ADA STREET- Bucktown

Revamped the bar program at Ada Street with a focus on an adventurous wine program, refined cocktail execution, and a tighter overall guest experience. Fine dining with a casual feel.

Results & Impact

Ed Rey Chicago bar consultant cocktail menu development
Craft cocktail program by Chicago bar consultant Ed Rey
Chicago cocktail and beverage consultant Ed Rey Ed Eats

Scope

  • Curated an adventurous, rotating wine program

  • Refined cocktail menu with balanced, ingredient-driven builds

  • Reworked back bar structure and spirit selection

  • Supported small plates program through beverage pairing direction

  • Developed special event programming and activation concepts

Ed Rey Chicago bar consultant cocktail menu development
Craft cocktail program by Chicago bar consultant Ed Rey
Chicago cocktail and beverage consultant Ed Rey Ed Eats

Program

  • The beverage program focused on approachability with depth.

  • Wines were selected to introduce guests to lesser-known producers and regions while maintaining accessibility. The cocktail list leaned into clean, seasonal builds with subtle complexity, designed to complement the food rather than compete with it.

  • The back bar was streamlined to reflect intentional choices across spirits, with a focus on quality and versatility.

Ed Rey Chicago bar consultant cocktail menu development
Craft cocktail program by Chicago bar consultant Ed Rey
Chicago cocktail and beverage consultant Ed Rey Ed Eats

Operations

  • Managed day-to-day bar operations and service execution

  • Built inventory systems, ordering processes, and cost controls

  • Trained staff on product knowledge, service standards, and consistency

  • Established SOPs to improve workflow and reduce inefficiencies

A glass of red cocktail with a lemon twist garnish on a bar counter

Impact

  • Elevated the overall beverage identity of the restaurant

  • Improved consistency across service and product execution

  • Increased guest engagement through a more defined program

  • Strengthened bar performance through structure and training

Range

A colorful rainbow gradient cocktail with orange slices on top, being flambéed with a flare of fire in the background.

KING OF CUPS

Mystic • Experiential Cocktails

Colorful tropical cocktails and plates of food on a dark table at night, with festive neon signs in the background.

STORYVILLE

New Orleans • Restaurant • Live Music

Bar with liquor bottles in front of a moon-themed mural, illuminated by blue and neon lighting.

ESMERALDAS

Latin Tiki • Tropical Cocktails

Person using a butane torch to ignite a liquid in a glass, creating a large flame.

STARDUST

4am Late Night • High Energy • Nightclub

A cocktail glass filled with an orange-colored drink, garnished with a white flower and an orange peel, on a marble surface with a dark blurred background.

Lulus Speakeasy

Romantic • Intimate Cocktails

Outdoor dining table set for a meal, with potted plants and stacked plates and napkins, on a grassy area with sunlight, in a backyard or patio setting.

Ada Street

Boutique Wine Program • Bar Geek Cocktails

Brandos

Draft Cocktails • Karaoke • Late Night

L’Patron

Tacos • Tequila • Cocktails