RIVER NORTH — After serving carnitas in Pilsen and kosher pies in Wicker Park, deep-dish chain Gino's East is banking on a more traditional pizza pairing — beer — in River North.
The first floor of the River North Gino's East at 500 N. LaSalle St. will formally reopen as "Gino's Brew Pub" next month.
The beer menu, which is already in place, features 11 original Gino's brews ranging from "LaSalle St. Lager" to "GPAs" and "Commie Coladas." The pizza pub also tweaked its food menu.
Gino's, which opened its first restaurant off the Mag Mile more than 50 years ago, has brewed beers for a few years now. But the brewpub in River North will be the first for the chain, which is trying to make its mark nearly four years after moving into a landmarked building that was once Michael Jordan's Restaurant and, more recently, three-level club LaSalle Power Co.
"It was more about giving this space its identity," said Kevin McMahon, Gino's brewmaster. "We're just trying to do something relatable."
The recently remodeled Gino's Brew Pub includes a lounge and a stage. [DNAinfo/David Matthews]
McMahon wouldn't disclose costs, but Gino's spent about six weeks renovating the restaurant's first floor. New additions include a stage for live music and a lounge nearby. The brewpub will serve $3 pints, a happy hour special, from 4-7 p.m. on weekdays.
The brewpub officially opens April 5, national deep-dish pizza day. Grand opening specials have not been determined.
Gino's moved its River North restaurant to 500 N. LaSalle in late 2013. The second floor of the three-floor restaurant will remain a dining room, and its third floor will remain a comedy club.
City records show the brick 19th century building once housed engines that powered the cables that pulled thousands of streetcars around Downtown. Michael Jordan's Restaurant occupied the building from 1993 to 1999, and LaSalle Power Co. occupied it from 2009 to 2012.
Beer prices at Gino's range from $4 to $7 for 10-ounce glasses, and $6 to $7 for pints. Beer flights are also available. The beers are brewed in the restaurant as well as at Motor Row Brewery in the South Loop and 5 Rabbit in suburban Bedford Park.
"I'm a drinker, too; I'm mad ... if I have to pay more than $6," McMahon said. "Accessibility with class is what I always strived for here."
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