According to a recent article from the Chicago Eater, Conner O’Byrne will soon open Nettare’s doors at 1953 W Chicago Ave in West Town.
“We will be opening sometime in late September or early October,” Conner told What Now Chicago, “We are working with Project Interiors to design our space. We want the dining room to feel like a courtyard with three large skylights and abundant plant life provided by Sprout Home just around the corner.”
From the sample menus and rendering package O’Byrne sent to What Now Chicago, a highlight will be their smelts that are described as boquerone style with house focaccia, cultured butter, and citrus, or their porchetta di testa, made with Uncle Trent’s pork, house membrillo, and chimichurri. Their drink menu also highlights an array of unique options, such as their absinthe frappe, java sling, Chicago negroni, and more.
Nettare is described as a bar, restaurant, and market, founded by Conner. Under the leadership of executive chef John Dahlstrom, Nettare will bring a fresh and regional menu with inspiration from Italian and Mediterranean food culture that is rooted in Midwest sensibilities. When you first walk in you will be greeted by a boutique market with a focus on local spirits, followed by the 45-seat restaurant that will serve things like tea and sandwiches during the day. Once nighttime hits, an immersive dinner experience commences with a coveted 5-chef counter.
As a first-time restaurant owner and veteran service industry member, Conner has been a part of the beverage programs of Chicago hot spots such as Publican, Cassati’s, and La Josie. He is also a Floridian native, where he and his family first conceived the idea of Nettare during the pandemic in 2020.
“My core goal for Nettare is to be a place that highlights and celebrates things that come from and are made in the Midwest and Great Lakes Region, and the people that make them possible.”
