It’s the time of the year that Chicago’s best beaches and top riverwalk restaurants begin thriving once again as the weather starts to warm up and people flock to the city’s most popular waterfront retreats.
One such waterfront retreat can be found down on North Avenue Beach where a boat-shaped restaurant and bar has long been synonymous with kicking back during the summer months and offering Chicagoans the perfect place to enjoy the Chicago Air & Water Show.
After closing in June of 2023 to undergo an extensive $3 million renovation, the popular 22,000-square-foot Castaways has now reopened with a new look, a new name, a new menu, and a new flex.
Previously known as Castaways Bar & Grill, the revamped boat-shaped bar and restaurant reopened as “Castaways Beach Club” on Memorial Day weekend sporting a new layout with new dining decks, new bar areas, and cabanas with bottle service for rent.
“The newly reimagined Castaways Beach Club is the perfect blend of old and new,” reads the Castaway announcement. “The classic charm of Castaways has been preserved while incorporating modern design elements, additional seating, and elevated food & beverage offerings.”
“The result is a warm and inviting atmosphere that appeals to both loyal regulars and new customers alike” it continued.
The renovated two-floor restaurant has also added a tented structure on the north end of the venue named “North End Club” and will offer live music and DJ sets for those 21 years and older.
Meanwhile, a new bar section on the south end of the second floor will host happy hours and corporate events going forward.
Group bookings for the Chicago Air & Water Show are now open for individual tickets and for groups of 10 or more.
Castaways Beach Club is located at 1603 N. DuSable Lake Shore Drive and is open daily from 11 a.m. until 10 p.m. weather permitting once it returns on Saturday, May 25th.
More information can be found at www.castawayschicago.com.