Twin Anchors Restaurant & Tavern
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.
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 70 years!
Recently, 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.
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!”®
The Movie Filmed at Twin Anchors
When O’Reilly’s Sent Anchors Away
In 1999, Twin Anchors® was thrilled to be a part of the major motion picture “Return to Me”, starring Bonnie Hunt, David Duchovny, Minnie Driver, Carroll O’Connor, Jim Belushi and Robert Loggia. Bonnie Hunt, a long-time customer, directed and co-wrote this film; she wanted a quaint, neighborhood place that could become “O’Reilly’s Italian Restaurant” in the movie. And so, Twin Anchors® was transformed!
Filming lasted 5 weeks. Shooting would go from Monday through Thursday, for twelve hours or more each day. After Thursday’s wrap, the crew would remove all traces of “O’Reilly’s” and amazingly, bring Twin Anchors® back to life for weekend business. On many days, one could find the cast lounging on director’s chairs on Sedgwick Street; Carroll O’Connor was known to give a few hugs to friendly fans now and then. David Duchovny and Robert Loggia relaxed by playing softball with cast members and neighborhood children at LaSalle School across the street. Our Old Town neighbors were surprised to see a building façade constructed out onto Eugenie Street to create the illusion that O’Reilly’s was located in the middle of a city block. Of course, what do most women want to know? ”Where did David Duchovny sit in the scene where he first met Minnie Driver?” The answer . . . booth 5.
Bonnie was hilarious as always and generous to a fault! Gina Manrique, one of the owners, got married at St. Michael’s in the midst of the filming. Bonnie surprised Gina and her husband, Christian, with a lovely wedding gift from Tiffany’s. The Tuzi children really enjoyed the abundant food buffets provided by the film’s caterers, too. Swedish Fish were most popular for lunch!
It was really an honor to be associated with such a fine, sweet, romantic comedy that seems to have found a unique cult following. Even now, patrons constantly ask about the movie and take pictures of the restaurant because of Return to Me! Thanks, Bonnie!
1665 N. Sedgwick
Chicago, IL
312-266-1616
View Things to do in Chicago in a larger map
