Carriage House Reconcepting Into 'Laid Back Southern Hangout' CH Bar + Provisions

More than a year after chef/owner Mark Steuer exited acclaimed Wicker Park Southern restaurant Carriage House, reps are announcing that it will reconcept into more of a "laidback Southern hangout." Carriage House will close on November 1 for renovations and reconcepting, and will reopen in early December as CH Bar + Provisions. A new website is already live.

The new concept will be a touch more casual, focusing more on its bar program and adding counter service. Executive chef Mike Galen will still be in charge of the food, cooking up some of Carriage House's "greatest hits" in addition to a "provisions counter" for takeout orders as well as dine-in. Weekend brunch will still be a staple. Look for a "refreshed interior" with more high-top tables while reservations will be discontinued.

Steuer, who opened the restaurant as a personal passion project in 2012, left in July 2014 to work with John Manion at La Sirena Clandestina and the forthcoming El Che Bar. Despite landing on Esquire's list of best new restaurants in America in 2013 and the Eater 38, the restaurant has been slow in recent months. Stay tuned to see if the new concept helps pick things up.