Out of the (South) Loop: Stretch Bar & Grill in Wrigleyville

Every once in a while we get out of the South Loop and see what’s happening in other parts of the city. Recently we went to a tasting at Stretch Bar & Grill, 3485 N. Clark St, to sample their new spring menu. The new menu officially debuts March 12, but we got a preview.

Baja Fish Tacos

Chef Jim August prepared appetizers and main dishes to order. We sampled salads, sliders, burgers, and more. Some highlights:

• Hummus Trio: Roasted garlic and herbs, edame, and roasted red pepper humus, served with naan bread.
• Sliders (choice of three): Kobe Burger, white cheddar cheese, Applewood smoked bacon, onion straws, and mayo, Braised Short Rib, gorgonzola cheese, Applewood smoked bacon, caramelized onions, and horseradish mayo, Chicken Tinga, pepper jack cheese, Applewood smoked bacon, guacamole, pico de gallo, and chipotle mayo.
• Baja Fish Tacos: Three mini corn tacos filled with spicy beer battered tilapia, Baja slaw, avocado lime crème, pico de gallo, cilantro and green onions.

I think our favorite may be the Mac & Cheese Burger, which Jim August prepared in a slider version (We probably would have exploded if we had the regular version!). Thanks, Chef August!

Kizoa slideshow: Stretch Tasting - Slideshow

If you’re on the Northside and looking for a sports bar with terrific comfort food, give Stretch a shot.

Stretch’s hours:
Thursday – Friday: 5 p.m. – 2 a.m.
Saturday: 11 a.m. – 2 a.m.
Sunday: 11 a.m. – 2 a.m.

Starting Wednesday, April 1, Stretch will be open seven days a week.