Located in an historic Old Town building that dates back to 1881, Twin Anchors Restaurant & Tavern® is one of the oldest restaurants in the city of Chicago. Since its founding in 1932, Twin Anchors has always been known for great, tender, barbequed baby-back ribs that can be enjoyed in a quaint neighborhood tavern.
Research shows that as far back as 1910, there was a tavern operating in this spot. Sometime during World War I, the Schlitz Brewing Company donated the bar that remains in use to this day. Notoriously, during Prohibition a speakeasy known as “Tante Lee Soft Drinks” provided refreshments for the “thirsty” in this location. The original operators of Twin Anchors®, the Walters family, were affiliated with the Chicago Yacht Club, and hence gave the restaurant its nautical name.
Sometime in the early 1950’s, Frank Sinatra made his first visit to Twin Anchors. Over the decades, Frank continued to make Twin Anchors one of his favorite stops, and the tales abound. One visit in the 70’s was described this way: “Sinatra entertained a large group of friends at the rib joint Twin Anchors® last night. The guest list included Jilly Rizzo, football great Sid Luckman, Frank’s girlfriend Barbara Marx, comedian Pat Henry, composer Don Costa, pal Joey Bishop and agent Mickey Houston. Frank’s order was ‘Ribs, and keep ‘em coming!’ As usual, one of Mr. Sinatra’s bodyguards was posted at the pay phone preventing patrons from making calls that would cause a mob scene. Sinatra was very gracious about signing autographs, and was extremely generous with tipping everyone working his table $100 each.” In 1982, Twin Anchors® was thrilled to bring Frank and his orchestra ribs to enjoy after their ChicagoFest concert at Navy Pier.
Twin Anchors® has received much publicity over the decades, appearing in numerous publications including, The London Times, Fortune Magazine, Chicago Magazine, Gourmet Magazine, The New York Times, The Chicago Tribune, The Chicago Sun-Times, and even, The Idaho Statesman, just to name a few. It has been featured in many international travel guides as a “must visit” when in Chicago, as well. Add in numerous television and radio features, including a mention in an episode of the NBC comedy “Just Shoot Me”, it becomes clear that this little neighborhood place has developed a remarkable, loyal following over its 75 years!
The 1999 film, Return to Me, was filmed at Twin Anchors®, exposing many new customers to the charm of this small corner restaurant that seems timeless. Enjoyed by numerous sports, entertainment, and public figures, as well as generations of loyal Chicagoans, and fans worldwide, Twin Anchors® never loses its old-time feel. Even the acclaimed jukebox provides patrons a chance to step back in time, offering an eclectic mix of old and new tunes.
As only the third family to own Twin Anchors, the Tuzi family has been involved for over 30 years. The partners, Paul Tuzi and his sisters, Mary Kay Cimarusti and Gina Manrique, keep the tradition alive. Paul states, “We aren’t just running a restaurant. Every night, we are throwing a party for 300 people in a living museum! That is what makes it such a pleasure.”
Dine in, enjoy the outdoor café in the summer, or carry out, just make sure you take time to enjoy a cold beer, a zesty slab, and Old Blue Eyes on the jukebox. But remember . . . "Positively No Dancing!"®
