Carnivale turns 20 with party tickets for $20
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Carnivale Restaurant turns 20 this month. Photo: Courtesy of Carnivale
A West Loop restaurant pioneer will celebrate its 20th anniversary and reinvention Wednesday night as Carnivale throws a big birthday bash for itself.
Flashback: In 2005, restaurateur Jerry Kleiner opened the huge spot with chef Mark Mendez at the helm, and earned three stars right out of the gate.
- The Tribune's Phil Vettel said, "it's got a hip nightclub look but a neighborhood-restaurant price tag. Most entrees are $20 or less, and valet parking is a mere $5, which is half the going rate."
Flash forward: Today, chef Carlos Garza runs the kitchen, and the place is owned by a group of investors who have added:
- A Latin-Brazilian floor show called Copa Carnivale, and a Thursday night dance party;
- An intimate speakeasy/cabaret called The Alley, with music and a monthly storytelling show;
- A new 8-course Komal dinner for six people prepared by Garza in an open kitchen.
What they're saying: "We keep changing, modifying and updating our menu," original partner in the restaurant and former Illinois State Sen. William Marovitz tells Axios.
- "We listen to our customers and implement their suggestions. Our goal is to make our guests smile from the moment they walk in to the moment they leave. I guess that's how we've lasted 20 wonderful years."
If you go: The 20th anniversary party runs from 5:30-9pm with an open bar, food, samba dancers, live DJs, machete performers, piñata models, and exotic bird displays. Tickets cost $20 via Tock.