Meet Your New Neighbor: Pollyanna social opens in lemont downtown
Lemont is lighting up and we’ve officially hit slow-down season – the perfect time to turn on your out-of-office, call up an old friend and grab a drink in a cozy cocktail bar while catching up on the years-end.
Pollyanna Brewing Company is known around the Chicagoland area for its handcrafted beers and warm taprooms. Their newest project, Pollyanna Social, showcases their locally crafted distilled spirits paired with fresh juices, herbs, cordials, and syrups. We sat down with Pollyanna Social General Manager, Nick Miller, to learn a little bit more about the budding new hot spot and their hopes for 2023.
Get to Know Pollyanna Social in Lemont
KG: Okay, Pollyanna has officially entered Legend territory. You have 3 locations, award-winning brews, and a growing distribution across the Midwest. What inspired this next leap into Pollyanna Social?
NM: About 3-4 years ago, we decided to try and make spirits. We started the effort in our St. Charles location and that became the distillery. They were well received and since Lemont is our home, we wanted to bring that concept back here and feature a craft menu around spirits.
KG: That’s actually such an accomplishment. There aren’t many distilleries in Chicago, are there?
NM: That’s right. Only about 34 licensed distilleries in the state so we’re very proud to be one of them.
KG: So tell me about the menu. What kind of drinks do you have in the works?
NM: We wanted to showcase the Pollyanna Spirits and complement the menu with fresh herbs, juices, and cordials. We have shaken drinks that tend to be more citrus-forward, stirred drinks that are more spirit-forward, and the classics - Manhattan, Old Fashioned, Negroni. Something for everyone!
KG: What’s been the favorite so far?
NM: Since opening, the Dazed and Infused— a vodka spirit infused with cucumber and hibiscus crafted with lemon juice and honeysuckle syrup. Our Lemont Sour, a twist on a bourbon sour, has also been quite popular. We’re also very excited about The Aster Garden. We’ve partnered with Amanda who grows fresh herbs for us and we’ve named a drink after her garden shop.
KG: That’s wonderful! I love Lemont merchants coming together.
NM: Everyone has been great as we’ve built this. In the next few weeks, we’ll start a partnership with Wooden Paddle and offer some ready-to-eat small bites that folks can enjoy while they’re hanging out. Folks can also bring in any food or have it delivered from a local spot in town.
KG: What else do you see in the future for Pollyanna Social?
NM: The space lends itself really well to events. We’re looking forward to hosting bachelorette and bachelor parties, bridal showers, baby showers, and next year, even a few holiday parties! We have a nice cozy space that fits about 50 people.
KG: I love that! How are people liking the space so far after your opening on December 8th?
NM: They’re really loving it. We’re proud to be a space serving high-quality crafted cocktails and a comfortable space to catch up with friends. Similar to our other taprooms, Pollyanna Social will also be a place to pick up spirits to-go and add to your bar at home. We’re really excited to have this space in our home.
Why not grab a cocktail and catch up with friends and family this December at Pollyanna Social! Let them know we sent you. Cheers!
