A LIVING STORY

The image shows a man working on construction or renovation inside a house. There are stairs leading to an upper level, various tools and materials on the floor, and a large green container. The background includes a window, a brick wall, and an area with exposed wood framing. The bottom of the image contains handwritten text that says "almost there!"

Photo of a construction site with three workers installing a wood frame in an indoor space with brick walls and large windows, with a second story above. A ladder and various tools are visible.

in March 2015, Anne Neri Kostiner and Lewis Kostiner founded Kibbitznest, inc., a 501(c)(3) nonprofit foundation, whose mission is to encourage a balance between digital and face-to-face communication. They wanted to help foster a better understanding of the world and its people by creating opportunities to come together face-to-face to experience being human by teaching, by learning, by listening, by reading, by arguing, by discussing, and by inquiring.

In October 2016, this vision gave rise to Kibbitznest books, brews & Blarney, a bookbar in West Lincoln Park led by Annie and Lewis under the same name, and Mug to Mug, Inc., the hospitality management company that operates it.

A woman and a man are embracing and kissing behind a bar. The woman appears to be holding a mannequin arm. The photo appears to be a Polaroid with handwritten text at the bottom that says, "Annie lends Lewis a hand behind the bar" with hearts.

A woman with long dark hair and glasses smiling inside a bookstore, standing next to a bookshelf filled with colorful books. Handwritten notes are visible at the bottom of the photo, with the name 'Annie Kostiner' included.

After the universal struggles brought on by the pandemic, Annie and Lewis were determined to forge ahead with their non-profit focusing on face-to-face communication. The bar, however, presented further challenges.

Having loved Kibbitznest since her days as a bartender and not wanting to lose a space dedicated to the mission, long-time employee Paige Hoffman purchased mug to Mug, Inc. in 2022 and carried the bar forward towards its next chapter.

Red arrow drawing a spiral and pointing downward.

A woman with brown hair smiling and pouring a draft beer in a bar, with beer taps and bottles in the background, and a handwritten note at the bottom mentioning MVP Paige and four star drawings.

A woman standing in front of a bookshelf, speaking into a microphone at a storytelling event. There are audience members listening and watching her perform.

In the years since its founding in 2016, the patrons of Kibbitznest have made it a beloved community space. We’ve been there for some of the biggest moments in people’s lives — Bridal showers and weddings, baby showers and book launches — and have hosted countless comedy shows, book clubs, poetry readings, birthdays, anniversaries, and holiday get-togethers. We’ve even been co-conspirators in planning the occasional proposal.

What started as an idea has grown into something far bigger: an analog-forward community built through conversation. That spirit continues to define how Kibbitznest shows up today as a gathering place, a cultural commons, and a home for ideas.

Today, KibbitznestBooks, Brews & Blarney is still operated by Mug to Mug, Inc., which is responsible for the bar’s operations, programming, and leadership.

We partner closely with Kibbitznest, inc.,the nonprofit; it operates independently and hosts the liberal arts discussion series and other liberal arts events at the space. Learn more about the work of the nonprofit and lend your support at kibbitznest.org.

A smiling woman with blonde hair and a man with dark hair and facial hair sitting together at a restaurant table, holding mugs with hot beverages. There is a red teapot on the table. In the background, there are other people and shelves with bottles in a cozy setting. The bottom of the photo has handwritten text with a heart and the date 08/01/2025.

A woman with blonde hair smiling and looking to her right, seated at a bar or restaurant, wearing a dark sweater and holding a small packet. A man with dark hair and a beard, wearing a white T-shirt and dark jacket, is seated next to her. In the background, there are shelves with bottles and decorations, and other people are present, including a person in black with their back to the camera.

THE NEST TODAY

A man with dark hair and a beard drinking from a large patterned mug while sitting at a table with a woman in a green sweater. The background shows a bar with liquor bottles and a bartender.

Two people smiling and sitting together at a table in a cozy, decorated cafe. The woman on the left is holding a white mug with red text, and a teapot and additional cups are on the table. The background shows a lively cafe scene with other patrons, shelves with bottles, and holiday decorations.

As of August 2025, Rachel Berard and Tucker Barry are the owners of Mug to Mug, Inc. and operate Kibbitznest Books, Brews & Blarney. Drawn to the space’s long tradition of conversation, creativity, and connection, they’re excited to steward the nest as a place where people can get comfortable, argue kindly, celebrate loudly, and always feel at home.

Rachel and Tucker live in Lincoln Park with their dog, Elio, and most days you can find them around the bar — doing a little of everything and always happy to say hello.

Rachel’s Favorites

Go-to cocktail: Blood Orange Gimlet
Board game: Terraforming Mars
Author: Tamsyn Muir

Tucker’s Favorites

Board game: Mouse Trap
Favorite genre: Adventure non-fiction
Perfect morning: Coffee and the New York Times Games with Rachel

Come in & say hi!

SEE YOURSELF IN A FUTURE CHAPTER OF OUR STORY?

We’re not currently hiring, but we’re always happy to meet great people.

Feel free to send your résumé to store@kibbitznest.com, and we’ll reach out if a role opens that feels like the right fit.

A group of people gathered at a bar, smiling and chatting with each other. The setting is decorated with artwork and behind them are bottles of liquor on shelves.