Chambers Seafood Grille and Chop House


 

Chambers was a casual restaurant featuring classic steakhouse fare plus live jazz, piano & retro dance music. It closed to the dismay of its patrons in 2015.
This was its website.
Content is from the site's archived pages. Take a nostalgic look back at this beloved restaurant.

Chambers Seafood Grille and Chop House
Dining, Cocktails, & Live Music
6881 N. Milwaukee, Niles, IL 60714
847.647.8282

 

Sign says it all - Closed
After being a Niles neighborhood staple restaurant for a long time, Chambers Restaurant now has a sign in the front door that says "Closed - after 43 years." The local newspaper wrote that their final day was 28 May 2015.

 

Chambers, a beloved restaurant and music room in Niles, will close on May 26, said co-owner Tony Maranto.

The last show will feature singer-pianist and former Chicagoan Judy Roberts, who has played the place since before brothers Tony and Joe Maranto bought it in 1996.

"It's bittersweet," said Tony Maranto. "I'm happy about it, and I'm sad at the same time. We've had music here since day one."

Maranto said he received "a good offer" for the building, which will no longer be a restaurant. As Maranto approaches his 50th birthday, he said, "I'm excited to go on and try the next thing." Asked about what that might be, he pointed to his NorthFace Osito Jacket draped across the back of a chair and smiled, "I'm so impressed with this coat and I've made some inquiries into how much of a hassle it would be to set up an online store to sell really useful outerwear. When you find something that you love, you tend to think about how you might be able to connect to that thing. Not saying it's a done deal, but I'm considering it as one of my options."

"But I'm going to miss this place."

Many will.

Howard Reich is a Tribune critic / 2015

$5 Coupon
Look for these acts in the coming months...

Beat 65

Lou DiGangi Group

Frank D'Rone Quartet

The Meteors

The Renditions

Rockin Fender Skirts

Ronnie Ross Show

Route "66"

Rick "Elvis" Saucedo

The Tony Smith Show

Cavern Beat, "Beatles Band"

Bob Perna Persistance Orchestra

Judy Roberts & Greg Fishman

Buddy Charles

Jerry Owings

JAZZ JAM
John Bany, Charles Braugham and Don Stille

Way Cool

Jeannie Lambert Duo

... more to come

 



 

 

Banquets
Special Entrees Available Upon Request

ALL ENTREES INCLUDE SOUP AND SALAD, POTATO AND VEGETABLE, DESSERT, COFFEE, HOT TEA OR MILK.

LIQUOR AND APPETIZER PACKAGES AVAILABLE.

18% gratuity - 11% tax
  
Family Style Dinner   $18.95
Roast Chicken, Roast Beef, Italian or Polish Sausage, Pasta and Potato served family style.
Hot Spinach & Cheese Dip   $
Spinach, artichokes, shallots, garlic and mixture of cheeses. Served with pita wedges
Steak Entrees
 
Filet Mignon   $28.95
10 oz prime aged tender beef, grilled to perfection.
Prime Rib of Beef   $23.95
Slow roasted aged Prime Rib of Beef served with au jus and freshly ground horseradish.
Top Sirloin Butt Steak   $20.95
10 oz Prime Sirloin grilled to perfection.
London Broil   $18.95
Top Sirloin grilled to perfection served with mushroom gravy.
Pork Entrees
 
Roast Pork   $17.95
Roast Pork served with hot gravy and apple sauce.
Grilled Pork Tenderloin   $20.95
Served with mushrooms, spinach and a Pinot Noir reduction sauce.
BBQ Ribs and Shrimp Combination   $18.95
Fried Jumbo Shrimp and BBQ Babt Back Ribs.
Chicken Entrees
 
Cefalu Chicken   $19.95
Sauteed chicken breast topped with prosciutto, mushrooms, artichike hearts and mozzarella cheese in a lemon garlic sauce.
Stuffed Chicken Breast   $17.95
Boneless Chicken Breast stuffed with Broccoli and Swiss or Apple Walnut dressing.
Baked Half Chicken   $17.95
Baked half chicken seasoned to perfection.
Chicken Marsala   $17.95
Sauteed Chicken Breast in sweet marsala mushroom sauce.
Chicken Limone   $17.95
Sauteed Chicken Breast in a lemon butter sauce with mushrooms.
Fresh Fish Entrees
 
Tilapia al Limone   $20.95
Sauteed Tilapia in a lemon wine sauce with capers and spinach.
Bourbon Salmon   $20.95
Boneless fillet of Salmon glazed with our special Kentucky Bourbon sauce.
Fresh Fish of the Day   $Market Price
Ask your server for today's fresh fish selection.
Pizza Entrees
  2 hours 3 hours 4 hours
Pizza Package   $21.95 $23.95 $25.95
Includes: Unlimited Beer, Wine, Soda and Pizza.
Pizza & Appetizer Package   $24.95 $27.95 $30.95
Includes: Open Liquor, Unlimited Beer, Wine, Soda, Pizza and your choice of Sausage, Meatballs or Pasta Salad.
Bar Service
  1 hour 2 hour 3 hour
Liquor Packages   $8.00 $14.00 $20.00
Includes: Open Liquor, Unlimited Beer, Wine, and Soda.
Punch Bowl   $43.95
(With Alcohol)
Virgin Punch Bowl   $37.95
(No Alcohol)
Wine Service   $21.00
(per bottle)

White Zinfandel, Merlot, Cabernet, and Chardonnay.
Special Entrees Available Upon Request

ALL ENTREES INCLUDE SOUP AND SALAD, POTATO AND VEGETABLE, DESSERT, COFFEE, HOT TEA OR MILK.

LIQUOR AND APPETIZER PACKAGES AVAILABLE.

18% gratuity - 11% tax
Family Style Luncheon   $14.95
Roast Chicken, Roast Beef, Italian or Polish Sausage, Pasta and Potato served family style.
Steak Entrees
 
Filet Mignon   $26.95
10 oz prime aged tender beef, grilled to perfection.
Top Sirloin Butt Steak   $18.95
10 oz Prime Sirloin grilled to perfection.
Prime Rib of Beef   $21.95
Slow roasted aged Prime Rib of Beef served with au jus and freshly ground horseradish.
London Broil   $14.95
Top Sirloin grilled to perfection served with mushroom gravy.
Pork Entrees
 
Roast Pork   $14.95
Roast Pork served with hot gravy and apple sauce.
BBQ Ribs and Shrimp Combination   $14.95
Fried Jumbo Shrimp and BBQ Babt Back Ribs.
Grilled Pork Tenderloin   $18.95
Served with mushrooms, spinach and a Pinot Noir reduction sauce.
Chicken Entrees
 
Cefalu Chicken   $16.95
Sauteed chicken breast topped with prosciutto, mushrooms, artichike hearts and mozzarella cheese in a lemon garlic sauce.
Baked Half Chicken   $13.95
Baked half chicken seasoned to perfection.
Chicken Limone   $13.95
Sauteed Chicken Breast in a lemon butter sauce with mushrooms.
Stuffed Chicken Breast   $13.95
Boneless Chicken Breast stuffed with Broccoli and Swiss or Apple Walnut dressing.
Chicken Marsala   $13.95
Sauteed Chicken Breast in sweet marsala mushroom sauce.
Fresh Fish Entrees
 
Tilapia al Limone   $18.95
Sauteed Tilapia in a lemon wine sauce with capers and spinach.
Bourbon Salmon   $19.95
Boneless fillet of Salmon glazed with our special Kentucky Bourbon sauce.
Fresh Fish of the Day   $Market Price
Ask your server for today's fresh fish selection.
Pizza Entrees
  2 hour 3 hour 4 hour
Pizza Package   $21.95 $23.95 $25.95
Includes: Unlimited Beer, Wine, Soda and Pizza.
Pizza & Appetizer Package   $24.95 $27.95 $30.95
Includes: Open Liquor, Unlimited Beer, Wine, Soda, Pizza and your choice of Sausage, Meatballs or Pasta Salad.
Bar Service
  1 hour 2 hour 3 hour
Liquor Packages   $8.00 $14.00 $20.00
Includes: Open Liquor, Unlimited Beer, Wine, and Soda.
  
Punch Bowl   $43.95
(With Alcohol)
Virgin Punch Bowl   $37.95
(No Alcohol)
Wine Service   $18.00
(per bottle)

White Zinfandel, Merlot, Cabernet, and Chardonnay.

 

 


 

More Background on Chambers Seafood Grille and Chop House

For over four decades, Chambers Seafood Grille and Chop House was more than just a dining destination in Niles, Illinois—it was a cultural landmark. Known for its classic American fare, live music, and community atmosphere, the restaurant holds a special place in the hearts of locals. While it closed its doors in 2015, the legacy of Chambers lives on in fond memories, nostalgic reflections, and the indelible mark it left on the area’s dining and entertainment scene.

History and Ownership

Chambers Seafood Grille and Chop House was established in the early 1970s, gaining popularity as a neighborhood institution for its high-quality steak, seafood, and family-style service. The restaurant grew in prominence when, in 1996, brothers Tony and Joe Maranto took over the business. Under their stewardship, the establishment continued to thrive, maintaining its reputation for great food and service while expanding its live entertainment offerings.

Tony Maranto, in particular, played an integral role in shaping the restaurant’s character. He was known not only for his business acumen but also for his personal connections with patrons and musicians who performed at the venue. His decision to incorporate live jazz, piano, and dance music into the restaurant’s regular schedule transformed Chambers into a hub for live entertainment, attracting music enthusiasts from across the area.

Culinary Offerings

Chambers specialized in classic American steakhouse cuisine with an emphasis on seafood. The menu featured a variety of steak cuts such as filet mignon, prime rib, and sirloin, each expertly grilled and served with traditional sides. Seafood options included bourbon-glazed salmon, sautéed tilapia, and other fresh catches of the day. In addition to these signature dishes, Chambers offered an array of pork and chicken entrees, giving diners a broad selection of meals to suit their preferences.

What set Chambers apart was its commitment to quality ingredients and generous portions. Diners frequently praised the restaurant for its consistency in delivering perfectly cooked steaks and flavorful seafood. Chambers also offered banquet and family-style dining options, making it a popular choice for special events, family gatherings, and celebrations.

Live Music and Entertainment

One of the defining characteristics of Chambers was its dedication to live music. The restaurant was a destination for those looking to enjoy a meal accompanied by the sounds of jazz, piano, and retro dance music. Over the years, Chambers became known for hosting local and national performers, including long-time favorite Judy Roberts, a renowned jazz singer and pianist. Her performances, along with other musical acts, helped establish Chambers as a go-to venue for live entertainment in Niles.

The restaurant’s intimate setting, combined with its regular lineup of live music, gave it a distinctive charm that appealed to patrons of all ages. Whether it was a casual dinner with friends or a more formal celebration, the music at Chambers added an element of sophistication and relaxation that was unmatched by other restaurants in the area.

Press Coverage and Public Perception

Despite being a local favorite, Chambers Seafood Grille and Chop House did not receive extensive national press coverage, focusing instead on cultivating a strong regional following. Local news outlets occasionally featured the restaurant, especially in its later years when news of its closure became public. The restaurant was often praised for its ability to maintain a high standard of food and service over its long history.

In the years leading up to its closure, Chambers continued to receive glowing reviews from diners, who frequently mentioned the warm atmosphere, excellent food, and engaging entertainment. Online review platforms, such as Yelp and TripAdvisor, were filled with testimonials from loyal patrons who reminisced about their favorite meals and performances at the restaurant. Many lamented the loss of such a beloved establishment when it closed in 2015.

Closure and Legacy

The closure of Chambers Seafood Grille and Chop House in 2015 marked the end of an era for Niles. After 43 years of serving the community, the restaurant officially closed its doors in May of that year. The decision to close was made by Tony Maranto, who received an offer for the building that he found difficult to pass up. While the restaurant’s closure was bittersweet for both Maranto and his patrons, it was a decision driven by practical considerations as he approached a new chapter in his career.

Maranto expressed mixed emotions about the closure, acknowledging the deep connections he had built with both staff and customers over the years. Despite this, he was excited to explore new business ventures, hinting at future possibilities outside of the restaurant industry.

For the local community, the closing of Chambers left a void that has yet to be filled. Regular patrons often speak fondly of the restaurant’s warm, inviting atmosphere and its ability to bring people together through food and music. While the physical space may no longer serve as a dining destination, the memories created at Chambers continue to resonate with those who frequented the establishment.

Cultural and Social Significance

Chambers Seafood Grille and Chop House was more than just a restaurant; it was a gathering place for the community. The restaurant’s ability to blend high-quality dining with live entertainment created an experience that was unique to the area. It became a go-to spot for date nights, family dinners, and celebrations, as well as a haven for music lovers who appreciated the regular performances by talented local musicians.

The restaurant’s cultural significance extended beyond its food and music. For many, Chambers represented a sense of continuity and tradition in an ever-changing world. Its long-standing presence in Niles provided a sense of stability for the community, and its closure marked the end of a cherished era.

 

The legacy of Chambers Seafood Grille and Chop House lives on in the memories of those who dined there. From its top-tier steaks and seafood to its vibrant live music scene, Chambers was a pillar of the Niles community for over four decades. While the restaurant may no longer be in operation, its impact on local dining and entertainment is undeniable. Patrons continue to remember it fondly as a place where good food, great music, and cherished memories were created, leaving behind a lasting impression on the cultural fabric of the area.

By understanding the history, significance, and impact of this beloved restaurant, we can appreciate how establishments like Chambers shape not only the dining experiences of their patrons but also the communities they serve.

 



TheChambersOnline.com