Onesti Italian Steakhouse & Supper Club

History

Spanning three centuries, built in 1851, our building enjoyed a rich life in St. Charles. The Golden Jubilee Book of St. Mary's Parish in Elgin, published in 1901, notes construction of the building at 18 North 4th Street began in 1851 under the direction of Fr. William Feely and contractor Seth Marvin. This was the first stone church erected in St. Charles with limestone from a quarry at the site of the present VFW hall. It was reported that only the exterior was finished at that time.

The name, St. Patrick's, may have been given because Fr. Patrick O'Dwyer was the first resident pastor in St. Charles. Another theory is the church was dedicated to St. Patrick due to the large number of Irish living in St. Charles at the time. No written records support either theory, but Fr. O'Dwyer did minister to the people of St. Charles long before the church was built. Over the years, St. Patrick's benefited from a number of pastors including Fr. Patrick Joseph R. Murphy, who made improvements in the interior of the church around 1863. Following the Civil War, General Farnsworth returned to St. Charles and built a railroad connection between St. Charles and Geneva. The construction of the rail line brought renewed growth to town and St. Patrick's parish flourished. In 1893, Moline Malleable Iron Company moved its foundry from Moline to St. Charles. With the new plant came a large number of Catholic Belgians. A few years later another population surge hit St. Charles composed mostly of Catholic Lithuanians. As the 20th Century began, the parish had grown far beyond expectations.

By the early 1900's St. Charles was a thriving community with amenities including electric lights, gas mains, telephone service, street cars, a municipal water supply, improved schools and a library donated by the famous philanthropist Andrew Carnegie. At the time, Fr. Timothy Ryan improved the church by redecorating the interior including installation of electric lights, replacing the gas lamps in the center of the church's nave.

By the 1920's the parish had out-grown the building and work began on a new church on the north side of Lincoln Park. The building at Eighteen North 4th Street continued to be used by the parish and was important in the development of St. Patrick's school. By the 1960's the old stone building was sold to a local family who opened it as a restaurant called The Old Church Inn. With diners seated in church pews and servers in religious attire, they received nation-wide attention.

The Old Church Inn operated under several owners until it was sold and converted into a night club at the beginning of the 21st Century. In February, 2003 the building undertook a six month extensive renovation and restoration. It was then opened as 18 North, an upscale steakhouse. It continued to build a clientele as patrons enjoyed the marvelous ambience and fine dining.

In August of 2008, the building came under a new renaissance. Onesti Entertainment, the proprietors of the neighboring Arcada Theatre, purchased the business. With them came excitement and a fresh, new approach to fine dining. Live entertainment coupled with top prime steaks, fresh seafood and secret family recipes became the focus, set in a warm, 1940s supper club atmosphere. From a "Dinner with Deana Martin" (Dean's daughter) to a birthday party for Frank Sinatra, and from a Three Tenors Dinner to an amazing experience with the stars of "Jersey Boys," the Onesti Italian Steakhouse & Supper Club is always hopping. The main dining room becomes a classic Vegas-style showroom after the dinner hour, an energetic swing band appears and guests dance the night away!

The restaurant has become a haven for celebs with the likes of Neil Sedaka, Rick Springfield, Frankie Avalon and Martin Short recently feasting on the specialty slow-roasted prime rib. Sports celebrities, authors and television personalities have also become regulars. The excitement continues to mount as more unique events appear on the calendar. The New Onesti Italian Steakhouse & Supper Club is being raved by the many who have recently had a simple yet wonderful family dinner to those who have chosen to make the restaurant experience part of their "special day." From 1851 through today, this magical building continues to thrive and serve the community.

Upcoming Events

105 E. Main Street, St.Charles, Illinois 60174. Phone: 630.584.1888