There was nothing quite like the OakTree Restaurant. Sure, it wasn`t much to look at, but the restaurant-actually a nondescript diner-stood at Rush and Oak for 20 years. It earned its reputation as a Chicago institution.
It was also a perfect setting, located as it was just off the Magnificent Mile yet close enough to the Near North Side night life to attract an endless stream of humanity-both of the washed and unwashed variety. Maybe it had something to do with the energy of Rush Street or maybe it was just the casualness of the place. Whatever the reason, you never knew who would walk through its doors.
Indeed, the cast of characters that populated the then 24-hour restaurant was as colorful as could be found anywhere in the city, from mohawks and skinheads to visiting celebrities and Gold Coast matrons.
One evening, out of many, stands out. It was late on a Friday night several years ago, and we were sitting at the counter when we noticed, perched on a stool a few feet away, a disheveled-looking man. He seemed to be staring deep within his steaming cup of coffee, lost in his thoughts like some character in an Edward Hopper painting. He also bore a striking resemblance to an actor whose name escaped us at the moment.
Days later, while watching a video of the movie ”Suspect,” we realized it was the Irish actor Liam Neeson. Neeson later went on to star in the movie ”Darkman” and, most recently, ”Shining Through.”
But times change. The building that housed the OakTree was demolished but, in an unexpected twist of fate, a new and improved OakTree moved into the sixth floor of the 900 North Michigan Avenue Building (312-751-1988) last September. The regulars are excused for not recognizing their favorite haunt, for although it used a lot of the same staffers, it really is in a class by itself and, physically, bears little resemblance to the original location.
In keeping with its tony new home, the OakTree boasts stunning decor. Designed by Printed Concepts Inc., it features such artistic touches as handpainted murals, mosaics, woodcarvings and handcrafted furniture.
The OakTree has four sections: The Ivy is a Euro-style coffee bar that features an Italian-Renaissance mural; live entertainment is featured in the Veranda; the Poppy Garden has a mosaic garden wall; and the Acorn Room is separated from the other areas by a long stone wall with a fountain and chandeliers from the old OakTree.
What`s more, the food is healthier, with plenty of fresh green salads on the menu. The OakTree even presents live music every night beginning at 6:30; it which ranges from piano to acoustic guitar to classical guitar. There`s never a cover. The OakTree now keeps the hours 7:30 a.m. to 9 p.m. Sunday through Thursday and 7:30 a.m. to 10 p.m. Friday and Saturday.
Yet the spirit of the old OakTree continues to hover over. Indeed some things, such as the all-day breakfast, the reasonable prices and the exceedingly casual atmosphere haven`t changed.
Despite the move to Michigan Avenue, ”we have kept, for the most part,” says manager, Victoria Gilligan, ”the majority of the clientele.” The OakTree, she points out, ”has an incredibly loyal following.”
The OakTree is still a favorite of celebrities. Recent visitors have included, says Gilligan, actresses Catherine O`Hara and Geena Davis and former tennis champion Billie Jean King.
Although the new OakTree lacks the street corner grittiness of its former location, it will do just fine.
