Ten-years-old but OK’d to drink

Oak Park’s Beer Shop is turning 10. On April 26, an anniversary celebration will thank all the folks (and dogs) who’ve helped make the magic happen at 1026 North Blvd.

Events will include an art show in the back room, a community potluck and extra treats for all dogs who bring their people to the festivities.

For owners Danielle and Jack Dengel, they didn’t expect it to turn out this way.

“I was just looking for a bartending job,” Danielle Dengel said. “We hired another bartender, and we started to manage the space together for Tony.”

That was Tony Compaglia, the original owner. The other bartender was Jack Dengel.  In 2021 when Compaglia decided to move back to the west coast, Danielle and Jack, now married, bought the place.

Not much changed with the changing of hands. The warm, friendly environment with a focus on craft brews has remained the same. Local pours are important.

“Kinslahger, we’ve had them since they opened. And the wine spritzer cocktail Drop Needle. So, we support each other,” Dengel said.

Beyond immediate zip codes, they always keep BuckleDown, Maplewood and Half Acre breweries’ offerings in stock. And a hard cider is consistently on tap. Speaking of taps, Danielle Dengel is proud of theirs.

“We go above and beyond with the hygiene of our keg cooler and our beer program in general,” she said. “It genuinely tastes, very fresh like you got it from the tap room. We work really hard to make that happen.”

The store has more than the extensive options by the glass. Coolers chill an even wider range of craft beers, craft hard seltzers, THC spiked beverages, mocktails, wine, non- alcoholic options and Diet Coke.

Plans for the immediate future are to replace the COVID-era chalet that used to sit in front of the shop with tables and chairs on the sidewalk. The Dengels are waiting for the village to approve that for the summer.

 They are also investing in the inside. A recent floor renovation and an upcoming acoustic overhaul will allow for more events and bands to play. The owners are optimistic, but also realistic about the economic clouds on the horizon.

“We are small business owners, just preparing for a recession and general high taxes in Oak Park, but we love it here. I see Beer Shop thriving.” Dengel said. “The community continues to value and support local businesses.”

In the end it’s that community vibe that makes the work worth it, said Dengel. “These are my friends and family. So often there are two strangers at the bar and then they form a friendship and now they come here together. First dates to marriages to babies, all of those relationships, I’ve seen it all and that’s what makes a good pub.”