14-Oct-14 – After a three-month renovation, Wollensky’s Grill has re-opened as a less formal, less pricey version of its main dining room.

Located downstairs at Smith & Wollensky in River North, the grill now sports a pinwheel black and white marble mosaic floor, scrubbed oak hardwood, antique lighting, and classic curved wood furniture – going for what the restaurant calls “a relaxed speakeasy atmosphere.”

The renovation has expanded the restaurant farther west along the Chicago River into space that was used for private events.

Smith & Wollensky Restaurant Group, which owns the Chicago steakhouse and nine other locations, made the announcement on October 8.

“The grill is an approachable gateway to an entirely original culinary and hospitality experience that’s familiar to our traditional steakhouse guests,” said CEO Michael Feighery.

(Above) The new bar at Wollensky’s Grill. Additional dining space is available behind the doors at left.

Steak is still the focus but portions and plate sizes are smaller and more easily shared, and service, says the restaurant, will be faster.

The menu, developed by corporate executive chef Matt King, includes dishes such as duck and chicken liver mousse with tarragon and sea salt fried dough, smoked rib eye with blistered shishito peppers and chimichurri sauce, lobster corn dogs with cognac mustard sauce, and a crispy house smoked beef dish called Cup O’Bacon.

For the first time, the grill will have its own general manager. Michelle Anderson (left) was previously general manager of Dunlays on Clark, a restaurant in the Lincoln Park community north of downtown. Before that, she was general manager when Cru Kitchen & Bar opened in the Gold Coast in 2011. She left in 2012 and the restaurant closed in December 2013.

For three years, Anderson was corporate wine director for Harry Caray’s Restaurant Group, based in River North.

“We felt that with its own identity, the grill would benefit from a dedicated manager focused solely on the new brand,” said a spokesperson for Smith & Wollensky.

(Above) Southeast corner of Wollensky’s Grill.

Located at 318 North State Street on the lower level of Marina City, Wollensky’s Grill is open every day – 11:30 a.m. to 1:00 a.m., Monday through Thursday, 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 a.m., Friday and Saturday, and on Sunday from 11:00 a.m. to midnight.