Tavern on Rush reopens in Gold Coast hotel

CHICAGO - An iconic Chicago nightspot that suddenly closed two years ago is now back in business.

The Tavern on Rush reopened in a new location just a couple shakes of a martini away from their old spot on Rush Street. And for many customers, it’s like homecoming.

Customers were lined up and waiting at precisely 4 o’clock Monday when Tavern on Rush reopened its doors after a two-year absence.

"I am so excited today," said customer Nicole Reese. "This has been a staple here in the Chicagoland area for years. And when he left, I’m like, oh no!"

Tavern on Rush was forced to close after 25 years in the summer of 2022 when they lost the lease on their longtime home at Rush and Bellevue in the heart of the Triangle.

But they didn’t go far. The new Tavern is literally just across the street.

"We got a lot of offers. We could’ve gone all over the city with our sign, Tavern on Rush. But it had to be here," said owner Phil Stefani. "Because this is where it was born. It was born on Rush and Bellevue. Now, we just crossed the street. We’re still on Rush and Bellevue."

Also , at the new spot, were many familiar faces, employees from the old Tavern, including maitre d’ Benny Nadzaku, who has worked for Stefani for 40 years.

"It's great. You can’t even imagine. See all my friends. Not friends, like a family. 25 years. All of us back here and help them out and enjoy their company," Nadzaku said.

The old Tavern across the street was about 5000 square feet. The new one on the southeast corner is nearly triple the size. But the layout is similar with a restaurant on the second floor, and a large bar on the first.

But most importantly, Stefani says, so is the vibe. The place to see – and be seen.

"What I’m gonna show is Tavern on Rush is not about brick and mortar," said Stefani. "It’s about the patrons who supported it. And it’s about the staff who served it."

And within minutes of opening, just like the old Tavern, it was packed.

"We’ve been so excited to see the new Tavern on Rush. Like this is unbelievably beautiful," said customer Brigitte Cooper.