A quintessential North Avenue Beach summer destination is reopening its doors for the first time since 2022 with a new name, a fresh look, added seating and reinvigorated menu offerings. Stefani Restaurant Group has announced the Memorial Day weekend return of Castaways Beach Club (formerly Castaways Bar & Grill) and unveiled details of its reimagined two-level, 22,000-square-foot space, including renovated dining decks, bar areas, patio space and cabanas, available for rent and private events.
“Castaways has a lot of meaning because it was the place both my sister and I grew up working at—and really our intro to learning the restaurant industry—for over 10 consecutive summers since we were 14 years old,” says owner Anthony Stefani. “We were also very fortunate to meet some amazing people during those summers between both the customers and many co-workers we had.”
Stefani says guests can expect “a refined look with upgraded areas” at Castaways, including fresh flooring tiles, a revamped color scheme and additional bars. The destination is debuting its reinvigorated 21+ North End Club, complete with bottle service, bands, weekend DJs and a full, freshly upgraded bar. The East and West sides will accommodate full-service dining, while the South End will house happy hours and corporate events with a new bar, decor and artificial turf flooring.
The beach house will serve lunch and dinner daily alongside a curated cocktail menu. Stefani describes Castaways’ renewed menu as ‘global beach fare,’ with offerings like elevated burgers, chicken tenders, and Mediterranean and Mexican favorites like ceviche. The beverage list will encompass refreshing summer specials and frozen drinks.
“I think the most exciting part of Castaways for us is being able to offer different experiences for our guests,” says Stefani. “Whether it be just to come and enjoy a quick lunch or dinner at the beach with family and friends, to spend your whole Saturday afternoon in a rented cabana with live music entertainment, to have a corporate happy hour on our newly renovated south end with some of the best views of both the lake and the Chicago skyline.”