, Maplewood’s kitchen has something for everyone.
While the Lounge remains open for bar service, the grand opening for our expanded taproom and kitchen is Wednesday, June 11th.
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