Punch Bowl Social Debuts Just in Time for the New Year!!!

Where else can you get bowling, darts, marbles, ping pong, shuffle board, vintage arcade games and karaoke?? Especially under one roof? Punch Bowl Social in Schaumburg! Not to mention the large variety of unique cocktails, beers and amazing eats!

Images courtesy of Sarah Sackett

This Gastro-diner, also described as a progressive diner, makes all their food from scratch! Try finding that elsewhere. They also pride themselves on using high-quality, locally sourced foods (when possible) and carry a kick-butt organic ketchup, Elevation Ketchup,based out of Denver (where Punch Bowl started).

Robert Thompson, founder of Denver-based hospitality company called Seasoned Development (father of Punch Bowl Social) stated that they originally were looking at Wicker Park to open up their Chicago location (they currently have locations at Denver, Portland and Austin). When the opportunity came up in Schaumburg (the 22,000 square foot building that once housed John Barleycorn) was available, Thompson decided to look outside Chicago and found his new home for the Chicago location in the burbs! Now located at 1100 American Lane, Schaumburg, down the street from Woodfield Mall, this new mega large adult playground, is bound to make even the most stressed adult into a giddy child again.

Honestly I was blown away entering this facility. It seemed very retro but modern at the same time. I definitely got a "Austin" vibe. Glancing at the menu's (there's a drink and separate food one) I noticed that the food/drink options were definitely unique and not ones you find everywhere. For example, they open at lunch, but offer breakfast options such as biscuits and gravy and huevos rancheros (Mexican eggs).



I tried the Kale & Chicken Salad (yummy, light and delicious), Deviled eggs as an appetizer (I normally am not a fan of those regardless, but my significant other enjoyed them), biscuits and homemade jam (addicting, cannot get enough!), the Waldorf Burger, and the most amazing item on the menu, Cauliflower Nachos!!!!! You are probably wondering how the hell is Cauliflower nachos that great, well it contains roasted cauliflower, corn chips, jalapeno crema, queso fundido, queso cotija, cilantro and more cream! If you absolutely need meat,  you can add chicken or pork carnitas. But make sure to try the cauliflower nachos, you'll see why I am raving about it.

The drinks don't disappoint either. They have different categories where one can select from that include; Adult Milkshakes (I am going back for those), Punch, Old School, Wine and New School (drinks that we tried). We tried El Macho (cucumber margarita...YUM), Higher Fashion (pictured above, sweet and great with anything) and the Bourbon Smash (made with blueberry and Bourbon...yum). Plus I personally tried their Vodka & Soda (not a typical one, since they make their own soda...it was the best Vodka Soda I ever had).

Patrick Williams, the Mixologist (Drink Director), stated that he makes all his drinks fresh, with only the best ingredients and it shows! It's all about creating a fun and memorable experience with cutting edge ingredients and techniques. That's what I received from my visit to Punch Bowl, a fun and memorable experience. They also have events always happening such as a New Years Ever Bash and a New Years Day Brunch! So make sure to follow them on their FB page as well!!!! So visit this cool, unique place and don't forget, try the cauliflower nachos!!!!!!