The Brig Has Filed For a Beer Garden in Jefferson Park

According to an article from Block Club Chicago , The Brig aims to expand its space with a new outdoor area at 5748 W Lawrence Ave.

A representative of The Brig was not immediately available for commentary upon What Now Chicago’s request.

While an official date for the opening of the space has yet to be confirmed, according to the article, “Shamoun and Mills have submitted a rezoning application and are waiting on a hearing date. Shortly after The Brig opened last summer, the partners presented the beer garden idea during a neighborhood meeting. The goal is to open the beer garden by late spring.”

“The Brig opened at 5748 W. Lawrence Ave. in July. The building was formerly home to The Brigadoon. The bar has been in the neighborhood for over 60 years under a variety of different names.”

“Owners Mike Shamoun and Eric Mills took over after The Brigadoon’s owner died. Their goal was to create a place where residents could catch some live music or enjoy a standup show without having to leave the neighborhood.”

“Shamoun said the proposed garden will have picnic tables topped with umbrellas and giant games of Jenga, Connect Four, and cornhole. Eventually, Mills said they might add some kind of outdoor porch and heaters so the area can be used during the colder weather.”

“The Brig also has wifi and a selection of non-alcoholic beverages. Shamoun said he’d love to see people come to the beer garden to just enjoy the sun and do some work.”

“Shamoun and Mills are also excited about the beer garden because it will encourage customers to bring their dogs. Alongside rock ‘n’ roll, animals are very central to The Brig’s identity. The inside of the bar is dog-friendly and Shamoun often brings his two rescue pit bulls, who have been nicknamed “The Brig Boys,” to work.”

“Shamoun and Mills want to use the beer garden to host pet adoptions. They said Sierra Nevada Brewing Co. has already agreed to sponsor an adoption event. Next month, Shamoun plans on bringing his pet snake “Mango” to the bar.”

“The three-foot-long Albino Sunburst Columbian Boa will live in a tank near the pool table. When the weather is warm, Shamoun often bartends with his two bearded dragons, Boop and Groot, perched on his shoulders.”

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