The iconic Tavern on Rush is poised for its highly anticipated comeback, slated to open its new doors on September 30 at 1015 N. Rush Street, right across from where the original steakhouse stood for over two decades. According to Eater Chicago, the new iteration will fill the space formerly occupied by Nico Osteria at the Thompson Hotel, continuing the legacy of a location that has seen various high-profile ventures, including a bar owned by nightlife entrepreneur Rande Gerber.
By taking over the larger 16,000-square-foot, two-story property, owner Phil Stefani is not just resurrecting the Tavern name, but also tying the establishment's roots firmly to its storied past, crucial for bringing back its loyal clientele and attracting newcomers eager for a slice of Chicago's culinary history. Stefani expressed sentiment for the original site, stating that Tavern on Rush had to be on Rush and Bellevue (Place) and emphasized the integrity of the location in an interview as reported by Crain’s Chicago Business.
Diners can expect a menu crafted by Chicago native chef Michael "Wally" Wallach, renowned for his tenure at diverse local establishments such as Weber Grill and Park Grill, and a sample of dishes including wagyu ravioli and a salute to the space's Italian seafood past with seafood Cataplana, as noted by Eater Chicago. True to its mission of bridging the gap between tradition and innovation, the venue's bar program will break new ground with modern ingredients and spirits while tipping a hat to the classics, aiming to captivate a younger demographic alongside its longstanding patrons.
Adding to the allure, the revitalized Tavern seeks to cater to the brunch crowd with plans to introduce new morning offerings after the reopening, a strategic pivot in an area thirsty for more such options, this move underscores Phil Stefani's adaptability and awareness of changing dining trends, Gina Stefani, involved in the project and successful West Loop restaurant Mad Social owner, shared her enthusiasm for the expansion into brunch, which has seen growing demand in contrast to the waning late-night bar lines typical of the '90s and '00s, according to Eater Chicago.
The push to modernize can be seen in changing trends across the historic Gold Coast dining scene, with nearby Carmine's set for a March 1 reopening and new updates at the North Avenue Beach-based Castaways, Stefani's restaurant group has also expanded with Stefani's Bottega Italiana, a quick-service Italian shop, and pasta lab, earlier this year as Crain’s Chicago Business reported, with these developments positioning Tavern on Rush 2.0 as a spearhead of both nostalgia and novelty in this renowned neighborhood, continuing Stefani's impact on Chicago's gastronomic map.
