Chicago Firehouse To Reopen on Friday, Two Years After The Fire

A little more than two years after a fire forced it the close, Chicago Firehouse Restaurant will reopen on Friday in the South Loop. The rebuilt restaurant will once more open their doors at 5 p.m. tomorrow at 1401 S. Michigan Ave. Before it housed a steakhouse, the 112-year-old building was once a Chicago Fire Department firehouse and is a city landmark.

On Thursday afternoon, staff was getting ready for a friends and family service, as they eagerly-anticipated once more opening to the general public. The restaurant had been open for 15 years before flames burned the building after roofers were working.

They’ve not only rebuilt, but they’ve also renovated the 15,000-square-foot space that includes seating for 215, according to a news release. Ownership upgraded the kitchen and restored the original Tiffany-glaze brick and custom millwork. There’s a backlit wine wall in the bar area on the first floor and they’ll host private events on the second floor. There was great effort to ensure they’ve preserved the building’s historic past, which includes hiring back most of the staff that was with the restaurant before the fire.

Firehouse has brought on executive chef John Caputo, who spent time at Bin 36 and Labriola Ristorante & Cafe. The new menu will feature prime and dry-aged steaks and is posted here. There are some monster steaks, including the Pullman, a 20-ounce ribeye cap for two, carved table side.

There’s great joy in the South Loop, for Chicago Firehouse Restaurant is finally back. Come in on Friday to see an old friend.