Green Door Tavern facts for kids
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The interior, in February 2012
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Formerly
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Huron-Orleans Restaurant |
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| Tavern | |
| Founded | 1921 |
| Founder | Vito Giacomoni |
| Headquarters | , |
The Green Door Tavern is a very old and famous place in Chicago. Many people say it's the oldest restaurant and gathering spot still open there! It started as a restaurant in 1921, but the building itself is even older, built way back in 1872.
Contents
A Look at Its History
The building where the Green Door Tavern stands was built in 1872. This was just one year after the huge Great Chicago Fire. A man named James McCole built it.
The building has a special type of construction called a wooden frame. This means its main structure is made of wood. After the big fire, the city of Chicago made a rule. They said new buildings in the main part of the city could not use this wooden frame style.
The first person to use the building was Lawrence P. Elk. He had a grocery store on the first floor. He also lived with his family upstairs.
From Grocery to Restaurant
In 1921, the building became a restaurant. It was called the Huron-Orleans Restaurant. Vito Giacomoni was the owner.
Later, Vito's sons, Jack and Nello, took over. During a time called the Prohibition Era, it was a speakeasy. This means it was a secret place where people could gather, because certain things were not allowed by law back then.
In the 1930s, people started calling the place "The Green Door." This nickname eventually became its official name.
In August 1985, George Parenti bought the restaurant from the Giacomoni brothers.
A Leaning Building
You might notice something special about the building itself. It leans a little! This happened because of the way it was built so long ago. It's still leaning today, which makes it even more unique.
The Drifter: A Secret Spot
In January 2015, a small, secret room opened in the basement. It's called "The Drifter." It feels like a hidden spot from the past.
The Drifter offers a special menu of unique drinks. These drinks are listed on cool tarot cards. It's a fun, hidden part of the historic Green Door Tavern.
