26-03-2025
New Grateful Dead-inspired music venue and restaurant now open in West Loop
Deadheads rejoice!
The new music venue and restaurant dedicated to The Grateful Dead's late lead singer Jerry Garcia and his adoring (obsessive? I kid!) fans is now open in the West Loop.
Driving the news: Garcia's Chicago, at 1001 W. Washington Boulevard, officially opened last Friday and I got a little preview the night before.
The vibe: The venue is a full-on restaurant and bar, not just a music venue, but there's a good chance there will be live music when you go. The space is booked through May.
Zoom in: It's owned by Deadhead Peter Shapiro, owner of Brooklyn Bowl, who's been teasing a Chicago, Dead-focused spot for years.
The menu includes some of Garcia's favorite foods, including a prime rib sandwich, zucchini fritters and a Yoo-hoo-inspired milkshake.
The spot has the blessing of the Garcia family, a spokesperson told me, and my buddy spotted Jerry's daughter, Trixie, in the crowd.
