Margaritaville Bar and Grill to Invade Navy Pier Early Summer

Just when you thought it was impossible for Navy Pier to become any more of a tourist trap destination, the crème de la crème has arrived. Jimmy Buffet's Margaritaville Bar and Grill is coming to the "island destination" of Chicago.

How'd we get so lucky? Buffett apparently has a sweet spot for our, um, beach town? Yup. "I have always thought of Chicago as a beach town, a pretty big one, but still a beach town," Buffet said. "I am happy to call Navy Pier home to Margaritaville. Fins up Chicago."

All kidding aside, a lot went into the the decision on where to locate the restaurant. Buffet and the Margaritaville folks spent three years trying to find the perfect location for his Chicago fans. It looks like all of those parrot heads can flock to the city.

The Chicago Margaritaville location will take over the former Charlie's Ale House and will seat 150 both inside and out. The menu will consist of what is considered the "best of the best" of their pretty run-of-the-mill chain menu with an "island twist." Some favorites include Volcano Nachos with an obnoxious four-pound heaping of nacho chips and fixins, and the Cheeseburger in Paradise, a burger served with (sing quietly to yourself) lettuce and tomato, Heinz 57 and french fried potatoes, big kosher pickle and a cold draft beer. If you don't want that beer, swap it out for a margarita or another of the frozen concoctions from one of two bars—even if it diverts from the lyrics.

While the restaurant will have live music on weekends, Buffet has no official plans to make an appearance as of now. However, since he makes it a priority to check on all of his restaurants and will play a show at Toyota Park on July 23, you'd better dig out that Hawaiian shirt, stat. Just in case.