For those expecting dancing bears, tie-dye, and Cherry Garcia ice cream at Garcia’s Jazz Club, they might end up disappointed.
The recently opened eatery, drinking spot, and musical hub in the West Loop area
does not have those characteristics typically linked to the lead singer of the Grateful Dead.
If you push it too much, it turns into something more like a routine, almost turning into mockery,” explains Jeffrey Tascarella from the food and beverage consulting firm Lowder-Tascarella Hospitality. “Our aim was to develop a spot where, if Jerry were still with us, he’d surely enjoy being here.
Tascarella’s company, along with Chef Ivy Carthen and assisted by Garcia’s daughters—Trixie and Annabelle—developed the menu for Garcia’s, which launched last week. Steering clear of typical tropes associated with themed eateries was crucial for both the culinary staff and the design team responsible for converting the previous Wishbone location into what now stands as a project led by Chicago-based architect Bob Quellos of
FC Studio
is described as a “compact city jazz spot.” Since there is a parking structure above the area, there are no pillars to hinder the view for approximately 300 guests watching the performance on stage.
Designer
Tristam Steinberg
clear visuals can strengthen the emotional bond between music enthusiasts and the band, potentially inspiring fans to stand up from their seats and groove as though they were at an open-air concert. Stepping into Garcia’s might also offer insights since part of the design concept aimed to evoke times past when visitors didn’t rely heavily on smartphones and instead danced freely throughout the venue.
I believe that if you visit any jazz club—whether in New York, Chicago, or Los Angeles—you typically have an experience akin to being squished like a sardine in a tin can,” explains Steinberg. “People sit at tiny tables which aren’t very comfortable but help maximize attendance during performances. Bob created a layout that will genuinely encourage audience engagement.
Quellos, who also designed
Gaijin
, Paul Virant’s eatery in the West Loop specializing in Japanese cuisine highlights the influence
Japanese listening bars
They have featured various elements related to music venues, focusing on how these small spaces emphasize audio quality and cater to the demands of music enthusiasts. Additionally, the creators honored Garcia’s appreciation for visual arts by reaching out to individuals within the psychedelic art scene. An illustration on the rear wall, created by Violet Oliphant and Ellie Terrell, serves as an instance of this dedication.
The location is a joint effort between Garcia’s estate and Peter Shapiro’s Dayglo Presents. Shapiro, known for his work as a music promoter and proprietor of the Brooklyn Bowl franchise, played an active role throughout. To prevent overcrowding issues, he proposed reducing table sizes by roughly two inches to create more walking area, according to Quellos.
The cuisine won’t overshadow the music as the main attraction, yet these components should complement each other seamlessly. Mixologists must create beverages swiftly to cater promptly to visitors, with Quellos ensuring an area where waitstaff can navigate effortlessly. They offer various big-batch concoctions too. In general, the libations will maintain moderate alcohol content—considering the anticipated audience inspired by the Grateful Dead ethos, such potent refreshments may prove unnecessary. Instead, emphasis lies on low-alcohol-content choices and non-spirit alternatives. Additionally, there’s a nostalgic 1950s-style soda fountain ambiance due to Garcia’s fondness for milkshakes. A particular blend combines strawberry and vanilla notes—a nod to Garcia’s appreciation of both tastes—and his reputed reply when challenged to select just one: “Being a rockstar means never having to make that choice,” shares Tascarella, recounting what he said.
A different milkshake will include Yoo-Hoo, the chocolate beverage that Garcia enjoyed—Tascarella mentions that extensive forensic investigation ensured the menu aligned with Garcia’s preferences, his Spanish background, and his connection to the Bay Area. They also plan to have conservas.
Fishwife Tinned Seafood
The presentation will feature the Spanish aspect. On offer is a San Francisco-inspired hot dog enveloped in bacon and garnished with onions, peppers, and Sriracha aioli. Tascarella emphasizes that this hot dog aims to complement Chicago’s renowned sausage culture without aiming to compete directly with what might be considered the top hot dog destination globally.
A double-patty smash burger draws inspiration from one of Garcia’s preferred dishes, which was originally found at an old diner in San Francisco. Additionally, there’s a serving of fried chicken big enough for two people, along with a distinctive roast beef sandwich that brings to mind a French dip and is presented similarly.
San Francisco Dutch crunch bread
.
Quellos mentions that the audio and visual setup prioritizes those passionate about music above all else. The aim is for guests to experience feeling immersed in the performance. This implies that lighting will not be overly intense just to enable patrons to share pictures of dishes on social platforms.
If Instagram Moments were involved, this area might have ended up featuring the Grateful Dead bear or something very reminiscent of Jerry Garcia,” Quellos explains. “I don’t believe you’d achieve the same level of quality in the space ultimately.
Garcia’s Chicago
, 1001 West Washington Boulevard