Moody Tongue
| Company type | Private |
|---|---|
| Industry | Brewery, Restaurant |
| Founded | 2014 |
| Headquarters | Chicago , United States |
Key people | Jared Rouben (owner, brewing director), Jared Wentworth (kitchen director) |
| Products | Beer, American and New American cuisine |
Moody Tongue is a combined brewery and dining establishment located in Chicago, Illinois. It specializes in American and New American cuisine, having been awarded two Michelin stars.
Originally launched in 2014 as a brewery situated in the Pilsen district, Moody Tongue expanded in 2019 by moving to a more spacious venue in the South Loop. This move included the addition of a dining area featuring a tasting menu that aims to blend "the culinary arts with the brewing community." Distinct from many Michelin-starred restaurants that typically offer wine or cocktail pairings, Moody Tongue exclusively pairs its dishes with its own handcrafted beers, such as pilsners, stouts, IPAs, and sours.
The kitchen operations are overseen by Jared Wentworth, who previously worked at Michelin-starred Chicago establishments Longman & Eagle and Dusek's Board & Beer. The brewing side is directed by owner Jared Rouben.
Moody Tongue also runs a related venue in New York, New York, focusing on sushi and Japanese culinary offerings.
Notable dishes
One of their hallmark creations is the 12 Layer German Chocolate Cake, which incorporates layers of dark chocolate, German chocolate, espresso cheesecake, and chocolate buttercream. This dessert, crafted by pastry chef Shannon Morrison, reflects the brewery’s commitment to culinary creativity.
Additionally, the brewery produces a Shaved Black Truffle pilsner, which is sometimes served on tap in champagne flutes. This specialty beer, brewed with Australian black truffles, was initially developed for Thomas Keller’s Michelin-starred New York restaurant Per Se.
Recognition
In 2020, Moody Tongue made history as the first brewery worldwide to achieve two Michelin stars and became only the second Chicago brewery to earn any Michelin distinction after Band of Bohemia. However, in the 2024 edition of the Michelin Guide, Moody Tongue received a reduction to one star.