Next Whiskey Bar - Lisle, IL

Lisle, IL is one of the last ‘blink and you’ll miss it’ small towns outside of Chicago, but it is definitely a big-time spot for food. Out of all of the great eats in this town, the one I always make THE destination for visiting friends and family, or when I need a pick-me-up is Next Whiskey Bar located on Main St. in the downtown district.

While the name might imply you must love whiskey (I don’t) to enjoy the experience of NWB, it’s really the perfect blend of comfort food and atmosphere that has made it my very favorite for nearly six years. I have brokered peace talks with exes, had rambunctious nights out with friends, soothed a broken heart, and celebrated wins at this place because there is literally an option for every mood and milestone. Not to mention the staff is always so warm and welcoming every time you walk in the door as if they’ve known you their whole life.

So let’s start with their namesake… the whiskey. Now, we’ve already established that I’m not much of a whiskey aficionado, but that’s actually a good thing because there are options for just that if you’re like me. Their Final Word cocktail is made with a rye base, and is a great stepping stone into the world of the brown elixir of the gods. Start here if you’re a total newbie to the game.

For those of you who have all of the hair on your chest of a whiskey lover, NWB is officially your jam with eleventy million (not an exaggeration) different whiskeys, bourbons, ryes, and scotch for you to imbibe from all over the world. The experts in my life swear by their Old Fashioneds and Manhattans.

Ok, drinking is great, but let’s talk food. From small bites to the kind of comfort food you tuck into right there in your car before you can even get your takeout order home, NWB slays it.

Need a bite while you’re catching up with a friend over a couple of cocktails? You can’t go wrong with their charcuterie board. It’s not just meat and cheese slapped on a board, it’s a work of art complete with gherkins, almonds, and honeycomb.

The pork belly mac n’ cheese is literally a religious experience. Genuflect and bless yourself, because you’re about to ascend to an entirely new dimension. We’re talking a perfect combination of southern inspired mac n’ cheese with the midwestern staple of pork belly. It is right to give thanks and praise.

Chicken and Waffles? They got you. Pulled pork tacos? So good you’ll have to slap yo mama, and order her another drink!

But the piece de resistance has to be their signature NWB burger. I have officially called this the ‘break up burger’ because it will turn your frown upside down, clear your skin, water your crops, and inspire you. A ½ lb patty topped with whiskey bbq sauce, pork belly, cheese curds, and onion straws, it’s an explosion of tasty joy with every bite. If you can’t pet a puppy, get one of these burgers. The serotonin hit is the same.

Even the boring and ‘health conscious’ people in your life will have a ton of salads to choose from on the menu. The Shrimp Citrus and Avocado has a refreshing blend of flavors to it that cleanse your palate after every fry you steal off your friend-who-knows-how-to-live’s plate.

We can’t leave without having dessert, so let’s talk sweets. The whiskey doughnuts with whiskey caramel sauce are like a hug of warm sugary sunshine, and the S’mores are a deconstructed take on the classic that’ll have you wishing for a campfire and a round of Kumbaya with your friends.

So if you find yourself out in the Western Burbs of Chicago, definitely stop by Next Whiskey Bar in downtown Lisle just off Ogden Ave. and Main St. With great drinks, amazing eats, and even better atmosphere, NWB shows you how small towns just do it better.