The Shanty Expands into a Culinary Village
Seamless transition between the original building and the new addition at The Shanty in Wadsworth
Now is a good time to visit the newly expanded The Shanty restaurant in Wadsworth! Foodies and news outlets recognize The Shanty for personalized service, tasty cocktails, delicious food, and great atmosphere. This well-known eatery continues to maintain a loyal customer base while adding new fans daily. Enjoy a friendly welcome and old-world, timeless charm on your next visit to The Shanty.
A Roadhouse Transformed
In its early days, The Shanty was a simple roadhouse frequented by locals and travelers along US Route 41. In later years, the restaurant became increasingly popular and crowded. In response, the restaurant expanded to offer even more and better dining options.
The expansion of the historic Wadsworth institution integrates modern design and equipment with the restaurant’s classic old-world charm. Long-time and new patrons alike will enjoy many new features. The expanded dining and bar areas offer great new options for weddings and corporate events. The Shanty also offers cooking classes, live music on the weekends, and wine tastings.
The Shanty Multi-Million Dollar Expansion
The cathedral-like addition with modern restaurant layout and finishes.
During the recent expansion, The Shanty quadrupled its footprint. At Bleck & Bleck Architects, our challenge was to design a massive space to meet the growing needs of the restaurant while preserving the cozy and charming atmosphere that makes The Shanty unique. Our design included a cathedral-like addition with modern restaurant layout and finishes, improved access, and state-of-the-art equipment. We added new features like the wine cellar room and balcony room overlooking the local forest preserve.
Owner Dimitri Kallianis gave Shanty fans an opportunity to get involved too. He created the Founders Walk, a path of engraved legacy bricks that connect the old “little Shanty” to the new “big Shanty.” Now, local families and individuals can find their engraved brick as they walk through the connecting passageway.
With the help of many talented local folks, the one-time roadhouse has transformed into a unique destination eatery.
New Features of Shanty Towne
Private Dining in the Rodis Room at The Shanty in Wadsworth
- 40-seat live-edge black walnut bar addition with 60-seat high-top tables surrounding the new bar
- Second story dining room and walk-out balcony featuring expansive overhead doors, with unobstructed views of the forest preserve for indoor/outdoor dining and drinks
- 2-story open timber and stone dining area & event venue
- Two brand new kitchens with a state-of-the-art catering kitchen and catering office
- 3,000 bottle wine cellar room with custom-designed redwood racking
- The Rodis Room, named after Dimitri’s Grandmother, is a private dining room for family events and celebrations
- Old-world, church-style gothic arch window
- Bell tower with historic bronze church bell that rings on the hour
- New and remodeled restrooms
- Rustic, cedar-sided building with expansive windows and large balconies
- Newly expanded parking lot constructed using permeable pavers – an eco-green solution to reduce surface runoff with the added benefit of being visually appealing.
Old-world, church-style gothic arch window
More to Come – The Little Shanty Country Store
Dimitri Kallianis has one more “little” project planned for Shanty Towne. He is transforming the old shed on the property into “The Little Shanty Country Store.” Neighborhood kids ages 12 and under will be in charge of this exciting new venture.
The homegrown business will offer a variety of goods for sale. Kids with an entrepreneurial spirit will grow, create and sell the products. These may include vegetables, fresh lemonade, handmade cookies, artwork and more. Also, The Little Shanty will be a great place for kids to sell charitable items for their school, church or club. Kallianis hopes promising young entrepreneurs will learn a lot about running a business.
The Shanty in Wadsworth – showing the walk-out balcony overlooking the forest preserve.
Built By the People
Shanty Towne offers a unique combination of wonderful qualities. Restaurant and bar patrons can enjoy a delicious quality meal served by friendly folks in an old-world environment. And now it’s bigger and better than ever while maintaining what makes The Shanty special to so many fans! It’s no wonder The Shanty is always packed with loyal patrons and first-time visitors.
Share a meal with friends and family at The Shanty! It’s centrally located at 38985 N US Highway 41 in Wadsworth, IL, between Chicago and Milwaukee. Reservations recommended: 847-336-0262.
Engraved legacy bricks that connect the old “little Shanty” to the new “big Shanty”
The Shanty Spotlight
The Shanty will be featured on the premiere episode of Guy Fieri’s new Food Network show “Triple D Nation” tonight at 8 pm!
Chuck Bleck at the grand opening ceremony with owner Dimitri Kallianis
