New Wheeling eatery highlights burgers, bourbon and beer

Spears Bourbon-Burgers-Beer — a gourmet burger cafe with a bourbon and craft beer bar — will open Tuesday at 723 N. Milwaukee Ave., in Wheeling.

The restaurant is the latest creation of Joe Romeo, who has designed and marketed restaurants for 30 years. His most recent eateries are Beer Market in Vernon Hills and Beer House in Lombard.

The Wheeling restaurant's decor includes a custom-made bar, refurbished barn wood, pictures of bourbon, burgers, and beer, and a vintage community table for customers seeking a social experience. An outdoor patio features fire pits for warmth and atmosphere.

Spears Bourbon-Burgers-Beer, which is near the Westin Chicago North Shore, will be open every day from 11 a.m. to 2 a.m., said Romeo, who has opened 11 bars and owned four different restaurant and bar concepts.

“We are entering a new age for bourbon and beer drinkers,” he said. “Our bourbon flights and craft beer flights enable our customers to learn what the hype is about.”

He named the restaurant after Jacob Spears, who is credited as the first distiller to actually label his product “Bourbon,” after Bourbon County, Kentucky.

Romeo said the food and drinks to be featured in his restaurant are classic favorites.

“We also have created menu items that pair with our specialty craft beers as well as our bourbons,” he said, adding that beer and bourbon selections will change frequently.

Romeo said his target customers range from families to those looking for great local music and sports entertainment, to craft beer and bourbon connoisseurs.

More information is available at spearschicago.com or (847) 353-8933.