Fred's Garage offers American classics with a twist
The name was a slam dunk.
That's according to Joe Krouse, one-third of the team behind Fred's Garage, the newest addition to downtown Winnetka's dining scene.
The restaurant, which opened in September at the corner of Green Bay Road and Spruce Street, is built on the spot where a filling station stood for more than 40 years.
On the heels of their Evanston-based restaurant, Ten Mile House, the founding team members have more than 45 years of dining and hospitality experience among them. Their newest endeavor is a refurbished, 3500-square-foot space in the West Elm commercial district replete with subway tiles, wrought iron, sleek wood paneling and bucket seats that accommodates 85 to 95 patrons. Fred's spacious outdoor patio offers lounge seating beneath two covered steel canopies where gas pumps once stood.
Krouse said the still-operable garage doors are another "really cool feature."
"That's what we tried to do with both with the exterior and the interior…pay homage to the past, but with more contemporary materials," he said.
Lifelong Winnetka resident and first-time patron Andrew McNerney came to check out the place with his wife and children.
"Winnetka needed a spot just like this," said McNerney, adding that he was familiar with the original Fred's Winnetka Service.
"My parents brought their cars here. My grandparents brought their cars here," he said. "It's cool that they kept the name."
Krouse said the reception from the town "wonderful." Village Manager Robert Bahan agreed.
"Since their opening, we have seen a great increase in activity during the evenings, which is great for the business district as a whole," he said.
Now open just for dinner, Krouse described the food as "elevated American classics."
"It's approachable American food with a twist," he said, noting that the menu offers dishes diners will be familiar with but with world cuisine influences.
Fred's menu includes a Hawaiian pu pu platter with pork belly, kimchi and egg roll ($16), Indian vindaloo with shiitake curry and dried fruit ($18) and bacon-wrapped meatloaf with wasabi potato puree ($20).
"We want to provide an experience here on the North Shore that has an urban vibe, but is in our comfortable setting - a neighborhood spot accessible for date night or just having a business meeting," Krouse said.
Winnetka resident Greg Zanowski, who brought his 4-year-old son, Adler, added, "Great place for kids, too."
Restaurant hours are 4:30 p.m. to 11 p.m. Monday through Thursday; 4:30 p.m. – midnight on Friday and Saturday; and 4:30 p.m. to 9 p.m. Sunday. For more information, go to www.fredswinnetka.com.
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