Featuring an approachable menu, serving reimagined and elevated classics from both American and world cuisines, Fred’s Garage delivers a new addition to downtown Winnetka, Illinois’ dining scene this month. From the team behind Evanston’s popular Ten Mile House and DB3 Donuts—Fred Gale, Joe Krouse and Robert LaPata—Fred’s Garage aims to satisfy diners from multiple generations in a nostalgic, yet contemporary space.
The restaurant’s menu, helmed by Executive Chef Michael Luth (Dusek’s, The Southern, Tribes Alehouse, others), mirrors the concept with complex flavor layering, all the while serving familiar dishes diners grew up with—prepared with higher quality, fresher ingredients. Guests will savor attentive, yet unpretentious fare with a selection of shareable plates, gourmet sandwiches, creative salads, hearty main dishes and more.
Menu highlights include Mini “Maxwells” (house sausage, Cipollini relish and grain mustard aioli), Soba Noodles (Shishito peppers, carrot, radish, soy, peanut and chile vinaigrette), the Griddle Burger (double patty, American cheese, tomato, bibb lettuce, red onion, remoulade on a brioche bun), Fried Chicken & Biscuits (half chicken, chorizo gravy, buttermilk biscuit, burnt honey) and Vindaloo (shitake curry, dried fruit, couscous, goat cheese and herb salad). The restaurant will also feature a full-service bar offering signature craft cocktails, a local craft beer program and an accessible, well balanced wine list.
“We are thrilled to build on the success of Ten Mile House and DB3 Donuts within the North Shore dining scene,” says co-owner Joe Krouse. “We recognize the desire from residents of the community for dining options comparable to those in the city, and we are excited to deliver a new culinary experience that is both everyday elevated and worthy of downtown acclaim, to Winnetka.”
Situated in a charming renovated service station from which the restaurant takes its name, Fred’s Garage offers guests a modern and bold design aesthetic with concrete, tile and reclaimed wood. Remaining design elements include two fully functional garage doors and two banquettes with car bench seating. The space also features open-air dining on a large, inviting patio, a signature offering within the Winnetka dining scene, as well as lounge seating and a game area for guests young and old.
