Gemini Chicago
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Gemini Chicago Sketch of Building
Located in the heart of Lincoln Park, Gemini has become everyone's neighborhood restaurant even if they don't live around the corner. A made-from-scratch mentality can be found throughout the dinner and brunch menus with dishes that have roots in classic American cuisine but with Midwest seasonality and sensibility. The expansive u-shaped bar serves as a focal point in the 92-seat space designed by 555 International both physically and spiritually, providing a welcoming gathering spot for its many regulars. In warmer months, the pergola-topped sidewalk patio provides a perfect escape for diners as well as their furry four-legged friends.


Our Partner Pauly Graves

Pauly Graves Pauly Graves has served as the welcoming face of the bar at Gemini Bistro, a neighborhood gem in Chicago's Lincoln Park, since the restaurant opened its doors in 2009. He keeps his cocktail philosophy rooted in the classics, but every recipe twist has a little story associated with it - from The Heater, a spicy margarita he originally started making for a member of law enforcement who frequents the restaurant; or The Squirtsky, his house made version of a citrusy vodka drink friend and Owner Ryan O'Donnell used to serve up at parties. Graves amuses guests, many of them once- or twice-a-week regulars, with these tales of their favorite cocktails while effortlessly mixing up drinks with a liberal hand and sans pretension. "When our guests come in, they know they're getting a friendly environment to enjoy a drink that's well-poured," he says. "It's about balance, but it's also about serving something generous at an appropriate price."

Ryan and Anna O'Donnell It was at that time that he reconnected with O'Donnell, who was preparing to open a restaurant in Miami's South Beach and wanted to invite Graves down for a three-month stint to launch the bar program. Afterward, Graves moved back to New York and worked at The Smith, a cocktail-centric American brasserie on the Lower East Side, until he received another call from O'Donnell saying that he planned to open up a concept in Chicago and wanted to recruit Graves again for the beverage menu and staff training. So Graves packed up for what he thought would be a quick trip to the Midwest in July 2009. He helped open Gemini Bistro two months later - and he's still manning the bar today.

About Ballyhoo Hospitality

Founded in 2018 by husband-and-wife partners Ryan and Anna O'Donnell, Ballyhoo Hospitality champions the qualities that make a neighborhood restaurant great. Ballyhoo restaurants offer thoughtful, authentic food and drinks and a feeling of satisfaction after each experience. With a genuine, heartfelt greeting upon arrival and an honest appreciation for each visit, Ballyhoo restaurants have quickly become pillars of their community by creating long-lasting memories for our guests time and time again.