It’s been a devastating week for some of our favorite spots. Fires tore through Costa’s in Greektown on Sunday and Bronzeville’s Blu 47 and Spoken Word Cafe last week. As the owners weigh their futures, we hope they find inspiration from other local spots that have made great comebacks.
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Macello
1235 W. Lake St. 312-850-9870
This bustling Warehouse District spot from Trattoria Trullo’s Giovanni DeNigris opened strong in September 2007 with a menu of regional Italian fare but was sidelined by a fire in early 2009. After extensive repairs to the water-damaged building, the restaurant reopened in December.
What changed: The paint job in the dining room (check out the bright new floral wall mural) and some menu items. Look for more appetizers and pizzas, plus a few new entrees, including lamb chops al forno, a hearty oven-baked casserole-style dish.
What stayed the same: Much of the Puglia-focused menu and nearly all of the rustic dining-room decor, including the wood-burning hearth oven.
Filter 1373-75 N. Milwaukee Ave. 773-904-7819
It took owner Jeff Linnane two years to find a new home for his hipster hang, which closed in 2007 to make way for a Bank of America branch. After talks fell through on several locations, Filter reopened this weekend, down the street from its original address.
What changed: Linnane gave away most of the old furniture to Filter regulars, so all the chairs, tables and couches here are new. (Except for one wood table salvaged by Linnane.) You’ll also notice new menu items, coffee that’s now roasted in-house and a green initiative that qualifies Filter for gold LEED certification.
What stayed the same: The relaxed people-watching vibe that Filter prides itself on. Also, the layout’s similar and, yes, the cult-favorite sweet potato fries are back.
The Original Alps Restaurant & Pancake House
3637 W. Irving Park Rd. 773-267-5112
From 1970 until 2005, neighborhood diner Alps West held down the corner of Irving Park Road and Elston Avenue. After 25 years, owner Bob Theo retired and leased the space to a bank. When that bank closed, he decided to come out of retirement and revive the old restaurant. Alps West reopened as the Original Alps in September.
What changed: The interior, which had to be reconverted after its stint as a bank. The space retains a diner feel, but it’s roomier and outfitted with more modern fixtures and new booths and flooring.
What stayed the same: The menu — a lengthy tome packed with diner faves. Some of the loyal staff even have returned.
Club Lago
331 W. Superior St. 312-337-9444
Change hit this River North Italian eatery over the head like a ton of bricks — literally. In March, an adjacent building’s chimney fell on Club Lago and destroyed its roof and kitchen. It closed for six and a half months to renovate, and owner-brothers Guido and Giancarlo Nardini reopened it in October.
What changed: Aside from a brand-new kitchen with updated appliances, Club Lago added four flatscreen TVs and, for the first time in its nearly 60-year history, draft beer.
What stayed the same: The look and feel. Though much of the dining room and bar were renovated, the Nardini brothers took pains to make the restaurant look exactly the same.
Pasha
802 W. Randolph St. 312-243-4442
Back in 1999, when Latin band the Bandoleros was starting out as a Gipsy Kings cover band, they scored a regular gig at a River North club called Pasha. When the club closed eight years later, the group aspired to open its own spot. When it came time to open, the former owner gave the band permission to use the same name.
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What changed: Besides different ownership, this Pasha is a full-fledged Spanish restaurant before the mood shifts to late-night dancing.
What stayed the same: The music-loving, European-heavy crowd, says co-owner Ron Levine, who has heard customers remark that their parents used to watch the band at the old Pasha.