I absolutely loved today’s guest: Autumn Giltner, the general manager of Bucktown Pub, located at 1658 W Cortland Avenue in Bucktown.  She had liked a few of the things I had posted on Instagram, and I decided to reach out because I was super curious about how a bar fared over this past year and a half. She was such an interesting person to talk to and had a lot to share about the bar’s history, navigating the COVID-19 restrictions, neighbors supporting the bar and each other, and hospitality-related challenges post-pandemic. I really am looking forward to hopefully getting out to Bucktown Pub for a Trivia Night and to have the chance to meet Autumn in real life and have a drink and a good conversation! Enjoy today’s interview…

In Autumn Giltner’s interview we discuss:

  • Autumn’s history with Bucktown Pub and a little about the vibe at the bar
  • Some of the history and neighborhood lore about the bar
  • Supporting neighborhood charity events
  • How they fared during the pandemic without having a kitchen and how they bridged the gap during the 6 months the bar was shutdown
  • Challenges with masking, constantly changing restrictions, and other covid-related issues
  • Coming together to support neighbors and neighborhood small businesses
  • Getting back to a new normal and challenges with finding staff to be able to be open at full capacity

Autumn’s nominations

  • Mabel’s Table – restaurant located at 1655 W. Cortland St in Bucktown (I love this place too!)
  • The Map Room – (Laura, owner) bar & coffee shop at 1949 N. Hoyne Ave in Bucktown
  • Lemming’s – a bar at 1850 N Damen Ave in Bucktown

Bucktown Pub
1658 W Cortland Ave
Chicago, IL 60622
(773) 394-9898
Instagram: @bucktownpub