Transformation of Mockingbird Bar + Garden in East Dundee

Eight years ago, Kathleen Bucci Bergeron found herself at a pivotal moment when she came across a postcard at a downtown East Dundee bakery. It featured The Measuring Cup bakery with sales information on the reverse. Bucci Bergeron kept the postcard in her car visor, reflecting on its potential before deciding to pursue it. She didn’t actively search for a location; in her words, the location chose her.

This location transformed into Mockingbird Bar + Garden in November 2018, a farm-to-table restaurant on Barrington Avenue, strategically positioned near the Fox River Bike Trail. Chef Patrick Reynolds is known for his craftsmanship with wood-fired pizzas and a range of other dishes served at the restaurant.

Recently, Mockingbird expanded by 1,700 square feet, incorporating the former Scooby Doo’s Dog Grooming space next door into a large open kitchen, prep area, and a chef’s counter for a more immersive dining experience. Enhancements included a garage door opening to the downtown area, a new coffee bar, couches, and an artistic mural. This expansion increased the restaurant’s capacity to accommodate 100 indoor diners and 75 outdoor, including those on a tented patio.

Bucci Bergeron highlighted that the expansion was essential not just for additional space but for sustainability. This growth allowed for menu expansion and meeting the demand for events. She emphasized the importance of balancing design with functionality and incorporated elements of feng shui into the space.

Her involvement in the restaurant industry began at age 16. With a background in public relations and marketing, Bucci Bergeron worked for notable entities like the Lettuce Entertain You restaurant group in Chicago. Despite the expansion, Mockingbird remains committed to wood-fired cuisine and detail-oriented staff. The team insists on crafting their cocktails, fresh-squeezed juices, and house-made syrups.

Chef Patrick Reynolds expressed his satisfaction with Mockingbird’s atmosphere, valuing its community and creativity. The menu at Mockingbird, described as seasonal, clean, and indulgent, changes daily. It features dishes like salmon, hanger steak, artisanal pizzas, and Venetian-inspired small plates known as ‘cicchetti,’ all prepared in a wood-burning oven.

The restaurant operates select hours from Wednesday to Sunday. The coffee bar welcomes visitors on Friday through Sunday mornings, and recent additions include Sunday night dinners alongside the well-established Saturday schedule and Sunday brunch.