Italian Trattoria Il Girasole Opens In Former Owen & Engine Spot

From Owen & Engine to Il Girasole

The former Owen & Engine gastropub is now home to an Italian trattoria whose owners aim to make it a neighborhood favorite. Il Girasole, which means “sunflower” in Italian, opened in late July at 2700 N. Western Ave.

A New Era for the Logan Square Neighborhood

Business is slowly picking up, and the owners hope their restaurant can serve the Logan Square pocket with high-quality, northern Italian comfort food, said co-owner Christian Hernandez. Having spent over 10 years working front of house at Italian restaurants in Chicago — including Piccolo Sogno and Riccardo Trattoria — Hernandez and his family were ready to open their own place.

A Family Affair

Hernandez’s father, who worked in Italian restaurants for 26 years, helped bring the dream to life, painting the interior and the outdoor letters for Il Girasole.

The Menu and Ambiance

The restaurant offers an extensive wine list, traditional northern Italian appetizers, pizzas and pastas, risotti and more on the menu. It’s a place for any occasion where you don’t need to dress up, Hernandez said. An upstairs dining room is available for private parties.

A Passion for Cooking

Hernandez’s business partner, chef Rodolfo Hernandez, heads up the kitchen. Both owners are from Mexico. The co-owners, who are not related, met while working at Riccardo in Lincoln Park, where they became fast friends.

A Focus on Quality

Rodolfo Hernandez, who has been cooking in Italian restaurants for 34 years, said he enjoys making sure customers are satisfied. “I make all of the pasta, the focaccia …. This menu has northern food because that’s what I learned, but there’s a little bit of everything,” Rodolfo Hernandez said in Spanish.

Customer Service

Christian Hernandez prides himself on offering top-notch customer service and creating a relaxed atmosphere, which he began learning when he worked the coat check at Riccardo. He earned $71 alongside his father during his first shift. It was enough for him to go back for a second shift, he said.

The Sunflower Connection

The owners chose the name Il Girasole because sunflowers are the favorite flower of their mothers and Christian Hernandez’s partner. Sunflowers, fake and real, can be seen inside and outside the restaurant. There’s even a wall outside with a photo backdrop adorned with sunflowers that reads, “Il fiore piú bello del giardino” — in English, “the prettiest flower in the garden.”

Open for Business

Il Girasole is open 4-10 p.m. Monday-Thursday, 4-11 p.m. Fridays, 11 a.m.-11 p.m. Saturdays and 11 a.m.-10 p.m. Sundays.

Conclusion

Il Girasole is a cozy Italian trattoria that is sure to become a favorite among Logan Square residents. With its extensive wine list, delicious menu options, and relaxed atmosphere, it is the perfect spot to enjoy a meal with friends and family.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What is the name of the restaurant?
A: Il Girasole

Q: What type of cuisine does the restaurant serve?
A: Northern Italian comfort food

Q: What is the atmosphere like at the restaurant?
A: Relaxed and cozy, with a focus on top-notch customer service

Q: Is the restaurant suitable for special occasions?
A: Yes, Il Girasole has an upstairs dining room available for private parties

Q: Is the restaurant open on weekends?
A: Yes, Il Girasole is open 11 a.m.-11 p.m. on Saturdays and 11 a.m.-10 p.m. on Sundays

Q: What are the hours of operation for Il Girasole?
A: 4-10 p.m. Monday-Thursday, 4-11 p.m. Fridays, 11 a.m.-11 p.m. Saturdays, and 11 a.m.-10 p.m. Sundays.