Lots to Love About Henry's Swing Club

One of the most surprising additions to River North's thumping dining and drinking scene as of late, Henry's Swing Club is everything downtowners need and want in a casual bar that flies in the face of the neighborhood's typical sceney template. The concept came about when DMK Restaurant Group swooped in on the defunct Lao 18 and partnered with Tony Hu to give the neighborhood something chill, tasty, fun, and consistent. The result may very well be River North's saving grace. Here is what you need to know about Henry's Swing Club. 


Henry's Swing Club
(Bottled cocktails represent at Henry's Swing Club)


The Players: The gents behind Henry's Swing Club know how to curate a good dining and drinking experience. David Morton, Michael Kornick and Michael Rubel are the trifecta behind such spots as County and Fish Bar, and together they've proven their mettle in regards to fine-tuning solid, focused concepts in various neighborhoods, seamlessly melding themselves into the sub-culture of each enclave. 


The Cocktails: First and foremost, you come here to drink. Not only are the cocktails of the utmost caliber thanks to beverage maven Michael Rubel, but they're affordable, inventive, and numerous. In a neighborhood beleaguered with expensive, haughty beverages, Henry's is a breath of fresh, boozy air. The menu is unpretentious and varied, with a little something for everyone. Force carbonated draft cocktails are fizzy and refreshing, from the Sarsaparilla Sling infused with rich, creamy flavors that sing of soda shoppe nostalgia, to the Pocket Watch, a zesty medley of vodka, ginger syrup, Campari, and lime. Don't you dare miss the bottled Pisco Punch, the best version of this cocktail I have ever had, made with Tabernero Pisco Acholado, pineapple syrup, lime, and grapefruit bitters. They've also got shaken and stirred cocktails, frozen cocktails, boilermakers, shots, and even a bottle of Jack Daniels served with unlimited Coke. Because Henry's is cool like that. 


The Beer and Wine: There's plenty of beer and wine here, too. Nothing breaks the bank, but quality isn't skimped on either. With lots of craft beers by the bottle and on draft, plus several sparkling wines and a daily red and white (COOL), Henry's keeps it simple, straightforward, and solid. 


Henry's Swing Club
(Sliders galore!)


The Food: The focal point at Henry's is clearly the booze, but it's food menu serves to drive home the casual ethos. Whereas most of the neighborhood peddles pricey grub, Henry's hones in on casual and affordable bar fare jazzed up with culinary cred. There's sliders aplenty (get the Buffalo chicken and the roast pork-kimchi banh mi), whopping portions of nachos, crispy whitefish tacos as light and crackly as deep-fried clouds, tableside s'mores, and lots more. There's also a quirky dish on the menu simply called "Fuck it - here's a big tamale." Respect. 


The Whoopie: As the name might imply, Henry's knows how to have fun. Case in point: their popular pool table and the fact that they offer a deck of cards and Uno on the menu. Because it's always fun to play Uno and watch your friendships disintegrate over booze as someone slaps you with a "draw four." Even better, Henry's offers free bottles for "spin the bottle." So you can get your kiss on as you linger.


- Matt Kirouac 

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