Ward Eight Owner Makes Zagat “30 Under 30”

A Zagat Guide list of 30 culinary rising stars in Chicago includes Cody Modeer, co-owner of Evanston’s Ward Eight cocktail bar. 

Modeer, age 26, opened Ward Eight at 629 Howard St. last winter along with his wife and co-owner, Anne Carlson. The two met at Andersonville’s In Fine Spirits, where Modeer ran the cocktail program for several years, according to the Zagat Guide. 

Ward Eight’s creative cocktail list focuses on locally sourced spirits from places like Evanston-based FEW Spirits and North Shore Distillery in Lake Bluff. 

Modeer’s inspired concoctions include the Blood & Sand, which dates to 1922, (incorporating Monkey Shoulder Blended Scotch, cherry brandy, sweet vermouth and orange juice) and the new invention A Sunshine Fix (blueberry tea-infused Journeyman gin, ginger syrup, lemon juice, soda water and bitters). Along with cocktails, Carlson and Modeer also serve wine, beer and small plates. 

Previous Coverage:

• Ward Eight Nominated As 'Best New Bar'
• Ward Eight Officially Opens On Howard Street
• Best Buy Donates Appliances to New Cocktail Lounge Neighbor