The Leavitt St Inn & Tavern in Bucktown, Chicago was one of my first job opportunities when I moved here in the fall of 2022. I was somewhere in WI driving a Uhaul with all the things I felt I needed most on this next chapter, when one of my best friends and soon-to-be roommate asked me if I wanted to work a few bartending shifts that weekend. Moving to a new city and not having a ton of money saved up, naturally, I said yes without hesitation and haven't regretted that in the moment choice.
It's a little neighborhood corner bar with a lovely patio that is covered by a tent and heated in the wintertime. They feature a small menu with a perfect balance of options to enjoy, with a constantly rotating tap beer list or a refreshing cocktail or two. The menu consists of a rather awesome fried chicken sandwich, three cheese grilled cheese, wedge salad, mac and cheese bites, black bean hummus, whipped ricotta spread, a tray of fries accompanied by a lemon pepper aioli and tajin aioli, and the star of the menu is the smash burger in all its beefy crispy laced smash patties, American cheese, caramelized onions, house-made pickles and special sauce. This burger is the true definition of a smash burger, if you disagree, no, you didn't. Anyway highly suggest checking this place out, if you get a chance to meet the couple that owns the spot, Sarah and Teddy you will feel where the place gets its charm from.
