Go Where Bartenders Go . . .For Late-Night Bites

<Bartenders Josh Davis (left) and Clint Rogers.

Over the years, we’ve seen a number of stories tracking the late-night dining habits of local chefs. Those are some of the best type of articles because if anyone knows where to find the hidden gems to grub, it’s a chef.

But you know who else knows where to go for even later-night noshes? Their bartenders—who clock out long after the kitchen crew. We tracked down a few of them for the details on their favorite secret spots:

Sable Kitchen & Bar’s Mike Ryan is known best for shaking up classic cocktails in one of the sexiest hotel lounges in the city. But when it comes to him getting his grub on after hours, he heads closer to home.

Lucky for Ryan, Diner Grill on Irving Park Road is open 24 hours, so he’s never in a rush to get what he calls the “ultimate hangover fix.” The Slinger comes with hash browns, two hamburger patties topped with two eggs over easy and a serving of piping-hot chili. You also get two slices of white bread on the side. “You even get a certificate if you finish it!” he gleefully tells us.

Benjamin Schiller is one of the busiest bartenders in town, crafting cocktails for all the high-profile spots in the Boka Restaurant Group. Similar to Ryan, Schiller goes into low-key mode when he’s not working. He says: “If I get off in time, which I rarely do, I always order Panang Curry from Opart Thai House (in Lincoln Square). Basically, if I ever get a true day off, all I eat is Thai.”

Mixology up-and-comer Clint Rogers, who is behind the impressive mixology program at Henri, makes his way to Humboldt Park after hours, and he’ll likely order the signature burger at Rootstock Wine and Beer Bar. It’s a Black Earth organic burger, with bacon-scallion aioli, red onion and white cheddar, and is accompanied by mixed greens and house pickles.

Hyde Park resident Andre Cunningham heads back to his stomping grounds for budget bites when he punches out at new Lincoln Park sensation Perennial Virant. His go-to spot in the ‘hood is Woodlawn Tap for a $20 deal of two brats, two beers and two shots of whiskey.

And knowing that deep-fried foods are the best way to end a busy night, Josh Davis, the award-winning bar star at South Loop Bar & Grill, hits up a couple of South Shore venues on the regular. Don’t be surprised if you spot him at J&J Fish & Chicken getting the large fried shrimp and catfish combo. Or, he says, if J&J’s too busy, he heads over to Kennedy Fish & Chicken for chow. He’ll get seafood, gyro plate or a hot Hoagie to go.