Garcia’s Chicago Shares Eclectic Menu And Beverage Program Inspired By Jerry Garcia’s Personal Tastes, Heritage, And Music | Shore Fire Media

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25 March, 2025Print

Garcia’s Chicago Shares Eclectic Menu And Beverage Program Inspired By Jerry Garcia’s Personal Tastes, Heritage, And Music

Developed By Eleven Madison Park, Nomad And The Modern Alums, Lowder-Tascarella Hospitality Group Co-Founders

Culinary Destination And Venue Opened March 21st, 2025

From Left to Right: Jerry’s Roast Beef Sandwich, “Clown Alley” Smashburger, Buttermilk Fried Cod, Lemon Rosemary Fries, Mission Street Dog

Photo Credit: Garrett Sweet

Find food/drink photos and final menu HERE. Photo credit: Garrett Sweet

Tuesday, March 25th: Garcia’s Chicago, the new venue celebrating Jerry Garcia’s legacy, which opened March 21st is a culinary destination. 

The world-class food and beverage program is an inspired reflection of Jerry’s diverse tastes and life and was developed by the acclaimed team at Lowder-Tascarella Hospitality Group — alumni of Eleven Madison Park, The NoMad, and The Modern. Founded and operated by industry veterans Jeffrey Tascarella and Christopher Lowder with culinary leadership from acclaimed Chef Abram Bissell, LTH crafts memorable destinations and elevates guest experiences at award-winning luxury restaurants and hotels globally.

The Garcia’s Chicago menu combines flavors from Jerry’s Spanish roots, Northern California upbringing (“Spain meets San Francisco”), and Jerry’s love for American comfort food. The kitchen, led by Executive Chef and proud Chicago native Ivy Carthen, offers approachable, elevated dishes that are as eclectic and adventurous as Jerry’s music with "gentle nods" to his biography. 

“I believe every great venue tells a story, and Garcia’s is one that resonates deeply with me,” Jeffrey Tascarella said. “We’re honored to be given the opportunity to collaborate on such a special venue. I know Jerry would have dug it.”

"Food brings people together on many different levels,” Chef Ivy Carthen said. “It's nourishment for the soul and body; it's truly love. And that’s what Jerry’s music is all about and what I strive to do with the food at Garcia’s." 

“I’m thrilled to be supporting the opening of Garcia’s Chicago, crafting a culinary program inspired by Jerry Garcia’s rich history and passions,” Chef Abram Bissell said. “From his love of classic Americana to the eclectic flavors that shaped his journey, we’re bringing a menu that celebrates his spirit in a way that’s both nostalgic and unexpected.”

On nights that there isn’t a ticketed show, foodies can make a reservation for the restaurant on RESY here: https://resy.com/cities/chicago-il/venues/garcias-chicago?seats=2&date=2025-03-24

With stunning dishware from East Fork (with a style reminiscent of famous ceramics company Heath, which was founded in Jerry’s beloved Marin County in the late 50s), the Garcia’s Chicago menu highlights include: 

• Jerry’s Roast Beef Sandwich – Thin-sliced prime rib, provolone, onion rings, horseradish, au jus, Dutch crunch roll. Jerry's long-time road manager, "Big Steve" Parish, insisted Jerry's favorite sandwich be part of the menu.

• "Clown Alley" Smashburger – The works, special sauce, sesame bun. Named after Jerry’s favorite late-night burger joint in San Francisco (now defunct).

• Captain Olsen’s Conserva – Tuna in olive oil, smoked salmon and mackerel with chili crisp, olive oil crackers, parsley sauce, olives, and marcona almonds. Named after Jerry's sea-faring great-grandfather, the dish features tinned fish from Fishwife, a woman-founded company that ethically sources its fish from Galicia, Spain—the region of Jerry’s ancestry.

• Mother Earth Burger – Chickpeas, black beans, red pepper aioli, Brussels slaw, sesame bun. For the plant-based enthusiasts and named after a Jerry Garcia/Merl Saunders deep cut, “Save Mother Earth.”

• Golden Gate Popcorn – a take on San Francisco’s pink popcorn, which was often found in the concession stands of Golden Gate Park, a place synonymous with Jerry.

• Yoo-Hoo Milkshake – Inspired by Jerry’s love for Yoo-Hoo, a nostalgic childhood favorite. Cocoa nibs, malt, whipped cream.

• Strawberry & Vanilla Shake – Roasted strawberry swirl, vanilla sugar cookie. Justin Kreutzmann (director and son of Grateful Dead drummer Bill Kreutzmann) once saw Jerry drinking both a vanilla and a strawberry shake before a show. Jerry's famous response: "That's the beauty of being a rock star. You don’t have to choose."

• Coffee provided by Graffeo, San Francisco’s oldest roastery. Based in North Beach, a neighborhood Jerry frequented, and founded only a few years before his birth.

The first-rate beverage program features a thoughtful mix of craft cocktails, zero-proof options, and premium wines and beers created by the LTH cocktail team led by award-winning mixologist Chris Lowder.  

“Building the bar program at Garcia’s was such an exciting journey for our team,”said Chris Lowder. “Naturally, it’s a tremendous responsibility to reach the right tone between honoring the legacy of this legendary icon – balancing authenticity, storytelling, creativity, and fun, all through the lens of delicious cocktails. In the end, we had a blast honoring Jerry’s story, with cocktails highlighting his roots, family, personality, and life journey. I can’t wait for Chicago to come to the bar, have a cocktail, and share in our celebration of Jerry Garcia.”

Just like Jerry Garcia’s music, the Garcia’s Chicago drink menu is all about bold flavors, eclectic styles, and a personal touch. Inspiration was drawn from five key phases of Jerry’s life: his Galician roots, the Appalachian spirit, the creative buzz of San Francisco, the mystique of Egypt, and the chill of Hawaii. Each cocktail serves up a story in a glass with innovative flavor combos that respect history and experimentation. 

 

Garcia’s Chicago Beverage Highlights Include: 

• Mission in the Rain - A play on Ranch Water, the unofficial cocktail of the West, this drink takes Blanco tequila, passionfruit, ancho chili, lime, and soda, and makes a case for why simplicity is often the best move. It’s bright, it’s fresh, and it’s got just the right amount of spice—like San Francisco itself, it doesn’t demand your attention, but it sure as hell earns it. If you’ve ever walked through San Francisco’s Mission District in the rain, you get it. The city is a character in Jerry’s story—his birthplace, his artistic home, the place that shaped his sound. Mission in the Rain is a drink built for that kind of moment—simple, direct, and deeply satisfying.

• Russian Lullaby - Toasted oat Irish whiskey, rich crème de cacao, malted milk ball cordial, coffee stout reduction, and a touch of vanilla. It’s like dessert in a glass, bringing out your inner kid, but with a little extra punch. Yoo-hoo Chocolate Milk was one of Jerry’s favorite drinks. He also was known to enjoy a White Russian to calm his nerves before a show. Russian Lullaby takes that nostalgic chocolate drink and kicks it up a notch for grown-ups. 

• Midnight Moonlight - An elevated nitro espresso martini on draft that’s dark, mysterious, and just a bit magical—like a moonlit jam session. Blending cold brew coffee with cherry and chocolate makes for a cocktail that hits the spot. It’s got vodka, cherry liqueur, creme de cacao, and a sprinkle of sour cherry cocoa dust. Perfect for those late-night vibes when you’re ready to chase the moon.

 

From Left to Right: Galacian Spritz and Stinson Soda

Photo Credit: Garrett Sweet

 

Garcia’s Chicago is the latest venture from Peter Shapiro and Dayglo Presents(Brooklyn Bowl, The Capitol Theatre, Bearsville Theater, Fare Thee Well: Celebrating 50 Years of the Grateful Dead, etc) in partnership with the Jerry Garcia Family. The venue honors the lead guitarist, vocalist, and co-founder of the Grateful Dead’s eclectic artistry and heritage, drawing from his Spanish roots and Northern Californian upbringing, as well as his deep connections to Jazz, Americana, and World Music. Garcia’s Chicago isn’t just a venue; it’s a living, breathing tribute to an artist whose influence transcends generations. 

ABOUT LOWDER-TASCARELLA HOSPITALITY GROUP

Lowder-Tascarella Hospitality (LTH) partners with world-class restaurant, bar, and hotel brands to achieve excellence at scale by uniting award-winning operational expertise, creative development, and forward-thinking strategy. Founded and operated by global industry veterans Jeffrey Tascarella and Christopher Lowder with culinary leadership from acclaimed Chef Abram Bissell, LTH crafts memorable destinations and elevates guest experiences across diverse markets. From its offices in New York and Bangkok, LTH consistently delivers best-in-class hospitality concepts and solutions in the American and Asia-Pacific markets. For inquiries or to learn more about our group, please visit www.lt-hospitality.com.

Chris Lowder is recognized as one of the world’s leading bar consultants, he has built globally celebrated beverage programs across China, New York, Thailand, South Korea, and the Caribbean. Before founding LTH, Chris was a Mandarin translator and spent years immersed in Shanghai’s luxury hospitality scene, developing award-winning bar concepts and training more than a thousand industry professionals. A two-time nominee for Best Global Bar Mentor at Tales of the Cocktail and named one of the "100 Most Influential Figures in the Global Bar Industry" by Drinks International, Chris continues to shape the future of luxury hospitality.

Jeffrey Tascarella is a seasoned hospitality executive with two decades of leadership across a diverse portfolio of award-winning and influential properties, he brings a deep passion for creating exceptional guest experiences. An avid amateur jazz pianist and guitarist, Jeffrey is especially excited about Garcia’s, where his two great loves—music and hospitality—seamlessly come together.

 

ABOUT CHEF ABRAM BISSELL

Chef Abram Bissell has built a storied career designing and leading iconic restaurants across the United States, Caribbean, and United Kingdom, with a specialty in programming complex, multi-outlet properties that balance creativity, execution, and operational efficiency. His culinary journey began in California, where he developed a deep appreciation for pristine ingredients, laying the foundation for his world-class career. As executive chef of Eleven Madison Park, he led the restaurant to three Michelin stars and a four-star New York Times review before bringing his vision of everyday luxury to NoMad, New York. He later oversaw the culinary renovation of the Museum of Modern Art, where his leadership at The Modern earned two Michelin stars. Abram’s heritage and passion for product-driven, elemental cuisine continue to shape his innovative and acclaimed work.

 

ABOUT EXECUTIVE CHEF IVY CARTHEN

Chef Ivy Carthen joins Garcia's Chicago - Chicago with over 25 years of experience in the restaurant and hospitality industry. A Chicago native, Chef Carthen moved to Irving, Texas at a young age and landed his first job in a family pizza restaurant as a line cook and delivery boy. Upon returning to Chicago at age 18, he did what he did best, make pizza. He began working at Ranalli’s Pizza under Chef Shane Hughes who became his mentor and later followed Chef Hughes to work as lead line cook at the Mashed Potato Club in Wrigleyville. Working under Chef Hughes, Chef Carthen became well versed in all areas of managing a kitchen like planning and creating menus, budgeting and financial planning. In 2000, Chef Carthen brought knowledge of the kitchen to Eddy Clearwater’s Reservation Blues as executive chef. His skills and experience in hospitality lead him to being hired on as the general manager as well, and he served as both executive chef and general manager for five years. Following Reservation Blues, Carthen was the executive chef at Franklin Tap from 2003-2008. Most recently, Chef was Corporate Executive Chef for WhirlyBall, Chef managed & overseen 5 locations (Chicago, Vernon Hills, Naperville, Vernon Hills and Brookfield Wisconsin) managing a kitchen like planning and creating menus, budgeting and financial planning. When he is not in the kitchen, Chef Carthen enjoys spending time with his four children Jazmyn, Jaleel, Jordyn and Kayden. Chef Carthen loves cheering for the Chicago Bears.

 

ABOUT PETER SHAPIRO & DAYGLO PRESENTS

Dayglo Presents is a live music and media company led by independent music impresario Peter Shapiro. Dayglo has owned and operated celebrated venues Brooklyn Bowl (Williamsburg, Las Vegas, Nashville, Philadelphia) The Capitol Theatre, Bearsville Theater, Wetlands Preserve, and LOCKN’ Farm in Arrington, Virginia. Shapiro partnered exclusively with the family of Jerry Garcia to open Garcia’s at The Capitol Theatre, followed by an additional club in Chicago. In 2015, he produced Fare Thee Well: Celebrating 50 Years of the Grateful Dead, at Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara, CA and Chicago’s Soldier Field. Shapiro founded Lockn’, a four-day music and camping festival held in Nelson County, Virginia as well as Jazz & Colors, an experiential music event held in Central Park and the Metropolitan Museum of Art. He originated The Rock and Roll Playhouse, developing the family concert series into a weekly national concert series that takes place in over 30 states across America. In 2024, Peter co-produced the sold out Soulshine Benefit at Madison Square Garden raising money for hurricane relief in North Carolina and Florida. His other endeavors include the IMAX concert films U2 3D and All Access, the Jammys awards show, the Green Apple Earth Day Festival, and Easy Rider Live. Dayglo publishes Relix Magazine, and runs two highly trafficked music websites Relix.com and Jambands.com, and owns digital ad agency Hear & There. Billboard has selected Shapiro multiple times for its Power 100 List of “Most Influential People in the Music Business.” Shapiro sits on the board of a number of civic and charitable organizations, including: New York Public Radio, City Parks Foundation and the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Museum. Peter also is a member of the Rock Hall’s nominating committee. In 2019, he was named Chairman of HeadCount, one of the leading youth voter engagement and participation organizations in America.

 

ABOUT JERRY GARCIA & JERRY GARCIA FAMILY LLC

Jerry Garcia (1942-1995) created an unparalleled legacy across the American landscape, most notably in his role as a founding member, singer, songwriter and lead guitarist of the Grateful Dead. Garcia’s unmistakable guitar tone enchanted multitudes of “Deadheads” throughout the band’s 30-year career and beyond. His work with the Jerry Garcia Band, Old and in the Way, Legion of Mary, Garcia/Grisman and projects with Merl Saunders only scratch at the surface of his musical influences as he set out to master the Great American Songbook. Unequivocally devoted to the craft of music, Garcia continues to inspire future generations through the body of work he has left behind and his creative spirit. Jerry Garcia Family, LLC stewards the legacy of Jerry Garcia. It is led by Trixie Garcia and includes additional family members Annabelle and Heather Garcia, as well as Sunshine Kesey and the estate of his brother, Tiff.

 

ABOUT GARCIA’S CHICAGO

Garcia’s Chicago is a seated concert venue and restaurant designed to celebrate the life, music, and cultural impact of Jerry Garcia. Drawing inspiration from his Spanish roots, Northern Californian home, and his deep connection to music of many genres, Garcia’s Chicago offers a one-of-a-kind experience blending live performances, an eclectic menu, and an atmosphere that pays tribute to the spirit of Jerry Garcia.

 

For more information, contact GarciasChicagoPR@shorefire.com

 

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