The Red Barrel, is it still open?

Hey all. The Red Barrel on Archer Ave., is it still open? Is the barbecue ribs and chicken still good?

Szalas now occupies the restaurant that used to be The Red Barrel.

Red Barrel, a restaurant that was once popular in the 1970s on the Southwest Side, reopened decades after its shutter. The newest incarnation features a blend of Mexican dishes and American classics.

https://chicago.eater.com/2017/12/22/16 ... inter-2018

Even though I posted the re-opening details upthread over a year ago, I completely forgot about this place. Recently, I did a quick LTH search of the neighborhood zip code when I was searching for a place near my client. Voila!

I've eaten lunch here three times over the past couple of months. Once solo and twice with a client.

I don't know the history of the building/restaurant. Apparently, it's in its second life. The building European-ish in design. High peaked roof. Lots of dark wood for the interior. Flat screens on the walls. Large bar area. They have their own parking lot across the street.

The "Breakfast/Lunch" menu is a small United Nations of food. It includes both Chicken Parm and Vesuvio. Chicken and Waffles, salads, Tres Leches Pancakes, assorted crepes, Chilaquiles and other egg dishes, pasta and burgers.

Today I had the Chicken Parm sandwich with (I think) fresh cut fries. My client had a caesar salad with a piece of salmon. All were quite good.

Freaking friendly service. They kept my iced tea filled without me asking. They remembered us from previous visits. Nice bathrooms too. Not too crowded for a weekday lunch. Conversation friendly. Looks like they have live music on Saturday nights.

Red Barrel Restaurant
5214 S Archer Ave.
Chicago, IL 60632
(773) 306-1652
http://www.redbarrelchicago.com/