Welcome to Garcia's
Garcia’s Chicago is a concert venue and restaurant celebrating Jerry Garcia’s extraordinary legacy, reflecting his heritage, eclectic artistry, and the vibrant community that surrounded him throughout his life.
Jerry Garcia was not just a musician; he was a storyteller and a bridge between worlds. Born in San Francisco to a family deeply rooted in music, Jerry’s artistic journey began early. His father, Jose “Joe” Garcia, was a jazz saxophonist and clarinetist; his mother, Ruth, was a pianist; and his grandmother Tillie, a patron of music, introduced Jerry to the sounds of the Grand Ole Opry. These influences shaped the course of his life and the enduring output he would leave behind.
Additionally, both of Jerry’s parents were in the bar business. His father owned and operated “Joe Garcia’s” in San Francisco’s Rincon Hill neighborhood, a lively establishment that became a local staple. After his passing, Jerry’s mother took over the business. Jerry spent much of his early life in the bar, surrounded by longshoremen and colorful characters who shaped his early understanding of the human experience. Later in life, Jerry discussed the possibility of opening a club of his own, a place where he could host intimate jams and support up-and-coming musicians. He was going to call it “Casa Garcia.” Now that dream is finally being realized with Garcia’s Chicago.
Garcia’s Chicago is the result of the ongoing collaboration between the Garcia Family and Peter Shapiro (the man behind legendary events like the “Fare Thee Well” concerts), alongside his company, Dayglo Presents. Together, they’ve created a space where history, music, and community converge. With creative direction and interior design by Tristam Steinberg (Brooklyn Bowl, Capitol Theatre) and Jesse Lauter (Dayglo Presents), every element of Garcia’s Chicago has been thoughtfully designed to tell a story, embracing the spirit of Jerry and the worlds he inhabited.
Garcia’s draws from the places and moments that defined Jerry’s life. The design marries Californian mid-century modern aesthetics with a psychedelic flair, evoking the radiance of San Francisco in its heyday. The venue’s walls showcase unseen family photos, vintage movie posters, records, books, and even cassettes that once inspired Jerry. This isn’t just a venue; it’s a living, breathing tribute to an artist whose influence transcends generations.
Music is the soul of Garcia’s, and the venue’s programming strives to reflect the breadth and depth of Jerry’s artistic passions. With state-of-the-art acoustics powered by Meyer Sound, a full multitracking and live-streaming setup, and an intimate stage, Garcia’s provides a platform for established legends and emerging talent alike. In partnership with veteran Chicago promoter Michael Berg of Deep Cut, the venue’s booking will feature a diverse and dynamic lineup, ensuring that every performance captures the magic of live music that Jerry deeply cherished—whether it’s a night of jazz, jam bands, bluegrass, or world music.
Garcia’s food and beverage program is a reflection of Jerry’s diverse tastes and life experiences. Developed by the acclaimed team at Lowder-Tascarella Hospitality (LTH)—known for their work at NoMad, The Modern, and award-winning luxury restaurants and hotels globally—the menu brings together flavors from Jerry’s Spanish roots, Northern California upbringing, and love for American comfort food. The kitchen, led by Executive Chef and proud Chicago native Ivy Carthen, offers approachable, elevated dishes that are as eclectic and adventurous as Jerry’s music with “gentle nods” to his biography. The world-class beverage program features a thoughtful mix of craft cocktails, zero-proof options, and premium wines and beers, created by the LTH cocktail team.
This new venture builds on the success of “Garcia’s at The Capitol Theatre (Port Chester, NY),” expanding the concept into an even more elevated experience. We are grateful for the contributions of Tom Bailey, whose deep knowledge of music venues, honed in his tenure as Capitol Theatre GM, were instrumental to getting this all started. It is a labor of love, guided by the Garcia Family’s commitment to preserving Jerry’s ethos. Every detail—from the design elements to the curated playlists—has been intentionally chosen to ensure that Garcia’s is not a shrine, but a dynamic and vibrant celebration.
Garcia’s is a place to gather, dance, eat, and be inspired. Whether you’re there for an unforgettable meal, a transcendent live performance, or simply to soak in the atmosphere, we welcome you to join us. At Garcia’s, the music never stops, and the stories keep unfolding.