New Mundelein restaurant celebrates American classics with global flair
About a year ago, Anmol Chandock, a first-generation Indian American with family roots in restaurants, opened Singh’s Kitchen in downtown Libertyville.
A chiropractor who practices in town, Chandock described the menu for his first venture into the restaurant business as being “a little bit Indian, a little bit American.”
His second endeavor, Lucky Bites Bar & Grill which opened Monday at 605 N. Midlothian Road in a Mundelein strip center, is totally different with a casino-inspired atmosphere and a menu that celebrates American classics like wings, pizza, wraps and burgers.
“Singh's Kitchen was kind of a journey — everything fell into place,” he said. “Once this opportunity came about, I thought, ‘I have all the tools to make this happen.’”
Activities planned inside an outside in warmer weather on a fenced patio promise to be “way more fun,” he added. One thing that won’t change is the infusion of international tastes and flavors in the food.
“Because it’s a bar and grill doesn’t mean it has to be greasy bar food,” he said.
Lucky Bites has dart boards, several big screen TVs and two pool tables. There are plans for leagues, tournaments and other activities and events including bingo and trivia in the casino-inspired bar and restaurant.
A “symphony of handcrafted cocktails” are expected to be available beginning Thursday, according to Chandock.
Village officials Monday increased the number of Class A1 liquor licenses to accommodate Lucky Bites.
The restaurant is open for lunch and dinner and a weekend brunch. Bar hours are until 2 a.m. Monday through Sunday.
The eatery occupies the former China Court restaurant on the south end of the center, east of Midlothian Road and south of Route 176 near Mundelein High School.
While busy getting Singh’s up and running, Chandock was open to someday opening other locations, but Lucky Bites wasn't part of a master plan.
“It's one of those things,” he said. “The opportunity just fell in my lap.”
A friend who operates a liquor store in town suggested Chandock may be interested in a vacant space. The required build-out wasn't workable but the China Court owner heard he was looking.
Chandock, of Libertyville, is general manager and one of three owners who took over that space Nov. 1. His partners are Sanjay Jethva of Antioch, who owns Q Plaza in Mundelein, and Alay Shah of Gurnee, who owns and manages Quick Pick Liquors a few doors down from the restaurant.
It already had a kitchen so the place was painted, a bar built, pool tables brought in and flat screens installed.
Born and raised in Bombay (now Mumbai), Chandock came to the U.S. in 2002. He maintains his Punjabi heritage with the love and use of flavors but says only about 25% of his diet is Indian cuisine, leaving plenty of room for options like what is available at Lucky Bites.
“I'm ordering (menu items) like this all the time,” he said.
A soft opening with the bar open is planned for Thursday with a ceremonial ribbon cutting Feb. 7.