A week or so ago I walked up to Chicago and Franklin to a Starbucks there to meet Jen, Jay, and Marcus. Jen and Jay were in town from New York and I finally got to meet their baby, Katie! She’s so adorable. Anyway, I passed by this mural on Franklin & Ontario and stopped to admire it. I can’t figure out what restaurant used to be here. The internet is failing me! This is what the building looks like on Google Streetview:
Any ideas?
Was it a Leona’s?
I don’t know. Did there used to be a Leona’s location there? It seems to be a steak (surf & turf) joint where married people like to dine, drink and dance! haha
Also, I like how Google Street View has blurred the guy’s face in the mural… need to protect his privacy!
Leona’s used to be on the other side of Franklin, where Hop Haus is now. I found an early 2000s reference to a place called Magnum’s Prime Steakhouse that used to be on Ontario between Wells and Franklin. I’d guess that’s what this mural is from.
Ah! I think this is it! Good sleuthin!
On Yahoo! Travel it was described – “This is one of Chicago’s newer steak houses, created to the requisite formulaaged steaks, dark wood and brass overtones, and a piano bar where cigars are welcome. The restaurant has garnered excellent reviews from Chicago’s newspapers and magazines. It has become known for its slow roasted prime rib, a 24-ounce porterhouse, and its porterhouse lamb chops. There is also a selection of pastas and fresh seafood.”
Yeah it was definitely Magnum’s. We used to take brian there after house closings as our “fee” for his lawyer duties.
SO… I was right with my “steak joint where married people like to dine and drink” assessment? Or… how long ago was this? heh