Grant Taproom to Fill South Michigan Avenue Void in July

The stretch of South Michigan Avenue near the South Loop can be tough to find a meal or a drink, Roger Greenfield believes, and he's out to remedy it. That's one reason why he's opening Grant Taproom near the corner of Van Buren, across the street from Grant Park and diagonally from the Art Institute, this summer. The former owner of 60 Bar Louie locations is adding it to his restaurant stable in a prime yet largely untapped traffic area.

The 8,000 square-foot space will have a main bar and dining room, mezzanine area, open kitchen, and a patio overlooking Grant Park, seating 280 in the indoor and outdoor areas combined. Although he's still looking for a chef, he's jumping on the farm-to-table concept. The full bar will have a liquor and wine program in addition to a midwest-oriented beer list.

What he does know, however, is he likes the location. His experience owning restaurants in the Loop, South Loop, and River North taught him about the regular area clientele. "There's a lack of restaurants over there, besides The Gage," he says.

That'll change around the Fourth of July.
· Grant Taproom [Facebook]