Next Whiskey Bar Welcomed With 'Open Arms' By Plainfield

PLAINFIELD, IL — The downtown area in Plainfield exudes a quaint charm, and that was one of the reasons why this restaurateur decided to bring his modern American gastropub-inspired eatery here. Dan Tacone, co-owner of the Next Whiskey Bar, said he has witnessed the "immense support that the businesses [in Plainfield] get from the locals."

"We felt that we would be a nice compliment to all of the fantastic businesses that were already there," he said.

The NWB opened its doors on July 13, offering artisan cocktails, an extensive whiskey list, a menu featuring flavors from around the globe, and the classic comfort food favorites. Tacone describes the atmosphere as "relaxed and comfortable with a touch of southern charm and a kiss of classic rock and roll."

Despite the myriad challenges posed by the coronavirus pandemic, he said he was not worried about this new venture because he has experienced the support for small businesses first hand.

"During our build out of the space, we also saw full patios and long lines for take out orders at the surrounding businesses so any concerns we had about opening during this pandemic were short-lived," Tacone said.

Just like the pandemic, the situation at a new restaurant is very fluid in the beginning. Tacone and his staff have been working hard to offer every guest a five-star experience, he said.

"If we succeed at doing that we will grow organically by word of mouth. We will also utilize social media and rely on our location to grow our customer base," he said.

Tacone and his business partner Ben Devee are making tweaks each day to keep up with the COVID-19 guidelines, so that they can offer their guests an enjoyable and memorable experience in a clean and safe space.

They are following guidelines from the Illinois Department of Public Health, including, but not limited to tables distanced 6 feet apart, hand sanitizer stations throughout the restaurant, masks required for employees and guests (when not sitting at table), limited bar seating to ensure social distance, frequent hand washing by the employees, frequent sanitization of all bathrooms and restaurant surfaces.

The NWB offers both indoor and outdoor seating, and the unpredictable nature of the coronavirus notwithstanding, the owners are prepared to protect their customers.

"We’ve been very fortunate that people are coming in," Tacone said. "These last few months we’ve gotten really good at rolling with the punches. So as always, we’ll be prepared to do whatever is asked of us to ensure public safety."

Tacone said he has been in the restaurant industry since the age of 16, doing every job "just about every job imaginable within it." In 2010, he opened Next Mex with Devee in Lemont and then the first NWB location came to Lisle in 2017. They both love "what we do and are always eager to continue to grow and keep up with constantly changing industry trends," he said.

With years of experience under their belt, they are offering some of the most delectable items. Their Little Habana has pulled Pork, prosciutto, mozzarella, house pickled cucumber and onions, stone ground mustard aioli, served on soft focaccia. For a lighter eat, guests can try the shrimp, wrapped in applewood bacon and served with a black bean, corn relish and chile aioli.

They also have a selection of hand-crafted drinks such as the Black Manhattan with knob creek Rye, Averna, Angostura and Peychaud's bitters, filthy cherry and blackberry. Those with a fruity inclination can try the cocktail made with seasonal fresh fruit, Prairie organic cucumber vodka, Lazzaroini Marascino liqueur and lemon juice.

Tacone said they have received "amazing" feedback from the Plainfield community so far. He said the NWB has such an "inviting aspect to our space that it will immediately draw you in for dinner with friends, happy hour with coworkers, or lunch with the girls."

"We truly feel like we’ve been welcomed to the community with open arms, and we’ll be forever grateful for that," he said.

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