[Photos: Marc Much]
SideDoor, soft open now, infuses a more casual gastropub concept with a nostalgic 40-year-old steakhouse within a 110-year-old mansion in River North. A literal side door around the corner from Lawry's leads to an elegantly rebuilt section of the longstanding special occasion prime rib restaurant, which now features a cozy throwback lounge and three-step dining room incorporating excavated, refinished, and new items.
The food is gastropub with steakhouse touches: There's a gleaming roasted and sliced meat board with the accoutrements, beer-braised mussels, a cheese and charcuterie program, sandwiches, and a wedge salad. Many items spring from an open kitchen in the dining room; others from a concealed smoker.
Modern touches make their way onto Andrew Macker's beverage list. His negroni utilizes smoked ice; the beer selection is nearly all craft and import. Click here to see the menus.
Management hopes the concept adds a different clientele, perception, and brings more repeat customers than the old-school meat-heavy restaurant it's connected to. SideDoor is open for limited hours now, the official grand opening is on February 18, lunch service begins March 5.
· Lawry's Gastropub Concept Coming to River North [-ECHI-]
· Lawry's and SideDoor [Official Sites]
