Nouveau Tavern Complies With City's Temporary Shut Down Request

Nouveau Tavern's temporarily shutting down again, but this time apparently the closing is by choice. Management of the embattled River North club maintains the establishment is being picked on because of its largely black clientele and black ownership. Despite protests, they've consented to remain closed until April 16 to sort out the tavern's future, according to DNAinfo.

The bar's management is saying they're being unfairly targeted as part of a larger concern with violence across Chicago, as the tavern's owners received a "drug and gang ordinance" violation from City Hall. They were asked to close, marketing manager Teddy Gilmore told Facebook followers in a video. They've complied with the request, though disagree with the reasons behind it.

Shortly after opening in late 2013, neighbors began complaining about noise from the bar/restaurant. Alderman Brendan Reilly targeted the establishment, citing a bevy of criminal behavior. Licensing issues closed the bar in April 2014. That same month, racists tagged the bar with obscene graffiti.

Clubs with black clienteles in predominantly white areas haven't fared well recently, as they've become lightning rods for violence and noise complaints. West Loop's Sawtooth will shutter after a recent shooting. The Funky Buddha Lounge also closed last year.

Will Nouveau reopen and solve the issues that's plagued the club? Stay tuned.