This past weekend was the Pitchfork Music Festival in Chicago’s Union Park. We complained about the beer selection inside, but it was too hot to drink in the midday sun anyway. (Lady: “Is there only Heineken at all the booths?” Beer Guy: “Awww. Is someone a snob?” Lady: “…I hate you.”) After darkness had descended though, we decided we needed a real drink and — sweaty, grimy and sun-weary as we were — we headed over to Fulton Market’s fairly new Maude’s Liquor Bar. A very popular spot, we ran into a few close friends who were already knee deep into a table full of delicious snacks and cocktails.

Maude’s is owned by the same folks as Gilt Bar, Curio and The Doughnut Vault, all rising stars in this city’s foodie scene. Since Gilt is one of our absolute favorite spots, we came expecting that same level of quality and were not disappointed. The food menu is simple (one page) and dotted with a number of “_____ of the day” items attesting to freshness and kitchen creativity. The main cocktail menu also stays succinct, focusing on a few sparklers, some beefier stirred drinks and a short list of smashes, though there is also a longer list with wine, beer and spirits.

The fresh and refreshing Grand Marnier smash

As we looked over the food menu, our drinks arrived. The bitters-loving man opted for the biting Boulevardier - Old Overholt Rye, Carpano Antica and Campari - while the lady picked the much lighter Grand Marnier Smash with lemon, orange and mint; both were fantastic. Our friends picked the refreshing Death in the Afternoon - Herbsainte, sugar, lemon and sparkling wine - and a slightly too sweet St. Germain Fizz - Death’s Door vodka, Aperol, St. Germain and soda.

For food, we pigged out, hungry from the long and tiring day in the park. A French onion fondue made with caramelized onions and Gruyere was a pleasant start that we dug into alongside pomme frites and a garlic aioli which was good, but not the best we’ve had recently. For the heart of our meal, we picked the traditional cossoulet of sausage, duck, beans and lots of other things we can’t remember. Hearty! The other side of the table split an order of the steamed mussels which they paired with a bibb lettuce salad (delicious dressing) and country terrine with a great ground mustard and pickles.

Though we were slightly delirious from the heat and highly conscious of the fact we must be the most disheveled bunch there, we really enjoyed ourselves. Maude’s has a great feel with a rich menu and is the sort of place we wish was in our own neighborhood where we could become regulars. A bit out of the way (as most things in Fulton Market are), it’s worth the cab hassle and we vow to return for more drinks, smashes and bites.