Ina Mae Tavern | When New Orleans and Chicago collide, you get Ina Mae Tavern.
The beating heart of Ina Mae Tavern is the nostalgia of Chef Brian Jupiter’s childhood. The concept was inspired by the small mom-and-pop restaurants, dive bars, and corner stores that dot the New Orleans landscape.
The name itself is a tribute to Chef Jupiter’s great-grandmother, Ina Mae. Both she and his grandmother were entrepreneurial spirits who embodied the resilience and charm of the city’s small businesses. In honoring them, Chef Jupiter hasn’t just opened a tavern; he has brought a genuine, unadulterated taste of his family’s history to Chicago.
The Vibe: A Wicker Park Staple
Located on a bustling corner in Wicker Park, Ina Mae Tavern captures the essence of a “corner store” hangout. It strikes a rare balance: it is a neighborhood staple perfect for a casual Tuesday dinner, yet vibrant enough for a celebratory Saturday night.
- The Atmosphere: Genuine, rustic, and welcoming.
- The Entertainment: The tavern frequently hosts live music, filling the air with blues, jazz, and funk that encourages patrons to stay a little longer.
- The Goods: True to its name, the spot features unique packaged items and local goods, mimicking the NOLA grocery stores of the past.
Critical Acclaim & Accolades
Since opening its doors in 2018, Ina Mae Tavern has been a darling of the culinary world, garnering praise from local critics and national heavyweights alike.
- Michelin Recognized: Ina Mae is the proud recipient of three Bib Gourmands, a prestigious recognition from Michelin for restaurants offering exceptionally good food at moderate prices.
- James Beard Nominee: Executive Chef Brian Jupiter (also of the sibling restaurant, Frontier) is a two-time James Beard Award nominee for Best Chef: Midwest.
- Television Fame: Chef Jupiter proved his culinary prowess to the world by winning the hit competition show “Chopped” in 2022.
The Menu: Southern Fare & Libations
Come hungry, because the menu is designed to stick to your ribs and soothe your soul. This is not “elevated” Southern food that has lost its roots; this is the real deal.
What to Eat:
- Fried Chicken: Often cited as some of the best in the city—crispy, juicy, and perfectly seasoned.
- Po’ Boys: Overstuffed sandwiches served on crusty French bread, just like you’d get on Magazine Street.
- Seafood: From crawfish boils to chargrilled oysters, the seafood selection is fresh and flavorful.
What to Drink: You can’t have a NOLA experience without the spirits. The bar program is centered around fun and flavor. Grab a Frozen Daiquiri to cool off, or explore a cocktail list deep in bourbon and rye.
Final Thoughts
Whether you are sitting on the outside stage listening to a live band or tucking into a plate of beignets inside, the philosophy at Ina Mae is simple: Having a good time is the only thing that matters.
If you are in Chicago and missing the South, or simply want to experience award-winning comfort food, Ina Mae Tavern is a must-visit.
The corner of Beach and Wood in Wicker Park is a neighborhood staple thanks to its genuine atmosphere, live music, and real New Orleans cuisine, as well as the unique packaged items and local goods it sells.
The atmosphere and food at Ina Mae Tavern have been praised by critics both locally and nationally since 2018. Our sibling restaurant Frontier’s chef, Brain Jupiter, was nominated for Best Chef Midwest at the James Beard Awards twice and won Chopped in 2022. Ina Mae has been awarded three Bib Gourmands.
Please partake in Southern fare and libations. Fried chicken and po’ boys are waiting for you. Sip a Frozen Daiquiri and listen to the band on our outside stage. After all, having a good time is the only thing that matters.
Ina Mae Tavern
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