Ørkenoy

2022: Dine-In
A few observations after dining here. I'm ready for QR ordering to go away, it took 10 minutes to input my info just to order a beer, and it wasn't my first QR rodeo. We're already past the usefulness of QR menus, with covid waning and surface transmission on menus not being a proven risk like airborne transmission.

They were out of a couple beers that were on the menu earlier that day, NBD but the online menus aren't always current day-to-day. Beer selection leans on quality guest drafts, but I think they need more than 4-5 house beers at a time to keep it interesting. The dining room vibe is a little sterile, but slightly improved at the bar on a previous visit.

Food was kind of underwhelming and overpriced, expect small portions. There are occasional gems but think of them more as pricey snacks than a meal. "Potato pancakes" for $10 were 3 tiny bite-sized things. Odd. Similarly the short rib smorrebröd is a small piece of toast with a dollop of potato and a precious ounce of meat. Gochujang sprouts were well charred to the point of "should I still eat this", the squash/mushroom fritters were pretty good. A couple plates got forgotten, but were promptly brought out when mentioned.

They opened a small market next door in an adjacent space around the corner, accessible past the restrooms and kitchen. Noticed tortillas and salsa by Molino that looked good. A handful of beverages including 3F Kriek.

Overall, their beers are occasionally great, and i'll keep trying them, but i'm about to give up on the food.

2021: Carry-outs
Good first impression, based on the beers & food I picked up today. Spent only a few minutes inside the place due to Covid restrictions, so take that part with a grain of salt. Even so, i’ll try to describe in more detail than most.

Entrance on Bloomingdale, opposite the colorful wall murals. Ørkenoy is situated on the corner, next to Dayglow coffee. Inside the door on the right, and you’re in. The space is airy and open, lighting consisted of raw bulbs hanging from tan cords, softly illuminating DIY Publican-style. Natural light comes in through several large windows facing Kimball and Bloomingdale. Institutional white brick walls with pale green accents, sparse potted plants in the corners. It has a relaimed warehouse vibe, mainly since it is one, but the room is smaller and cozier than expected. Island bar toward the back, with visible taps and view out of the large windows. The bar top was white stone dotted with flecks of colorful glass or rock, it looked more like Brachs nougat candy than concrete. The bartender was friendly and welcoming, and offered some brief feedback on the beer styles.

The beer and food I had were definitely good. The pastrami lox smørrebrød (open faced sandwich) was tasty, though little more than an artfully presented savory snack. I probably could’ve downed 3 of them easily.

Beers ran the gamut, focusing on a few super-obscure styles, such as an intensely smoky Estonian Koduōlu, which i've never seen or heard of in the States. In addition to smoked beer, they had several lagers and other more common styles. It's not the latest hazebro factory, that’s for sure. But if you like unique beer styles and creative Scandinavian-inspired food, Ørkenoy is a solid new entry on the scene. Hoping to return when indoor dining returns, and get more than just a fleeting first impression.

It says a lot about the year when this is my only Place review in 2020.

But, I'm glad it is Orkenoy. A find right under my nose as I ride by there at least twice a week on the 606. But not paying good enough attention (plus the signage could be better), I did not really know a gastropub was there. Open for several months, they just started their third group of seasonal brews... although several Fall taps are still flowing. I particularly like how they can fill a can for you and seal it at the bar. (Maybe I go out too little, but I'd never seen that before... and it is certainly preferable to filling growlers I never finish.)

For Vibe, Orkenoy could be great; situated in a neighborhood arts center on a cool horizontal park ... But this is a peaking pandemic and people cannot sit in the bar or restaurant. There is take-out only currently (although I did sample two beers before Christmas and it brought me right back today.) Having reviewed four different beers (and buying another three), I have a good sense that fresh is their key ingredient; but creativity is close behind, particularly in pairing with their food. The two dishes I ate I found interesting and close to outstanding. Service is great because all the employees are owners, or so I understood that to be.

At any rating, the ales and food menu are accomplished. I am likely to stop by often as is my routine to bike on the 606. Their slug of "Drink Fresh, Think Fresh" is a good way to start 2021.