Tucked into the tree-lined streets of Lincoln Park, Gemini has become more than just a local favorite—it's everyone’s neighborhood restaurant, even for those who don’t live just around the corner. Known for its warm hospitality and comforting, made-from-scratch food, Gemini brings a thoughtful take to classic American dishes, all grounded in Midwestern seasonality and sensibility.

At the center of the 92-seat space is its iconic U-shaped bar—a welcoming focal point designed by 555 International that feels less like a restaurant feature and more like a neighborhood living room. It’s where strangers become regulars, and regulars become friends. During warmer months, Gemini’s pergola-topped sidewalk patio becomes an open-air escape, perfect for long lunches, leisurely dinners, and four-legged guests lounging by their humans' feet.

When Gemini opened its doors in 2009, Pauly Graves quickly became its beating heart—serving up classic cocktails, heartfelt stories, and a signature warmth that defined the guest experience. While Pauly is no longer behind the bar, his legacy lives on in every detail—from the way a martini is stirred, to the familiar faces who still ask for “The Heater” or "The Squirtsky."

Pauly’s philosophy—generosity without pretense, balance with heart—continues to guide the bar team today. His presence may no longer be physical, but his spirit lingers in every corner of Gemini, woven into the culture, the stories, and the way every guest is welcomed like an old friend.

Graves' journey with Gemini began years before the restaurant itself, when Owner Ryan O’Donnell called him to help open a South Beach spot. That three-month plan turned into a long-standing partnership, from Miami to Manhattan, and eventually back home to Chicago.

When Gemini Bistro opened in 2009, it wasn’t just another gig—it became a home. What Pauly helped build wasn't just a bar program; was a place that made people feel seen, known, and taken care of. And that legacy? It’s still being poured—one cocktail, one connection, one story at a time."