After more than 30 years as a neighborhood fixture in Glenview, Johnny’s Kitchen & Tap is getting ready to close its current chapter and reopen under a fresh name later this summer. The restaurant plans to serve its final regular meals next Monday, May 11, and the owners say many of the longtime signature dishes will stick around even as the space gets a modern overhaul.
The incoming concept is already being teased online. Johnny’s has posted a landing page for the new “Lake Street Tavern” and lists June 2026 as the target month for opening, according to Johnny’s website. The page notes that the revamped menu will lean into steaks and chops while keeping the kitchen’s wood-roasted chicken and baby-back ribs, and that the bar will continue to pour craft cocktails and beers in a modern setting geared toward sports fans.
Local outlet What Now Chicago reports the space is being rebranded as “Lake Avenue Tavern” and says owner Mary Venezia told the publication that she and the team had not yet locked in an official opening date. The report also identifies the restaurant’s home as the plaza at the intersection of W Lake and Milwaukee avenues, with Monooben and Joy Grill listed as nearby tenants.
What’s staying and what’s changing
The owners say many familiar menu items will remain while the dining room itself gets a more contemporary look. According to Johnny’s website, the team is encouraging guests to visit through Mother’s Day weekend for a final taste before the transition. The landing page also includes the Glenview address and current hours.
Where it sits in the neighborhood
The restaurant occupies 1740 Milwaukee Avenue at the junction of W Lake and Milwaukee, a commercial strip that already includes several other dining options, according to What Now Chicago. With the rebrand, the spot is expected to remain part of that local restaurant cluster and continue to focus on evening crowds and sports-watchers…