A LIVING STORY

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.

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.

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.

THE NEST TODAY

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.