Beginning Thursday, Nov. 7, Holey Mackerel, the area’s newest mini golf and family entertainment center at 5401 W. Layton Ave., is taking on a new identity as the South Side's snazziest ice fishing shanty.

SipNShanty is the name of the new winter pop-up, featuring warming comfort foods, crafty cocktails and a slew of arcade games, ensuring that kids of all ages have a place to cozy up during the winter.

“For 30 years, this was a seasonal business,” says Trip Duval of Holey Mackerel. “But our goal is to operate year-round. In the summer, it’s mini golf, batting cages, bags leagues, arcade and beer garden. But in the winter we’re going to keep it going. We’ll lock up the golf counter in the back and extend the space with more seating, more games and more fun!” 

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Fishy & fun

Not only with the decor shift to a Wisconsin ice fishing theme, but the clubhouse will also be equipped with additional seating, arcade games and its very own Shortfin food truck, the name of which is inspired by the adorable color-changing shortfin squid that mackerel have been known to eat!  

Operated by Matt Turner of Static Chicken and Jazz Estate fame, Shortfin will serve up a menu of family-friendly favorites including bowls of housemade chili with all the fixin’s ($13); Chili dogs (choice of beef or vegan hot dog topped with zesty chili, $9); and the Anti-Hero Karaage featuring double-fried chicken thighs with Korean BBQ sauce, green onions, sesame seeds and roasted garlic Sriracha aioli ($14; add a Revolution Brewing Anti-Hero IPA for just +$3).

There will also be Holey Tacos! Filled with marinated steak, pickled cabbage, habanero-mango salsa and cilantro served on warm, puffy flour tortillas ($13) and Making’ a Mess, a Buffalo chicken sandwich topped with blue cheese, bacon, giardiniera and ranch drizzle ($12).

Guests can also choose from Fries ($4) Truffle Fries (black garlic, parmesan, truffle oil) served with garlic aioli ($12); Loaded Fried (crinkle cut fries topped with melted cheese, peppers, bacon, green onions, black pepper crema ($14; add zesty chili for +$3); or Wisco Born Cheese Curds served with housemade Bourbon Old Fashioned Jam ($10).

A kids’ menu features a hot dog and fries ($8); Chicken fingers and fries ($12) or a cheese quesadilla for $6.

“We’ll remain largely family-friendly through the dinner hour,” says Duval. “But then, later in the evening, we’ll largely service the 21+ crowd with a fun menu of kitschy drinks that really fit the cool colorful atmosphere.”

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Cocktail offerings include: 

• SAGE MODE: An autumnal tequila-based quaff featuring Cazadores Reposado Tequila, lemon, pear, sage, orange liqueur and a hint of saline
• SHELL SHOCK: A Pistachio Espresso Martini made with Tito's Vodka, Stateline Coffee Liqueur, pistachio whipped cream and rose and cardamom chocolate
• RUSTY AUGER: Dewer's 12yr Blended Scotch Whisky | Bank Note 5yr Blended Scotch | Tarragon | Orange | Bourbon Barrel Smoke 
• O'DOYLE RULES!: A “bruleed” banana cocktail showcasing Bacardi Superior Rum, spicy Twisted Path Chai Liqueur, lemon, Drillaud Banana Liqueur and mint
• WATCH OUTFER DEER!: A take on the Manhattan featuring Cherry Bounce Infused Old Forester Bourbon, Rockwell Sweet Vermouth, Amaro Averna and a whiskey cherry
• GRANNY'S BRANDY SLUSH: The GOAT drink of winter with Korbel Brandy, Lustau Spanish Reserva Brandy, orange, Tangerine Ginger Rishi Tea and Bittercube Cherrybark Vanilla Bitters topped off with Brew City Lemon-Lime Soda

More to come

Guests can also look forward to even more festive fun beginning Dec. 5 when Holey Mackerel transforms its quarters into a Grinch-themed Holiday pop-up for December. Guests can look forward to holiday decor, pictures with Santa, a Christmas tree sale in the parking lot, hot drinks and a local makers market. 

Following the holiday season, SipNShanty will return, offering crafty cocktails, arcade games and more through the end of March.

SipNShanty hours will be Monday through Thursday from 4 p.m. to 11 p.m. and Friday and Saturday from 4 p.m. to 1 a.m.