LINCOLN PARK — Castaways, the boat-shaped restaurant and bar at North Avenue Beach, is returning this summer with a new look, name and menu.
Formerly known as Castaways Bar & Grill, the revamped Castaways Beach Club will reopen to the public over Memorial Day weekend after being closed last year for an extensive $3 million renovation.
The restaurant at 1603 N. DuSable Lake Shore Drive will feature new dining decks, bar areas, patio space and multiple cabanas available for rent and private events.
The Stefani Restaurant Group, the same group behind the iconic steakhouse Tavern on Rush, said the upgraded Castaways aims to “bring the nostalgia, energy and excitement” Chicagoans and tourists have known and loved for many years.
“The lakefront is Chicago’s front yard and Castaways has long been part of that,” Anthony Stefani, owner of the Stefani Restaurant Group, said in a statement. “We are thrilled to deliver a new and refreshed experience this summer. We can confidently share that Castaways Beach Club will bring an unparalleled summertime experience to our city and we cannot wait to welcome everyone aboard.”
Castaways closed in June 2023, peak season for beachside attractions. Owner Phil Stefani told the Chicago Sun-Times at the time he hoped to reopen it before the Chicago Air and Water Show in August, but that didn’t happen.
The renovated 22,000-square foot restaurant will offer sit-down dining options as well as bottle service, bands and DJs on its new and improved cabana deck.
The menu will feature “global beach” cuisine, similar to what would be found on most casual beachside resort menus, Anthony Stefani said.
The “North End Club” will be reserved for those 21 years and older while the general restaurant area will be open to all ages, representatives for the restaurant group said.
Castaways Beach Club will be open 11 a.m.-10 p.m. seven days a week, weather permitting. More information is available on the club’s website.
“We feel the city’s lakefront, specifically the North Avenue Beach location, is the crown jewel of Chicago in the summertime,” Anthony Stefani said in an email. “You can find the best views with the lake on one side of the boathouse and our magnificent skyline on the other. We will strive to add to that beautiful setting by providing the best experience possible to all of our guests.”
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