Adobo Grill Old Town Reopening Around The Corner 10 Months After Fire

Eight months after a fire forced Adobo Grill to close in Old Town, the Mexican restaurant's owner has announced they're moving around the corner. Adobo will reopen inside the Dinotto Ristorante space at 215 W. North Ave. Owner Paul LoDuca said he hopes to return to business by June 11 when the Old Town Art Fair takes place to capitalize on the crowds.

On this cloudy and chilly April day, workers were tearing up the brick patio floor at the site. LoDuca said they'll redo the outdoor space, which will sit 50. They'll also have an outdoor bar. The new space will have room inside for about 150, which is less than the original location which had seating for about 200.

As far the menu, LoDuca said they'll "modernize" it a bit, but retain the classics that helped earn loyal Adobo customers. LoDuca said they've been "calling every day" for updates. Around Thanksgiving, the landlord from 1610 N. Wells St. elected to terminate Adobo's lease, LoDuca said, which prompted their search for a new home. They wanted to remain in Old Town, where they've operated for 15 years: "And we'd like to be around for many, many more," LoDuca said.

Adobo seemed overshadowed last summer when a fire in August blaze ripped through the restaurant. Instead, attentions focused on their neighbors over at the Second City comedy troupe, where the damage wasn't as extensive. Adobo has sat boarded up and closed since then. The Dinotto space has been vacant since September 2014 when the restaurant closed, with ownership moving to 1551 N. Wells St.