Bartlett's Platform 18 reopens, brings back Friday fish fry

Bartlett's Platform 18 Tavern has reopened with new local owners and a Friday fish fry after being closed since the end of January.

Platform 18 shut down after the furnace stopped working, causing the water and beer lines and taps to freeze. During repairs, General Manager and Marketing Manager Lindy Tsetseranos said all lines and plumbing were replaced.

Crews also made improvements to f the bathrooms, and addressed other concerns patrons had before the tavern closed.

Along with repairs, the menu has shifted back to include "original favorites in Bartlett," Tsetseranos said.

"And we're bringing back the fish fry," Tsetseranos added.

The restaurant reopened March 4 and the fish fry returned Friday. It includes house-battered Alaskan cod with house-made tartar sauce, fries and coleslaw.

Tsetseranos said the fish fry was a staple for the Bartlett Tap, which occupied the building several years ago.

"People would come and hang out for the fish fry," she said.

Additional liquor options and more local craft beers were added to the drink menu.

The new owners, Vic and Enza Zamora and Jeffrey Nacyk, live in Bartlett, making it possible for them to come in and "rub elbows with neighbors," Tsetseranos said.

"They're fully-involved. They'll sit at the edge of the bar and have a drink," Tsetseranos said. "People are excited again. The vibe is back."

Opening day was "very busy," Tsetseranos said.

The restaurant's name comes from its location at 113 W. Railroad Ave. near the 18th stop from Chicago's Union Station on Metra's Milwaukee District West Line.

Platform 18 is open from 3 p.m. to 11 p.m. Tuesday through Thursday, 3 p.m. to midnight Friday and Saturday, and 3 p.m. to 10 p.m. Sunday.

The restaurant is closed on Mondays while staff continues to work on improvements.