The Best of Star Wars Themed Food in Chicago

via Ximena N. Beltran The force is strong with these Chicago bars and restaurants that are pumping out creative concoctions to celebrate the release of the new Star Wars movie: The Force Awakens. These chefs and mixologists are going beyond the basic (Darth Vader shaped cookies) to create truly interesting creations inspired by everything from obscure plot references to movie visuals incorporated into their presentation. So get your (Princess Leia) buns out to try these spots because as we all know, you’re their only hope.

1. Beef & Barley‘s Spice Kessel Rum

Created by B&B’s mixologist Jake Jagodzinski says, “It’s a variation of an early 1900′s classic cocktail called the Winter Classic. Any Star Wars fan will know about Han Solo’s infamous Kessel Run claim. The Kessel run was a route smugglers took when hauling spice, which in Star Wars is a drug. I incorporated several spices in the drink to play off that reference, and changing ‘run’ to ‘rum’ was a no brainer.”

Spice Kessel Rum made with #the86co Cana Brava Rum, ginger liqueur, cinnamon simple, lemon, clove tincture, #angosturabitters, candied ginger garnish #starswars #kesselrun #12parsecs #hansolo #spicerun #nerd #starwarscocktail #theforceawakens #usetheforce #milleniumfalcon #lucasfilms #86corum #canabrava

A photo posted by Beef & Barley (@bnbchi) on Dec 9, 2015 at 10:13pm PST

2. DMK‘s Sith Burger

Piled high with grass-fed beef, chorizo, caramelized onions, jalapenos, Jack cheese, and roasted red pepper mayo, the Siths in Star Wars only wish they could eat DMK’s Sith Burger.

In a galaxy far, far away… … they wished they had something this good. Say hello to the new #15, the #Sith Burger, A DAY EARLY through @ubereats! Just go the the #Uber app, tap the plate and utensils icon, and if you’re in the Loop, West Loop, River North, Lincoln Park, Old Town, Gold Coast, Wicker Park, Lakeview, or Bucktown, they’ll bring it right to you- that easy! Or try it at DMK #Lakeview and #Lombard starting tomorrow! the Sith Burger: grass fed beef, adobo, chorizo, caramelized onion & jalapeño, Jack cheese and roasted red pepper mayo. #maytheforcebewithyou

A photo posted by @dmkrestaurants on Nov 30, 2015 at 9:10am PST

3. Barrelhouse Flat takes a stance on ‘who shot first’ and turns Bantha Milk into an adult beverage.

Self-professed “Star Wars nerd” Mark Brinker, bar manager for BF, created two cocktails that pay homage to the intergalactic saga.

Getting ready for the new #StarWars movie with @barrelhouseflat’s boozy rendition of Bantha Milk. (Some of you might remember this breakfast drink Luke Skywalker enjoyed on Tatooine in Star Wars episode 4)

A photo posted by C1 Revolution (@c1revolution) on Dec 15, 2015 at 3:57pm PST

Bantha Milk

A boozy rendition of breakfast drink enjoyed on Tatooine by Luke Skywalker, his uncle Owen and aunt Beru, featured in Star Wars Episode 4: “A New Hope” (Beefeater Gin, blue curacao, cocchi Americano, pineapple juice and cream).

The Cantina Brawl shot is comprised of the Han Shot First and Greedo Shot Second.

This drink is composed of two separate shots, which are created to be taken one after the other. By themselves the shots are unbalanced but the idea is that taken one after the other, they work together. An homage to the controversial editing made by George Lucas in Star Wars Episode 4: “A New Hope.”

(Han Shot First: Buffalo Trace Bourbon, Cynar, lemon juice, salt, egg white)
(Greedo Shot Second: Green Chartreuse, egg yolk)

4. Have a drink at Mos Eisley Cantina

For one night, The Whistler is being turned into Mos Eisley Cantina, the galactic drinking hole, complete with Star Wars themed music, drinks and decorations.

#Chicago #thewhistler #thursday #beats #producer #producers #spontaneouscomposition #samples #chopshop #music #audio #livebeatmaking

A photo posted by Carlos Moore (@carlosmoore) on Dec 3, 2015 at 10:02pm PST

5. Or a six-course Star Wars inspired dinner

To celebrate the release of the new movie, Table, Donkey and Stick is hosting a six course Star Wars themed dinner on Wednesday, December 16th. The menu will feature courses inspired by each of the six Star Wars films from chefs across the city. Including:

• Scott Manley of Table, Donkey and Stick
• Nathan Sears of The Radler
• Lawrence Letrero of Sable
• Chris Davies of Homestead
• Caleb Trahan of Bread & Wine

Dishes include: thai fighting XO wings, tauntaun soup dumplings, Jar Jar bisque, smoked vadervan pork and Obi-Wan pierogi.

Mark your calendars. Six courses of Star Wars inspired awesomeness. Wednesday December 16th, open seating. Reservations available now.

A photo posted by Table, Donkey and Stick (@tabledonkeystick) on Nov 18, 2015 at 11:58am PST

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