Chicago’s most iconic fondue restaurant gets a new look

For over 51 years, one of Chicago’s most iconic destinations, Geja’s Café, 340 W. Armitage, has kept Chicagoans (and visitors) coming back for superb food, excellent wine, and one of the city’s most romantic dining experiences. Known for romantic fondue dining – food one prepares and shares – and an extensive list of fine, moderately priced wines, Geja’s Café features over 20 different types of fondue entrees including cheese fondue and chocolate dessert fondue. An enchanting wine cellar atmosphere, private booths, and subdued lighting contribute to its intimate surroundings. Live flamenco and classical guitarists provide romantic accompaniment.

Recently, Geja’s has made a few changes. Maintaining its historic charm and intimate atmosphere, Geja’s Café has expanded the dining experience to include a new outdoor patio space featuring three large fire pits. The updates continue once inside, with the addition of brand new dining chairs and silverware. While the classic décor and original 1965 bar from the Wells Street location remained untouched, Geja’s has added new bar stools to the area, allowing guests to enjoy the finest wines and spirits in a comfortable setting.

“The Geja’s experience will now only be enhanced the moment you step onto the patio,” says proprietor Jeff Lawler. “We feel that the addition of the outdoor patio with fire pits and garden flowers as guests enter will only add to the romance and ambiance that is Geja’s.”

If you haven’t visited Geja’s Café you should make a reservation soon. In my opinion, this is one of the most iconic of Chicago’s dining experiences, and one that everyone should experience – whether for a romantic first date, a special occasion, or just because you crave some of their excellent fondue. For the full dining experience, plan to order the cheese fondue to start, one of their numerous main course options, and then save room for the amazing chocolate fondue for dessert. Paired with one of their excellent wines, this is a meal you will remember and want to repeat.

Here are a few fascinating facts about the 51 years of Geja’s Café:

• Diners have enjoyed over 320 tons of cheese fondue
• The restaurant has opened over 950,570 bottles of wine
• Nearly 16,000 engagements have occurred
• Quite literally hundreds of thousands of first dates have taken place

Hours for Geja’s Café are Monday through Thursday, 5 p.m. to 10:00 p.m.; Friday, 5 p.m. to 11p.m.; Saturday, 5p.m. to 11p.m.; Sunday, 4p.m. to 9:00 p.m. Valet parking is available. For more information, please call 773.281.9101, or visit www.gejascafe.com.