Birdcage, a new Latin-inspired eatery from restauranteur Leslie Cohen and chef Shaun Whitmer, is now open in Grant Park.
The duo are best known for Firepit Pizza Tavern. Birdcage is located in the 3,000-square-foot historic building adjacent to the popular pizza joint at the Larkin on Memorial directly across from Oakland Cemetery.
“We are beyond thrilled that Birdcage is finally open, and our entire team is humbled by the ongoing support and enthusiasm we have received from the community and our Grant Park family,” Cohen said in a news release. “We’ve poured our heart and souls into every detail of our second concept and are ready to show it off. As it says on our wall, ‘Come As You Are,’ and be ready for the triple threat of vibrant décor, energetic staff, and our chef-driven menu bursting with Latin flavors. It’s our goal to create an experience so each guest leaves as a fan.”
Whitmer, who is part owner along with Cohen, is at the helm of the kitchen. Expect elevated, Latin-inspired dishes catered to both individuals and families, like rotisserie chicken and ribs, salads, seasonal sofrito squash entrees, crispy red tacos, street corn, Michelada shrimp cocktail and more.
“We like to think of our menu as a love letter and ode to the people we’ve worked with over the years who we greatly respect,” Whitmer said. “We’ve put our unique spin on dishes they’ve introduced us to from various regions in Latin America. It’s what we’ve come to know and love during staff meals, behind the scenes, and in their homes.”
A cocktail menu from Beverage Director Alli Estadt (a familiar face behind the bar at Firepit) compliments the food, including frozen concoctions along with whimsical cocktails like the Look At Your Pinky (a mix of vodka, prickly pear liqueur, Aperol, lime and bubbles) and the Agador Spartacus (bourbon, coffee liqueur, amaretto, orange juice and Peychaud’s bitters). Local craft beers, wine and seasonal drinks round out the beverage offerings.
Designed by Nikki Bachrach of Bachrach Creative in tandem with Cohen, the contemporary design is inspired by “The Birdcage,” the ’90s movie set in South Beach starring Nathan Lane and Robin Williams. The restaurant includes an expansive bar area and a dog-friendly patio.
Birdcage is open for lunch and dinner seven days a week.
