The Distance Social’s Co-Founder shares where he goes on his off days
Tell us about yourself:
I'm Joey Zeller, partner at The Distance Social - a craft cocktail and whiskey bar located in the heart of East Dundee. We have an extensive spirits list boasting over 500 different spirits. Our cocktail list changes seasonally and always has fresh options for any palate. I am originally from the Dundee area, having graduated from H.D. Jacobs High School in Algonquin. After college at UW-Madison, my career brought me to New Jersey. While on the East Coast, I continued school as a scientific glassblowing technician and then worked in my field out east for about 7 years. The pandemic allowed my father and myself time and opportunity to build the business plan for our bar, and finally in 2021 I moved back to my hometown for a change of pace and to open the bar.
What town do you live in?
Carpentersville
What are your favorite restaurants in the suburbs?
Since moving back home, I've been thrilled with the amount of new restaurants and bars that have popped up since I moved away. Admittedly, I moved away before I was of legal drinking age, but since coming home I love checking out different bars and restaurants in some of the suburbs local to me -- Geneva, St. Charles, Elgin, and East Dundee have many to check out as well (although I try to get out of town when I go out on a personal night). Additionally, after having lived out East, I didn't realize how spoiled my area is with authentic Mexican food. It was hard for me to find a good taco anywhere I lived in New Jersey, but back home in the Dundee/Carpentersville area, there are so many to choose from and they're all so good! I definitely think the quality of Mexican food in this area is overlooked.
Where do you go to grab a drink besides The Distance Social?
We usually hit up Bogart's in St. Charles. We love pinball and a chill bar, this bar is both (on Mondays at least). Otherwise Skeeter's in Carpentersville is a great local dive.
Any favorite date night spots?
We usually end up at Mio Modo in St. Charles. We love the food there, they are open on Mondays, and their kitchen is open until 9pm. It's a perfect spot for a bartender’s schedule.
Where do you go to stay active?
North Wall in Crystal Lake. Great spot in the northern suburbs if you like rock climbing.
Any favorite events you like to attend?
Given our bar is right downtown in East Dundee, I get to attend a lot of the local events. During the summer, the Village hosts Motor Mondays, Wine Down Wednesdays, and Thirsty Thursday every month; so those are always exciting for us. And that's not to mention the St. Patrick's Parade, which is huge here. The Dickens in Dundee Christmas event is also a huge draw for area.
Why do you think the Chicago suburbs are a great place to live?
Apart from being away from the hustle and bustle of the city, I think the burbs are more up-and-coming than they've ever been. If you're willing to drive or catch a ride-share, there is just as much to check out in the suburbs as there is in the city. Since I've moved home, I see more and more neat places pop up in the suburbs, so really I think we have everything out here that you can find in the city. While the places may be a bit further away, at least the traffic is lighter.
Where can readers connect with you?
Follow us @thedistancesocial on Instagram and Facebook or shoot us an email at info@thedistancesocial.com
Life in the Burbs is an ongoing interview series where we profile local entrepreneurs and tastemakers from the Chicago Suburbs and have them share their favorite local places. Want to be featured or know someone we should chat with? Contact us here or send me an email at joe(at)burbsexplored.com.
