CHIReview
photo credit: Christina Slaton
Owen & Engine
This spot is Permanently Closed.
Owen & Engine is a different kind of pub. Sure, you can come here just to drink. But the food is so good, it's really the kind of spot you head to for a few cocktails, and end up eating a full meal.
The menu at Owen & Engine has all the familiar pub items you’d expect to find, like a soft pretzel, fish and chips, bangers and mash, and an excellent burger. As a matter of fact, if arguing over burgers is a favorite hobby of yours, no stupid burger argument is valid if it doesn’t include talk of Owen & Engine. The brisket, short rib, and chuck patty is incredible—it’s thick, and the caramelized-onion-to-meat ratio is as good as it gets.
We also appreciate that this two-story bar is exactly where we want to hang out when it's cold and gross outside, and because this is Chicago, that means most of the time. The dimly-lit downstairs is a traditional pub with a long wooden bar, and the upstairs feels like a cozy living room from Peeky Blinders. Plus, it's right across the street from the Regal Theater, which is very useful to grab drinks and a bite after watching a movie.
Ultimately, it’s that combination of quality food and excellent environment that makes Owen & Engine what it is: A pub we can get behind.
Food Rundown
Soft Pretzel
Never a bad idea to start with a honey mustard-glazed pretzel and a little bit of cheese sauce. Ok, a lot of cheese sauce.
Ploughman’s
A serious meat plate consisting of salt beef, smoked ham, cheddar, hard boiled egg, spicy pickles, and housemade brown bread. This is a great thing to share, or to make a fully delicious meal for one.
photo credit: Christina Slaton
Burger
Plain and simple this is a fantastic burger. It comes on a house potato bun with caramelized onions and malt vinegar mayo. You should eat this.
Fish and Chips
You can’t be a good British pub without a proper fish and chips, can you? Owen & Engine delivers. The fish is haddock and has a nice, crispy fry.
Bangers & Mash
The usual sausages and mashed potatoes with cider onion gravy, roasted garlic, and caramelized apples.