Another Giannoulias Opens a West Loop Sports Lounge in Karyn's Space

When Green Street Local opens at 5 p.m. on Friday, the new West Loop spot will prove a radical departure from its predecessor. The interiors, TVs and meat-friendly menu leave no clue that it's the space vegan-friendly Karyn's On Green once occupied. George Giannoulias (older brother to former Illinois Treasurer and Kanela Breakfast Club's Alexi Giannoulias) has left the world of finance and real estate to enter the restaurant world.

"When you're in those businesses, you don't always have time to follow your passion," the older Giannoulias said. "This is nice."

Larry Pierce will serve as Green Street Local's chef. Pierce's commute to work will be a familiar one, as he served as chef at the Green Room, a restaurant/lounge that opened in 2002 at the same address. Giannoulias also had ties to that restaurant, which turned into a lounge at night. He described Green Street's menu as comfort food with an adult flair, singling out the fried chicken and doughnuts. There's also a fried pork chop that's an homage to Maxwell Street. Green Street also pledges its allegiance to the flag by offering red (beet), white (panzanella) and blue (bleu cheese, steak) salads. They'll eventually add weekend brunch.

This is a beer drinker's spot, with 16 taps and 50 beers total at a 25-person bar. There's about 30 televisions, as well as a 12-foot screen for bigger events. The multi-level, 5,000-square-foot space fits about 35 tables.

[Photo: Green Street Local]

The bar isn't affiliated with State, the DePaul bar that's run by Giannoulias' cousin, Kostas Giannoulias. And though he said he'll take input from little brother Alexi, George said there isn't any restaurant sibling competition among brothers. He's just excited to open a spot for West Loopers.

"It's your local kitchen, it's your local tap," Giannoulias said. "We definitely are focusing on the local scene to give people a really fantastic kind of home experience."

Green Street Local, 130 S. Green St., (312) 226-6565, open daily 11 a.m. to 2 a.m., weekend brunch upcoming.