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Read the press release here.

River Roast Opens July 17 with Waterfront Patio, Water Taxi Service

 River Roast will open at 315 N. LaSalle St. July 17.
River Roast Opens July 17
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RIVER NORTH — Diners can get to River North's newest restaurant by car, by foot, by bike or by boat — head chefs Tony Mantuano and John Hogan just want to make sure they get there.

River Roast, the brainchild of James Beard-winning Chef Mantuano and Hogan, previously of the now-shuttered Keefer's, will open July 17 for lunch, dinner and brunch at 315 N. LaSalle St.

"John and I have wanted to do something together for years,” Mantuano said in a release about his first project with Hogan after 25 years of friendship. “River Roast is the perfect opportunity for us to combine creative forces and produce something truly unique to the Chicago culinary scene."

The restaurant will feature roasted meats and Lizzie Schiffman has all the details:

The riverside restaurant in the former Fulton's on the River will include an open kitchen, waterfront patio, two "industrial chic" bars and six private event areas with capacities from 10 to 1,000, according to the release.

A nod to its name, the menu is meat-heavy and emphasizes English roasting techniques Mantuano picked up while traveling, according to the co-owner, who also heads Bar Toma, Terzo Piano and Spiaggia. It's Mantuano's first foray into non-Italian cooking after decades of cuisine loyalty.

Menu highlights include roasts of chicken, whole fish and beef all carved tableside, a signature charcuterie board designed by Hogan and "table snacks" like house pickles and bourbon caramel corn.

Lunchtime options will revolve around sandwiches and salads from a quick-serve carving station called "The Roost."

Beverage Director Chris Jecha from Jake Melnick's Corner Tap will stock both bars with local and regional beers, "beertails," wine and cold-brewed cocktails. Seasonal punch made with local produce will be on draft and available by the pitcher.

The restaurant is already taking reservations for seatings when it opens in July on OpenTable and by calling 312-822-0100.