More on Mudgie’s expansion plans

It’s official: We have it from none other than Greg Mudge of Mudgie’s Deli that expansion plans are official. Mudge says the business has leased the space directly behind the café, and has some ambitious plans for it.

“We’re adding a very small, quaint, eight-chair bar that will be in the room,” Mudge says, “and we’re also moving our carry-out business there from our main dining room, creating a little more space in our main room. Also, with that, comes a pretty large outdoor patio, where we’ll seasonally gain 30-40 seats outside. We plan to open at 7 a.m. and use the bar as more of a coffeehouse in the morning, doing grab-and-go breakfast sandwiches and stuff, and then, as the day goes on, the room will transition more into a bar, with liquor service, and remain open as late as 11 p.m.”

Mudge isn’t announcing any set opening day, probably a wise move given the way multiple local restaurants have failed to meet optimistic opening dates amid high expectations. But we’d guess Mudge would be doing well, schedule-wise, if the space were open to catch at least a bit of summer business.

Mudge tells us, “We’re going to start the construction soon here, basically putting a hole in the wall and connecting actually three spaces together. So you’re going to be traversing through three spaces to drink or dine here,” adding with a chuckle, “but that’s what gives it the charm, right?”

Yes indeed. It’s great news for Corktown, downtown-area diners, and for neighborhood dining in general. We can’t wait — even if we must.