Wicker Park Mainstay Earwax Cafe Closing After 21 Years

Call it another sign that the once uber-hip and edgy Bucktown/Wicker Park neighborhood has officially succumbed to gentrification and rising real estate prices: Earwax Cafe will shutter after 21 years.

A call to Earwax this morning confirmed the restaurant will serve its final soy milkshake and black bean burger on Feb. 28. The restaurant, known for its colorful carnie-like decor, vegan-friendly menu and hidden sunny back patio, has been a staple in the Wicker Park scene for two decades and rode the wave as the neighborhood changed from an artist and musician enclave to a dining and shopping destination. Sadly, the cafe is citing financial issues for the closure.

Since the news broke on Feb. 20, Earwax loyalists have been posting to the restaurant's Facebook wall (despite the original notice from Earwax having been removed), adding memories and pleading with them to not close. Perhaps a deep-pocketed regular will step in to save the day?
· Earwax Cafe Closing February 28, 2011 [Wicker Park/Bucktown Insider's Guide]
· Earwax Cafe Closing: Wicker Park Staple Shutting Down After 21 Years [ChuffPo]