Next Whiskey Bar

As cold weather approaches, comfort food is in order. And NWB, as Lisle's Next Whiskey Bar is known, has just the food — and beverage — menu to cozy up to this winter.

Southern charm meets rock n/roll at this bourbon-focused eatery. On a Friday or Saturday night, plan for a bit of a wait. Once inside the rustic, distillery-inspired interior, relax and let your body sink into the dark, mahogany-tufted soft seating. The cluster of open-bulb lanterns dance light off the thick wooden table tops. A seat by the big, blue neon NWB block letter display is one of the best in the house at this lively suburban hot spot. The warm, open layout also includes a full-length bar. 

Upon settling in, friendly servers descend on the casual dining room, bringing a menu of elevated comfort food, which is also served in-full at the bar. Choosing where to start is a mouth-watering task. Battered in beer for a light crunch, it’s the whiskey chili dipping sauce that steals the show with each bountiful order of onion rings. Or share a mammoth meat and cheese board, featuring billowing accoutrements such as grilled challah bread and hot apricot jam.What’s comfort food without mac ‘n cheese on the menu? NWB boasts a rich, house-made, four-cheese sauce that envelops the order of spiral noodles. It can be dressed up with pork belly or buffalo chicken or served as a side to sub for fries with burger or sandwich options.

Though you can choose from briôche or wheat buns, the springy and salty pretzel bun is the perfect platform for The Big Jer burger, which features two juicy patties separated by a savory onion slice and blanketed in melty Merkt’s cheddar cheese. The Thousand Island dressing is the tangy touch that pulls this robust sandwich together. When left with the choice of hand-cut or shoe string potatoes, spring instead for truffle Parmesan fries, which can be substituted for just $2. NWB does offer lighter selections like soups, fresh tacos, and entrée-style salads that can be made as wraps, too.

Drink options are plentiful, as exhibited by the many back-lit bottles illuminated on the wall behind the bar. The whiskey selection is several pages long, which invites everyone from aficionados to casual drinkers to be adventurous with a flight. Or try NWB’s signature bourbon cocktail, the 29er, which features notes of cherry and orange. Prefer an old favorite? Chances are they have it in stock, ready to serve as a two-finger pour.

The dessert options are simple and to the point. While the cast-iron S’mores dip will suit chocolate lovers, diners come here to finish off with the whiskey doughnuts. Poppable, light and airy, it’s hard not to drench each one of these powdered-sugar dusted bites in the warm whiskey caramel sauce that accompanies the plate. 

NWB  does not take reservations, but is also open for lunch, making it easy to check out it’s wide range of comfort food options.  

QUICK FACTS 

Recommended Dishes: 

Pulled Pork Poutine, NWB Burger, Whiskey Doughnuts

Cost: 

Starters/salads: $9 - $15

Entrées: $12 - $15

Sides: $4 - $7

Hours: 

S - W: 11 a.m. - 9 p.m.

Thur: 11 a.m. - 10 p.m.

F - Sat: 11 a.m. - 11 p.m.

Extras: 

Bar open later Thur - Sat; outdoor patio; wine and craft beers.

Address:

4732 Main St., Lisle

630 541-3811

www.nwbars.com