ALGONQUIN – Niko Kanakaris has been in the restaurant business his entire life. His father owned a restaurant in Huntley, and this inspired Kanakaris to strike out on his own. “I loved the business, but I didn’t want to take over the breakfast, lunch, and dinner operation…. I just wanted to have lunch and dinner, or just dinner,” said Kanakaris.
Kanakaris used to operate the Niko’s in Huntley, which closed in October due to low business. Some may have seen this as a setback, but there was a silver lining hiding in this gray cloud. “I got the opportunity to open up in Algonquin [so I took it],” said Kanakaris. His newest restaurant is called Niko’s Lodge, named after his flagship restaurant which operates out of Wasco, IL, which services the greater St. Charles area. Niko’s Lodge in Algonquin is located where the old Barley House once stood.
Where: 1520 S. Randall Rd. (in Algonquin Commons)
Phone: 847-458-6100
Hours: Mon-Fri Open at 4 p.m., Sat & Sun Open at 11 a.m.
Web: nikoslodge.com
Niko’s Lodge models itself after an old-time ski lodge. “The decoration is a lot of wood, stone, and fireplaces. [It creates a] very warm atmosphere,” said Kanakaris. Adding to this warm atmosphere is the fact that Niko’s Lodge is roasting up to seventy rotisserie chickens at any one time. “That’s [about] 140 orders,” said Kanakaris. “Our chickens are a never-been-frozen product.” Niko’s Lodge is known for its signature rotisserie chicken and ribs. Another experience that is unique to Niko’s Lodge is the complimentary s’mores. “We started [offering the complimentary s’mores] six years ago in Wasco. It became so popular that we built permanent fire pits for them. The smell of real burning wood is just great. You can go to any restaurant, but [this is something] you don’t see too often,” said Kanakaris.
In addition to offering free s’mores, one of the special features of Niko’s Lodge in Algonquin Commons is the wood-burning rotisserie chicken fireplace, blazing more than forty whole chickens to perfect doneness in one of the primary dining rooms. (Photo by Chris LaPelusa/Sun Day)
Kanakaris also wanted his loyal patrons in Huntley to know that their coupons for Niko’s in Huntley will be honored at any of his other locations, which are: Niko’s Red Mill Tavern in Woodstock, Pinecrest Restaurant and Banquet in Huntley, Niko’s Lodge in Algonquin, Thirsty Whale Bar and Grill in Algonquin, and Niko’s Lodge in Wasco. “I love people, and I like working [and] talking with people every day,” said Kanakaris.
