BEFORE
AFTER
 
Fred’s Garage Fred's Mobil Station, which served Winnetka motorists for decades, is about to become a filling station of another sort. Joe Krouse, Robert LaPata and Fred Gale, the owners of Ten Mile House restaurant in Evanston, are putting the finishing touches to Fred's Garage (574 Green Bay Road, Winnetka), aiming for a mid-September opening. "Fred (LaPata) was really bummed," Krouse joked. "He thought we were naming it after him." The partners have expanded the original building, which has been gutted. When finished, the restaurant will be "an homage to the service station," sporting two working garage doors (for openair dining) and a large outdoor space that mimics the look of a gas-station canopy.
"We're trying to honor that (garage) environment," Krouse said. "Contemporary yet nostalgic, but not kitschy. We want this to be a social gathering spot for the neighborhood." The menu, overseen by Michael Luth (formerly at Dusek's and Trench), will offer elevated American dishes along with global influences. "We've had great success with our formula at Ten Mile House, and we want to recreate that," Krouse said. "We want to be a neighborhood spot, not destination dining. Solidquality food and great service in a good environment. That's all we're trying to do." Phil Vettel is a Tribune critic. pvettel@chicagotribune.com
 Twitter @pvettel
Situated in a charming renovated service station from which we take our name, the restaurant provides guests a modern and bold design aesthetic with concrete, tile and reclaimed wood. There are two fully functional garage doors and two banquettes with car bench seating, as well as open-air dining on a large, inviting patio with lounge seating and a game area for guests young and old. Our food menu features reimagined and elevated American classics, prepared with high quality, fresh ingredients. We also feature a fullservice bar offering signature craft cocktails, a local craft beer program and a well-balanced wine list. We’re revved up and ready to serve!