In 1949, The Man With The Golden Arm was published. The hard-hitting novel told the story of a low-level hustler and card dealer, Frankie Machine, who returns home from World War II to one of the toughest neighborhoods in the country: Chicago’s Division Street.
Dreaming of someday becoming a professional drummer, Frankie is saddled by a crippled & controlling wife, Zosh, and a secret “thirty-five pound monkey” on his back in the form of a morphine addiction.
This tragic story was the public’s first peek inside the neon wilderness of Wicker Park. And so honest and poignant was the telling that the novel was awarded the first National Book Award in 1950.
While the neighborhood has changed, the ghosts of hustlers, thugs, drunks, and addicts linger. This winter, BORDEL would like to pay homage to our neighborhood’s past. All cocktails on this menu are inspired by the novel that showed the world the beauty and flaws of our neighborhood and city. A town that the author Nelson Algren rightly said “is an October sort of city even in the spring.”
Story and Characters of “The Man with the Golden Arm” created by Nelson Algren
Cocktails $12
Frankie Machine
The “Dealer.” A hustler and underground card dealer. Tortured by guilt and addiction, Frankie’s dreams are always outside the reach of his “Golden Arm.” Peated Scotch, Bonal, Fernet-Dogma, Demerara, Orange
Sparrow
An off-balanced dog-thief and punk. He looks up to Frankie, even helping him cover up a murder. But their bond is doomed and Sparrow eventually gives up his only friend to the police. Aquavit, Suze, Lingonberry, Honey, Lemon, Dill
Zosh
Nelson Algren said, “Never sleep with a woman whose troubles are worse than your own.” Unfortunately, Frankie didn’t listen. Bitter after a car accident, Zosh confines herself to a wheelchair, which she sees as a cross for both her and Frankie to bear. Vodka, Pear Brandy, Campari, Vanilla, Lemon, Dried Orange
Blind Pig
An unwashed, local pedaler who hustles coffee for hoods. Although he is blind, he always sees a chance to take advantage of someone’s weakness. Aged Mezcal, Bourbon, Coffee & Chicory Vermouth, Bitters, Smoked Cherry
Drunk Johnny
An abusive drunk with delusions of grandeur. When “stiff” he tries to bring down Molly-O to build himself up. Aged Rum & Rhum, Oloroso Sherry, Maple, All-spice
Molly-O
“The girl with the ‘heart-shaped face.” She helps Frankie fight his addiction, but even she isn’t enough to save him. Pisco, Gin, Eucalyptus, Honey, Lemon, House Orange Bitters
Nifty Louie
A sharp-dressed man in a sea green suit. In an unmarked room above the Club Safari, he feeds Frankie’s “Thirty-Five” pound monkey. Tequila, Juniper, Aperitif Wine Blend, Olive Oil, Pickled Onion
Antek The Owner
Owner of the “Tug and Maul.” As the neighborhood bartender, he deals advice or whiskey, whichever is needed. Irish Whiskey, Peated Scotch, Hops, Chocolate, Whole Egg, Stout, Nutmeg
Club Safari
A nightclub that “didn’t have the simple honesty to confess itself a tavern.”
Amontillado and Cream Sherry, Pistachio, Lemon, Mint, Chocolate Bitters
Tug & Maul
A beer and shot inspired by the beer and shot bar. $7 Schlitz, Bonded Bourbon
Bordel Classics $14
Spanish Coffee
Grand Marnier, Overproof Rum, Demerara, Hot Metric Coffee, Fresh Whipped Cream, Cinnamon, Fire
Murder City Old Fashioned
House Selected 120 Proof Bourbon Whiskey, Demerara, Angostura, Orange Oil
Dogma Daiquiri
Dogma Group Selected Rum Barrel, Lime, Cane Syrup
Prescription Sazerac
Rye Whiskey, Cognac, Absinthe, Peychaud’s, Angostura, Lemon Oil
Ramos Gin Fizz
Gin, Orange Blossom Water, Egg White, Heavy Cream, Lemon, Lime, Orange Blossom Water, Soda
Speed Rack Sour
Marissa Huth’s Winning Dealers Choice for Midwest Speed Rack 2015 - Gin, Cachaca, Absinthe, Pineapple, Lime, Egg White
Porrons
Single or Large Format Cocktails $12/45
Pisco Punch
Cinnamon Infused Pisco, Pineapple Gomme, Lemon
Mai Tai
Jamaican Rum, Rhum, Orange Curacao, Steel-Cut Oat Orgeat, Lime
Penicillin
Scotch Whisky, Ginger, Honey, Lemon, Smoke
Ward 8
Rye Whiskey, House Grenadine, Blood Orange, Lemon
Mexican Firing Squad
Tequila, Mexican Bitters, Pomegranate, Lime
Daiquiri #3
House White Rum Blend, Maraschino, Pink Grapefruit, Lime
Wine
White $12/$48
Mauritson, Sauvignon Blanc
Dry Creek, CA
Bethel Heights, Pinot Gris
Willamette Valley, OR
Chateau Bernier, Chardonnay
Loire Valley, France
Red $12/$48
Meadowcroft, Syrah
Sonoma, CA
Chateau Le Bergey, Cabernet Blend
Bordeaux, France
Lyeth Estate, Malbec
North Coast, CA
Bubbles
JP Chenet $11/$40
French Sparkling
Moët Imperial Brut $24/$100
Champagne
Beer
Schlitz $3
Milwaukee, WI
März Brewing (Rotating) $MP
Chicago, IL
Moody Tongue (Rotating) $MP
Chicago, IL
Bartenders
Marissa Huth | Bar Manager
Anne Marineau
Brian Sturgulewski
Alex Renshaw
Clint Rogers
Eric Jobes
Dan O’Connell
Brenda Eval
Sam Lyden
Joe Lieske