In 1872, immediately following the Great Chicago Fire of 1871, a two-story balloon frame wooden structure with a detached cottage in the rear was constructed. An engineer company rented the front of the building in the back was a grocery store with living quarters in the rear cottage.
Following the fire, Chicago passed a fire code ordinance prohibiting construction of wooden commercial buildings in the Central Business District. The Green Door Tavern is one of the few remaining frame structures built prior to this fire ordinance.
The Racking (leaning) of the building occurred shortly after the building settled and has been that way for over 100 years. In 1921, the restaurant was established on the 1st floor and many of the bar fixtures were installed in the 20's still exist in the present bar and restaurant.
Over the years, the restaurant/bar was sold many times finally renamed the Green Door Tavern. During prohibition if the door of a restaurant was painted green, it indicated the presence of a speakeasy in that establishment.
From its earliest days, The Green Door Tavern has been a neighborhood favorite. From it's warm wooden interiors, decorative backsplash of memorabilia from days long past, and down-to-earth staff have kept its many loyal customers happy through Chicago's changing times.
Jesse and I play there on Thursday nights easy listening acoustic dinner music. A fun gig for a receptive clientele in a great atmosphere. A greet selection of beers, wine, cocktails and food options. We play for just food and drinks and a fun night out.