Fork and Coin Is Coming to Portage Park — And It's Not Your Average Bar and Grill

By Socialhood News · Il/Chicago/Portage Park · April 22, 2026

Portage Park's dining scene just got a serious upgrade. Fork and Coin, a new pub and supper club with an Asian-inspired twist on elevated bar food, is set to open at 3938 N. Central Ave. — the space that previously housed the Bluebird Cafe. And if the menu is any indication, neighbors are in for something genuinely special.

Behind the concept is Drake Mandrell, a former chef instructor at The Chopping Block in Lincoln Square who has also helped open restaurants in New York and the Hamptons. Mandrell has spent years honing Fork and Coin's menu through pop-ups at beaches, parks, and breweries across the city — so this is a concept that's been carefully crafted with Chicago diners in mind. Think soy-glazed fried cauliflower alongside pub classics like burgers and fish and chips, all enjoyed in a supper-club atmosphere designed to get neighbors talking. The building also features an upstairs space that can be booked for private events, making it a natural new gathering spot for the community. Mandrell is eyeing a soft opening in June, with full hours to follow later this summer.

Can't wait until June? Get a sneak peek at Fork and Coin's signature dishes at a pop-up hosted by The Chopping Block on May 19. Follow Fork and Coin on Instagram and their website for the latest updates — and get ready to pull up a seat at Portage Park's newest neighborhood table.

Sources:
1. https://blockclubchicago.org/2026/04/15/fork-and-coin-to-bring-asian-twist-to-pub-fare-in-portage-park/