In 1950 four brothers of Greek- born parents pooled their resources and purchased the then flailing Miller’s Pub from the Miller family, who established the restaurant in 1935. After this purchase, the brothers did not have the $500 to change the sign on the pub, so the Miller name remained. The Gallios-owned Miller’s Pub started out, not knowing but wishing, that one day it would become a much loved Chicago institution.

Over the subsequent years they imprinted their work ethic and their personalities on the Pub. It became one of the most famous late-night spots where on almost any night of the week one might spot local and international celebrities. Chicago baseball legends Bill Veeck and Harry Caray were regular customers and became lifelong friends of the family. Jimmy Durante never came to town without stopping by for a beer. Theatre stars and Bob Fosse dancers came for dinner after their shows.

Celebrities however, were only a small part of Miller’s. The brothers worked hard to create an atmosphere that was friendly and bustling, but where anyone who had been their twice knew there was a good chance that they would be recognized not only at the front door, but by their server as well. The servers at Miller’s became a loyal group, almost as much a part of the family as the brothers themselves.

The dynasty continued to flourish and by 1985 they owned three restaurants on the Adams/Wabash block with Miller’s as the focal point of the family business. In 1989, when the building they were renting was being renovated to seat cars rather than people, Miller’s Pub moved into Vannie’s Restaurant around the corner and continued their business without batting an eye.

At 134 South Wabash, where it remains today, under the L tracks, the Gallios’ continued making their World Famous Canadian Baby Back Ribs, the shining star of their extensive menu. Every day hundreds of customers come to the multi-level, 270 seat pub to enjoy their eclectic menu that includes almost anything one might desire amidst cozy dark wood and stained glass. You can still find veteran 25-year servers and bartenders catering to the customers’ every need- cheerfully and efficiently.

Over the years there have been small changes to the decor, but signed celebrity photos from Arnold Schwarzenneger to Frank Sinatra, sports memorabilia and antique oil paintings still adorn almost every free inch of wall space. Some of the faces have changed as well, only one of the brothers, Vannie, still works daily, the other three having passed away, but their children have thrown their hats in the ring, working just as hard as their fathers to maintain the family legacy, and carry on the tradition that is Miller’s Pub. It has been written up with rave reviews in countless local and national publications, seen Presidential administrations from Kennedy to Clinton, and had its finger on the pulse of Chicago as it grew from a big Midwestern town into one of the largest metropolitan areas in the country. Miller’s has become an entity unto itself, with the Gallios family as its heart and soul, through births, deaths and wars, the family and its restaurant have persevered and will continue to due so in the generations to come. As a Wall Street Journal writer said in an article from December 5, 2003 “..At the bar, the atmosphere is a bit like an episode of “Cheers”. Everybody but me knew the bartenders name and that he was about to go on vacation.....Miller’s is my idea of unself-conscious perfection.”

So stop in and ask for one of the Gallios’- Vannie, Aris, or Andy- who will be happy to make you feel right at home.