CHICAGO — A new restaurant is preparing to bring warmth, history, and live-fire cooking to Lincoln Park this summer. Ox Bar & Hearth, formerly known as Brick & Mortar, is taking over the long-vacant space at 1578 N. Clybourn, right across from the North & Clybourn Red Line stop.
New Name, Familiar Spirit
Restaurant owners John Asbaty and Alain Uy, both veterans of Evanston’s renowned Trio, opted for a name change to better reflect their culinary philosophy and the building’s legacy. According to a spokesperson for the team, the new name, Ox Bar & Hearth, draws inspiration from traditional London pub names, combining imagery of animals with cozy symbols of hospitality.
The location itself has a deep local legacy. Most recently home to Burger Bar Chicago, the address was previously occupied by the Golden Ox, a beloved German restaurant that operated there from 1921 to 2014. The new name nods to this past while setting a fresh tone for the future.
What to Expect at Ox Bar & Hearth
The restaurant promises live fire cooking with Midwestern roots, aiming to provide elevated simplicity. The menu is expected to highlight locally sourced ingredients, prepared with minimal fuss but maximum flavor.
Asbaty and Uy have stated their intention to create a communal dining environment that blends the old with the new—evoking nostalgia while introducing a modern edge to the dining experience.
While no firm opening date has been released, Ox Bar & Hearth is currently hiring staff in preparation for its summer debut. Updates on the opening will be shared soon on oxbarchicago.com.
Are you excited for the revival of this historic location in Lincoln Park? Have memories of the Golden Ox or thoughts on Ox Bar & Hearth’s concept? Share your stories in the comments on ChicagoSuburbanFamily.com!
