Welcome To Wadsworth, Illinois

Our History

Respect for tradition, the local community, and a creative take on food, beverage, and private events are the foundation of The Shanty and our Shanty culture. Our restaurant has been a gathering place for neighborhood locals to eat, drink, and socialize for over 100 years. As the community of Wadsworth, Illinois has grown through the years, so to has The Shanty. The Kallianis family began operating The Shanty in 2006. By late 2010 the original part of The Shanty was reconstructed using local reclaimed barnwood restored from neighborhood farms. In 2018, The Shanty expanded again becoming a culinary village of sorts, tripling in size to add an additional 50-seat bar, 100-seat surrounding bar area, 24-seat wine room, 40-seat balcony, 24- seat outdoor deck overlooking the forest preserve, 200-seat private event space, wine cellar, and private events showroom/office. Each dining and event space is designed with an old-world timeless feel with the goal of preserving the original charm of our historic restaurant.

Our Mission and Culture

The Shanty is truly a culinary village with the aim to connect Wadsworth and the greater Chicago and Milwaukee areas to unique dining experiences focused on the true spirit of hospitality. As displayed on our west entrance, the Shanty was “built by the people.” Our building was locally sourced and locally constructed and our menu and events are developed with input from all our loyal patrons and dedicated staff. The Shanty as a meeting place for the community offers unique dining, an energetic bar scene, private events, off-site catering, cooking classes, guest chef dinner events, live theatre and performances, wine tastings, live-music on Friday & Saturday nights, and a one-of-a-kind family atmosphere. Voted the Best of Chicago in 2019, The State of Illinois Delicious Destination in 2016 and highlighted on multiple TV shows including Food Network’s hit show Diners, Drive-ins and Dives in 2010 and 2018. The Shanty has become a national destination for diners, bar patrons, private events and weddings.

Food and Drink

Fresh ingredients are integral to our ever changing, locally sourced and inspired menu. Our current customer driven menu features: fresh seafood, aged steaks, prime chops, fresh poultry, pasta, and vegetarian/gluten-free options. We offer a wide selection of scratch-made American and global inspired dishes. We hope you enjoy our fusion of new age cuisine and old time Shanty classics! Our 2 full-service bars offer handmade fresh and seasonal cocktails in addition to an extensive beer and wine list.

Our staff would be honored to serve you, so the next time you’re traveling between Chicago and Milwaukee on Route 41 in Wadsworth, Illinois, join us to experience some of our signature dishes such as Whiskey Shrimp, Tequila Orange Salmon, Apple Brandy Braised Pork Shanks or Organic Goat Cheese Basil Stuffed Wontons to name a few. Cheers!