Gene and Georgetti, Chicago’s original steakhouse, celebrates 70 years.
Chicago legend Gene & Georgetti, nestled under the El tracks at 500 N. Franklin St., enters its 73rd year of business with the company of friends, family and loyal guests. The city’s original steakhouse has delighted generations of guests including movie stars, politicians, and their renowned “regulars” with wet-aged steaks, Italian fare and generous cocktails served in a club atmosphere.
The stories collected at the restaurant over seven decades are priceless. The first story begins in the small Tuscan town of Lucca, Italy, where Gene Michelotti was raised before venturing to the United States at the age of 15. Over the years he worked numerous jobs including serving as a bartender, where he encountered his future business partner Alfredo “Georgetti” Federighi, who was working as a chef. Together, they opened the doors of Gene & Georgetti in 1941.
Today, Gene & Georgetti is still family owned and operated. Gene’s daughter Marion Durpetti and her husband Tony Durpetti purchased the restaurant in 1990 after the passing of her father. Marion’s cousin Richard Ciota serves as general manager while their daughter Michelle Durpetti runs marketing and events. The Gene & Georgetti team treats each and every guest like family, maintaining the restaurants reputation as a classic institution and dining destination.
Famous faces that have stopped in throughout the years include legends such as Frank Sinatra, Bob Hope, and Lucille Ball, and new Hollywood royalty like Russell Crowe, Keanu Reeves, Vince Vaughn and Will Ferrell.
The menu features unseasoned, wet-aged steaks, broiled to perfection in a Vulcan Broiler until a delicious crust is formed. The rest of the offerings lean toward Italian favorites including Chicken Vesuvio, Veal Parmesan, and on weekends, homemade Lasagna. Dinner entrees range from $19-$42. Private dining and event space is available for groups of 15 — 100.
