Fork & Coin Is Almost Here: Portage Park's Hotly Anticipated New Supper Club Eyes a June Opening

By Socialhood News · Il/Chicago/Portage Park · June 13, 2026

Portage Park foodies, the wait is almost over. Fork and Coin, a new pub and supper club with a decidedly inventive twist, is gearing up for a soft opening this month at 3938 N. Central Ave. — the address longtime neighbors may remember as the former Bluebird Cafe. Chef and co-owner Drake Mandrell, a former instructor at The Chopping Block in Lincoln Square, is bringing his culinary chops to the Northwest Side with a menu that blends classic pub comfort food with bold Asian-inspired flavors. Think soy-glazed fried cauliflower alongside familiar favorites like burgers and fish and chips — all in a welcoming supper-club atmosphere designed to bring neighbors together.

Mandrell didn't just dream this up overnight. He spent years perfecting Fork and Coin's menu through a series of food pop-ups at Chicago beaches, parks, and breweries before landing his own brick-and-mortar home right here in Portage Park. After graduating from the Culinary Institute of America and helping open restaurants in New York and the Hamptons, he's planting roots on the Northwest Side — and his vision for Fork and Coin is clear: a place where neighbors can genuinely connect over great food and interesting drinks.

A soft opening is targeted for June, with a full opening expected later this summer. Whether you're a craft beer lover, a foodie craving something new, or just looking for a fresh neighborhood hangout, Fork and Coin is shaping up to be one of Portage Park's most exciting dining additions in years. Keep an eye on their social media for opening announcements — and when the doors open, share your first impressions with the Socialhood community!

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