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December 18
IRVING PARK— The once mighty La Pasadita family of Mexican restaurants is down to a single location. The La Pasadita Express at 2925 W. Irving Park Road is closed. The phone is disconnected and various social media pages also report the restaurant, which opened in 2010, has shuttered. The burrito specialist, of which there’s now only one left, used to have a cluster of restaurants near Ashland and Division that served customers until late at night.
LAKEVIEW— Ownership has informed the employees at the Spanish Square that the restaurant will close on New Year’s Eve at 1358 W. Belmont Avenue. The cafe and market serves tapas, retail items, and other small plates in an atmosphere that’s designed feel like Spain. Apparently, the business was doing well, but the restaurant is closing due to the owner’s personal reasons, according a social media post from the restaurant’s general manager. The restaurant opened in 2015.
LAKEVIEW— Clarke’s, the longtime Lakeview/Boystown diner, is closed again at 930 W. Belmont Avenue. Ownership posted a colorful Facebook post saying they’re trying to reach a new deal with their landlord, but may have to look for a new location: “We had problems with the landlord who was negligent with the building and had severe building violations which were a safety concern. He was basically a slum landlord who caused negligent damage to the building along with the franchisee,” the Facebook post read. It’s another chapter in the saga which has seen repeated closings and a name change in recent years.
ARLINGTON HEIGHTS— The suburban location of Ditka’s, the restaurant from the former Bears coach and player, is set to close at the end of the month, reported The Daily Herald. This restaurant is next to Arlington International Racecourse and opened in 2014. Ditka has restaurants in Westmont, Oak Brook, Gold Coast, and Pittsburgh.
December 3
EDGEBROOK— Mia Figlia, an eight-year-old Italian spot on the Northwest Side, is closed for good, according to Google, Yelp, Open Table, and an LTH Forum poster reports a sign on its door. It opened in 2010 at 5304 W. Devon Avenue.
LINCOLN PARK— Fuh, a fast-casual pho-themed spot at 2218 N. Lincoln Avenue, has shuttered. Its social media channels are gone, Yelpers report it closed, its phone number hasn’t been answered for a week and voice mailbox is full, and a recent city inspection lists it as “out of business.” It opened in June 2015 and received a favorable review that year from critic Michael Nagrant.
LOGAN SQUARE— Longtime live music dive bar The Mutiny is indeed closing for good, as Block Club confirmed Eater Chicago’s story. It has been “temporarily closed” since October and owner Ed Mroz announced that his financial troubles have become too much to keep the bar going. It has been open since 1990 at 2428 N. Western Avenue.
NORWOOD PARK— Northwest Side juice bar and cafe Be Juice’d is closed, ownership announced on Facebook. They originally announced they would relocate, but online chatter says that’s not the case anymore.
WEST LOOP— Local chain Caffe Baci’s 10 S. Riverside Plaza restaurant closed on November 21, the company announced on Twitter. Its locations dwindle further as the 231 S. LaSalle Street spot also closed in June.
November 20
IRVING PARK— More than three years after opening, casual American restaurant HQ Howard Quintero will close at 4114 N. Kedzie Avenue. A note sent to diners announced November 25 as the last day of business. Thanksgiving catering orders won’t be altered. “To everyone who has become part of the HQ family, we could not have done what we did for so long without you,” the note reads.
THE LOOP— After eight years, U.B. Dogs is closing at 185 N. Franklin Street. Tribune writer Nick Kindelsperger is enamored by the hot dog stand as a quality Loop lunch option. The owner plans to open a new restaurant next year in the same space after closing U.B. by the end of 2018.
OLD TOWN— Seven months after opening, Optima, a music-themed bar and restaurant, has closed. The previous tenant, Mexican pioneer Salpicon, lasted 22 years at 1252 N. Wells Street. The venue’s Facebook has also been deleted.
UPTOWN— Godfathers Famous Pizza has closed at 1265 W. Wilson Avenue. The pizzeria’s history stretched 52 years, according to Block Club Chicago, which caught up with the owners who blamed rising rents.
SKOKIE— After more than a year, Real Urban Barbecue has closed its Skokie location at 5238 W. Touhy Avenue. They’ve placed a sign at the restaurant announcing the news. Locations remain in Oak Brook, Highland Park, and Vernon Hills.
November 14
LINCOLN PARK— After 13 years, the Lincoln Park location of Hema’s Kitchen has closed. The original Devon location remains unaffected. The restaurant featured a reliable menu of North Indian favorites, but business had slowed over the years at 2411 N. Clark Street. Signage announcing the shutter is up and the property has been listed.
DEPAUL— The area near the Bucktown/Lincoln Park border is once again looking for a decent Chinese take-out spot now that Sichuan specialist One Four One Five Restaurant has closed at 1415 N. Fullerton Avenue. The revolving door continues at the space that housed Small Bar and Beer Bistro North.
HUMBOLDT PARK— After a June opening at 2627 W. Division Street, Antojos and Shakes is closing. The owners made the announcement via Facebook.
NORTH CENTER— Yelp, Google, and an LTHForum poster all report that Braciole Station is closed at 2205 W. Montrose Avenue. They had opened in February.
CALUMET PARK— After two years, suburban spot Diamond Sports Club has closed at 1413 W. 127th Street in Calumet Park. A Facebook post shared the news.
NORTHBROOK— Jar Bar opened in the suburbs last year with much fanfare from a former producer on The Oprah Winfrey Show. Now the salad-in-a-jar restaurant will close on November 30 at 1350 Shermer Road in Northbrook. A Facebook post details the challenges, and hints that the brand may live on after the shutter.
October 23
ANDERSONVILLE— The 5212 N. Clark Street location of gourmet cheese market Pastoral and its neighboring full restaurant Appellation closed for good after service on Sunday. The three other locations remain open.
BUCKTOWN/LOGAN SQUARE— The location of Hero Coffee Bar in the former Belly Shack space under the CTA Western Blue Line stop at 1912 N. Western Avenue is shuttered and has a “for rent” sign in the window. The local chain took over the space in January 2017 and its other locations remain open.
DUNNING— Northwest Side daytime neighborhood eatery Rick’s Diner has shuttered at 7544 W. Addison Street, ownership announced via a Facebook post. It was open for just four months.
LINCOLN PARK— Rapidito Colombian Gourmet Street Food will close to the general public on October 28 and ownership has put some equipment up for sale, according to announcements on its website and Facebook. It will remain open for catering orders, however. The casual restaurant opened in January 2014 at 1855 W. Diversey Parkway to offer an array of Colombian-style hot dogs, empanadas, “arepizzas,” skewers, and sides.
WICKER PARK— Tozi Korean BBQ has shuttered after seven years at 1265 N. Milwaukee Avenue, Block Club reports. Its not all bad news for Korean barbecue fans however as a sign on the door announces that another Korean spot, the chain Iron Age BBQ, will replace it.
October 16
EDGEWATER— The owners of popular North Side baked goods-focused cafe Baker Miller closed their new Edgewater location after just four months, as Edgeville Buzz reports it’s shuttered with a “for rent” sign in the window. Dave and Megan Miller acquired the former Kitchen Sink space at 1107 W. Berwyn Avenue in early June and turned it into a Baker Miller location soon after.
UPTOWN/RAVENSWOOD— Sister neighborhood daytime coffeeshops/cafes Maiden Voyage Cafe and Satellite Cafe are now closed “for the foreseeable future” and ownership is looking for a buyer for the businesses, according to their post on Facebook. “We are working hard to find new ownership to pick up where we left off and continue to provide the community with great coffee and food,” it reads. “Thank you for all your business and support over the years.”
SOUTH LOOP— Kome Japanese Eatery, a casual catch-all Japanese spot in a space that’s become a revolving door at 1303 S. Michigan Avenue, is closed, Sloopin reports from a sign on its door. Google and Yelp also list it as permanently closed. The space previously housed Panozzo’s Italian Deli and Ameritalia before Kome opened in November 2017.
WEST ROGERS PARK— The phone is off the hook and there’s signage for new management, but it’s unclear what the future of the Family House, Chicago’s only Burmese restaurant, will be at 2305 W. Devon Avenue. The restaurant opened last year and received a positive review from the Reader.
WICKER PARK— Beach House Social, the former Mahalo at 1501 N. Milwaukee Avenue from the owners of the Hampton Social mini-chain, shuttered on Sunday night, Block Club reports. A rep told the publication that it’ll reopen in a different location next spring. It opened in the former Bom Bolla space in May 2016 as the Hawaiian-themed Mahalo before reconcepting into the beach house theme in June.
WRIGLEYVILLE— The latest bar attached to Wrigley Field, DraftKings Fantasy Sports Zone, has been demolished following the Cubs’ one-and-done playoff exit, the Tribune reports. A new spot is slated to open in the former Captain Morgan Club space by next season’s opening day.
October 4
EDGEWATER— The thrill of seeing Loyola University make the men’s basketball Final Four may have been too much for Bar 63. The sports bar, a gathering place for Rambler fans, closed on September 28, according to the Loyola Phoenix. The bar’s name comes from 1953 when Loyola’s men’s team won the NCAA championship.
LINCOLN PARK— BigBop + Ramen, the quick-serve Korean restaurant that opened as CupBop + Ramen, has closed its doors at 2439 N. Clark Street. The restaurant has been dark for weeks and Yelpers mark the venue as closed.
WEST LOOP— The Mid, the West Loop nightclub and bar which opened in 2010, will close in February. The owners posted the announcement on Facebook blaming “recent expansion in the West Loop and Fulton Market District” for the pending shutter. The Mid’s last day is February 5. Time Out noted that the ownership group owns stakes in Concord Music Hall in Logan Square and Prysm Night Club in Lincoln Park.
WRIGLEYVILLE— Today is National Taco Day and a fake holiday is a good time for some fake emotions. The Taco Bell near Wrigley Field at 1111 W. Addison Street will finally close at the end of October after 24 years of dealing with Cubs fans. The Tribune reports demolition day is scheduled for November 1. There has been much drama surrounding this “beloved” restaurant.
September 25
BUCKTOWN— Upscale Damen Avenue cocktail lounge and eatery Presidio is calling it quits on Saturday. Management wrote on Facebook that “the Presidio team has come to the difficult decision that its time to close our doors for good” and “it’s the right time to begin our next chapter.” Owner Patrick Cullen told Block Club that he has had the space on the market but hasn’t found a buyer, expressed displeasure with local food media, and urged Chicagoans to support neighborhood spots. It opened a little over three-and-a-half years ago in the former Bluebird space next to Hot Chocolate at 1749 N. Damen Avenue.
LAKEVIEW— After more than a decade in Lakeview, Argo Tea has closed its location at 3135 N. Broadway Street. The shutter happened about a week ago with furniture removed and a sign on the door reading: “Thank you for 12 years. Please visit our other Chicagoland cafés.”
LINCOLN PARK— Chicago’s once-larger mini-chain of orange-themed brunch restaurants has grown smaller. Orange Lincoln Park has shuttered for good at 2413 N. Clark Street, management announced on social media, after nine years in business at this location. The news leaves the Roscoe Village spot as the only one remaining.
PORTAGE PARK— The owners of Brgrbelly have pulled the plug on their creative Italian beef spinoff Beefbelly. It opened in late 2015 with eight gourmet beefs before briefly reconcepting two years later into a Mexican-themed spot named Tipsy Cow Cantina and going back to burgers three months ago. Block Club first reported the shutter announcement via a Facebook post. Brgrbelly remains open.
September 13
MORGAN PARK— Far South Side neighborhood Irish bar Kelly’s Tap will close after service on Saturday, September 15, at 10910 S. Western Avenue. Ownership wrote that their landlord bought them out following a “long disagreement.” The building will be demolished and the neighboring Home Run Inn Pizzeria could expand into the space, build a parking lot there, or construct a new building for new tenants, The Beverly Review reports. Kelly’s Tap opened just last year in a space that used to house Mrs. O’Leary’s Dubliner and is on a popular stretch in Beverly/Morgan Park that’s also home to brewpubs Open Outcry and Horse Thief Hollow.
RAVENSWOOD— Acclaimed, creative thin-crust pizza spot ORD Pizzeria is currently closed at Ashland and Montrose and owner Daniel Bridge is looking to sell the restaurant “to someone who wishes to continue what we have started.” He wrote on Facebook that he made the decision due to “circumstances in my personal life” that have left him “unable to continue my life as the owner and operator of the pizzeria.” It’s been open for five years.
UPTOWN— Popular burlesque club and bar Uptown Underground has been evicted. Owner Jenn Kincaid told the Tribune that her landlord served her papers and changed the locks; while the landlord told Block Club that Kincaid owes him more than $100,000 in unpaid rent and back pay. The venue opened in 2015 at 4707 N. Broadway Street.
OAK PARK— Popular suburban mini-chain Altiro Latin Fusion closed its original Oak Park location and opened a new spot in La Grange while scouting for a new spot in Oak Park. It has three other locations open, including one in Roscoe Village.
August 29
GOLD COAST— Longtime French favorite Bistrot Zinc served its last customers on Sunday, August 26. Ownership made the “very hard decision” not to renew their lease at 1131 N. State Street in May. It originally opened in 1996 in Lakeview before moving to the Gold Coast two years later.
LAKEVIEW— Critically-acclaimed mom-and-pop Korean restaurant Moccozy has closed after seven months in business at 3333 N. Broadway Street. Its phone number is disconnected, a tipster reports that a “for lease” sign now hangs in its window, Yelp and Google both list is as permanently closed, and its social media accounts are no more. A Yelper wrote on July 27 that he heard “they are closing soon caused by complaints from the neighbors about cooking smells.” The Reader critic Mike Sula wrote in May that it served “bibimbap and more in their highest form.”
NOBLE SQUARE— Coffeeshop and casual daytime eatery Awake Cafe will close on Thursday, August 30 after more than four years in business at 1357 W. Chicago Avenue, according to social media announcements. It replaced longtime vegetarian-focused spot Swim Cafe, which closed in January 2014 following owner Karen Gerod’s battle with cancer.
WRIGLEYVILLE— The drinking scene near Wrigley Field is losing another bar before the baseball season even ends. No-frills spot BEER on Clark will shutter after service on Friday, August 31 at 3415 N. Clark Street, according to social media announcements that state “our ongoing battle to stay open has come to an end.” It was known for cheap booze, bar food, table games, karaoke, and late nights. There’s no word yet what will replace it.
August 20
AVONDALE— Sugar Hills Bakery, a suburban-bred mini-chain, shuttered its shop in the Elston Plaza at 3235 W. Addison Street, Block Club reports. Opened in fall 2013, its the third bakery to close down in the neighborhood in recent months.
EDGEWATER— Decade-old neighborhood Mexican favorite That Little Mexican Cafe is no more at 1055 W. Bryn Mawr Avenue, the restaurant revealed on Facebook and Edgeville Buzz reported. It still has a location open in Evanston.
LINCOLN PARK— Cedar House, a family-owned Mediterranean spot, lasted less than three months at 655 W. Armitage Avenue. It opened in early March and closed over Memorial Day weekend, and although a similar restaurant named Cedar Palace recently opened in space, Cedar House ownership wrote that “we would just like to make it clear that we have no affiliation with it and have not been involved at the location since Memorial Day weekend.”
THE LOOP— 36-year-old downtown Italian favorite Bella Bacinos will close at 75 E. Wacker Drive on October 15, the Tribune reported, as its landlord is taking over the space. Ownership, who also run a restaurant in Lincoln Park and a seasonal spot at Diversey Harbor, hope to sign a lease soon for a replacement nearby.
PARK RIDGE— Chain restaurant Houlihan’s closed another Chicagoland restaurant, this time in suburban Park Ridge. Management shuttered its city of Chicago location in December 2015 and its Oak Brook location in February 2015. Multiple other suburban locations remain open.
July 9
BUCKTOWN— Sweet Rice, the expansion of North Center Thai favorite Sticky Rice, closed for good after service on Sunday at 1746 N. Western Avenue. Ownership wrote on social media and their website that “a new development project will take place at the current property” and that they won’t relocate the restaurant. They are, however, planning to open a small spot inside the Western Blue Line stop named The Sala Pao Shop which will serve Thai steamed buns, coffee and tea, and more. Sweet Rice opened in February 2014 as Sticky Rice Chiang Mai before reconcepting two years later into the more casual spot with the addition of Japanese and Korean dishes.
DUNNING— Nostalgic neighborhood spot Fizz Eatery and Soda Fountain announced on Facebook before the July 4 holiday that it would close for good at 7958 W. Belmont Avenue. Ownership blamed the neighborhood for the shutter in the post, commenting that “unfortunately the neighborhood did not support it” before deleting both its Facebook and Twitter accounts. Another Facebook user posted a screenshot of the comments, and Yelp, Grubhub and now its website confirm the shutter. It was open for just under one year.
PILSEN— Coffee shop and eatery La Parada en Pilsen will close to the general public on July 15, ownership wrote on Facebook, although the space will be available for private events starting July 16. It was open for three years at 2059 W. 21st Street.
PORTAGE PARK— Ownership hasn’t confirmed its shutter and its website and social media outlets remain up, but Yelpers report that Taurus Restaurant is closed, Grubhub states the restaurant “is taking phone orders only,” and employees haven’t answered its phone in multiple attempts. This will be updated if and when ownership responds to inquiries.
SOUTH LOOP— Poke & Roll closed on June 25 at 555 S. Dearborn Street. Ownership will open a larger place soon at 5121 S. Harper Avenue in Hyde Park with the same poke, a full bar, and more named 1 Fish 2 Fish.
GLENVIEW— Japanese chain RA Sushi has closed its suburban Glenview restaurant. Its delivery-only location in the city and full-service spot in Lombard remain open.
June 11
BOYSTOWN— Eat A Pita, a fast-food spot that served pita sandwiches, salad, ribs, and more, has closed at 3155 N. Halsted Street. An Old Town location had closed years ago near Division and LaSalle. The owner, in a Yelp comment, said he was going to retire after 30 years.
GREEKTOWN— Another relic of the old West Loop has fallen. Roditys, which was around for 45 years at 222 S. Halsted Street, has closed. Apparently, according to a spokesperson, the restaurant isn’t a goner forever. It will reopen at an unspecified date following renovations.
LINCOLN PARK— The very first Sushi Burrito location, formerly Sumo Restaurant, has closed at Sheffield and Clybourn. The strip mall should soon see a new Dunkin’ Donuts on the 1700 block of North Clybourn.
WICKER PARK— Rumored for weeks, Pizano’s Pizza closed its Wicker Park location last week following the Do Division street festival. The restaurant’s website states they’ll have a new concept opening soon at 2056 W. Division Street.
WICKER PARK— Two eateries inside a Wicker Park strip mall have closed on the 2000 block of west Division Street. Block Club Chicago reported that Shata Mediterranean — which opened in December — and a Subway both shuttered earlier this week. Subway didn’t renew its lease, while Shata sold to a new owner.
EVANSTON— Friday was the final day for Cheesie’s Pub & Grub in Evanston at 622 Evanston Street. They still have locations in Lakeview and Wicker Park.
HIGHWOOD— After three years, Ballaro — the suburban Italian restaurant from a team including the son of former WBBM 780 AM restaurant critic Sherman Kaplan, is closing at 214 Green Bay Road in Highwood. A Facebook post announced Sunday as closing day. The ownership group of Mark Newman and Josh Kaplan have a neighboring restaurant, Greenwood, and Kaplan said that location is doing great.
This Sunday, June 17, will be the last night of service for Ballaro. It has been a labor of love and we are incredibly...
Posted by Ballaro on Monday, June 11, 2018
May 16
LAKEVIEW— Sushi Mura has closed at 3647 N. Southport Avenue after 14 years. The restaurant is victim to new development and plans to reopen at a new location in fall of 2019, according to a Facebook post. Southport Corridor News first noticed the shutter.
LINCOLN PARK— It’s not a new shutter, but La Diosa has closed at 2308 N. Clark Street. The Mexican restaurant featured the cooking of chef Laura Martinez, a Charlie Trotter’s vet who was blind since birth.
LOGAN SQUARE— Panaderia La Central, a Mexican bakery that’s been under the CTA Blue Line’s California stop for more than a decade has closed. Block Club Chicago noticed the windows were boarded up at 2218 N. California Avenue. There’s a second location in Humboldt Park at 3911 W. North Ave.
NOBLE SQUARE— Despite rave reviews, Flip, the burger spot from Picante owner Felipe Caro in a former La Pasadita space, has closed. Caro confirmed the shutter and said he still owns the property at 1141 N. Ashland Avenue. The space includes a courtyard and he’s looking for someone to come in with a new concept and to operate a restaurant inside: “The idea of running three restaurants is nuts,” Caro wrote. “Hats off to the hospitality groups that have multiple locations.”
RIVER NORTH— Blue Frog 22, the upscale sibling of the original Blue Frog that closed in 2015, has also closed. The Tribune first noticed the shutter at 22 E. Hubbard Street. The bar was the subject of Bar Rescue, the TV show that makes drama out of suffering bar owners desperate to try anything to improve business.
UPTOWN— May 26 is last call for Max’s Place at 4621 N. Clark Street. The dive bar has been around for 39 years. Uptown Update first noticed the news. The announcement seemed to indicate a possibility of a reopening.
SKOKIE— M Burger, the Lettuce Entertain You Enterprises burger chain, has closed its suburban location inside a Skokie strip mall at 3654 W. Touhy Avenue. They’ve been removed from M Burger’s Facebook page, Yelp users say it’s closed, and a tipster wrote in about the news.
May 8
AVONDALE— After nine years, Panaderia Azucar has closed at 3415 W. Belmont Avenue. Management announced the shutter via Facebook.
It is with bitter sweet feelings that we are announcing the closure of our bakery. We have decided to hang up our aprons...
Posted by Panaderia Azucar on Tuesday, May 1, 2018
BRIDGEPORT— After decades of operations, family-owned Tacos Erendira has closed its doors at 3207 S. Halsted Street. Management didn’t provide the exact reason when they made the Facebook announcement, but it was complicated.
Posted by Tacos Erendira on Thursday, April 19, 2018
BUCKTOWN— Sublime Sushi has closed at 2009 N. Damen Avenue. The Japanese spot has a second location, under the Fuji Sushi name, in Lincoln Park.
BUCKTOWN— 24Karrots Juice Bar will no longer serve juices and bowls at 2004 W. Armitage Avenue.
GAGE PARK— After 18 years, El Rincon Norteño has closed at 3300 W. 55th Street, reports Patch. The owner retired.
NORTH CENTER— Danny’s Egghead Diner has closed in North Center, according to tipsters. Yelpers also say that breakfast spot at 2012 W. Irving Park Road is a goner.
PORTAGE PARK— Smoothie, ice creams, and more will no longer be served at Fruitmania. Yelp says they are closed at 5035 W. Montrose Avenue.
RIVER NORTH— Roy’s, which featured Hawaiian-inspired food from founder Roy Yamaguchi (before being purchased by Sunil Dharod, a well-connect chain restaurant operator heavily involved with Applebee’s), has closed its Chicago location. A Facebook post read that it closed at the end of April at 720 N. State Street.
STREETERVILLE— Emilio’s Tapas has closed after nearly 30 years in Streeterville at 215 E. Ohio Street. There’s a sign on the door that says it’s permanently shuttered and a staffer says its last night in business was Saturday. A Lincoln Park location closed years ago at the corner of Clark and Fullerton. The employee reminded diners that the flagship location in suburban Hillside remains open.
April 16
EDGEWATER— Hellas Gyros, which had been open for 47 years at 1133 W. Bryn Mawr Avenue, closed without notice last week. Ownership wrote in a Facebook post that “our war with our slumlord was lost” and that they “are working on prospective locations” to relocate to.
GOLD COAST— Italian staple Merlo on Maple has been closed for weeks at 16 W. Maple Street. No one at the restaurant has answered the phone or responded to inquiries about whether it’s closed for good, but Open Table lists it as permanently closed.
LAKEVIEW— Jirafa, the Latin American bar and eatery that opened last June, has closed in the former Ravenswood Q space at 1800 W. Irving Park Road, Google, Yelp, and an LTH Forum user confirm. It was known for beer, empanadas, and international soccer during the short time it was open.
LOGAN SQUARE— Longtime Logan Square relic Congress Pizzeria has closed at 2033 N. Milwaukee Avenue as a new housing development is planned for its plot of land. Its building is now covered by scaffolding and appears to be awaiting demolition.
NAVY PIER— Goddess and the Baker, the local mini-chain from the Goddess and the Grocer folks, announced that its Navy Pier location is permanently closed. “The Goddess team has been attempting to work with the Navy Pier Management on acceptable terms and conditions but negotiations were unfortunately not welcomed and ultimately, terms have not been reached,” ownership wrote on Facebook. Its locations at 225 N. LaSalle Street and 33 S. Wabash Avenue remain open, and ownership writes that “we will be announcing some exciting news on a new store opening in Chicago soon” as well as a Milwaukee location.
BARRINGTON— Near Restaurant, a suburban upscale Italian spot helmed by a former Schwa sous chef named Gaetano Nardulli, will close on April 28. Ownership writes on social media that they will “move on to the next adventure” and are beginning “this new restaurant journey.” It was open for nearly seven years.
SKOKIE— TV star/entrepreneur Marcus Lemonis has closed another suburban location of his fast-casual The Simple Greek brand. The Skokie location shuttered in late March after less than a year in business at 5415 Touhy Avenue, ownership announced on Facebook. The Highland Park location closed in January 2017.
April 9
AVONDALE— La Farine Bakery & Cafe, a neighborhood spot that was open for about five years, closed earlier this month at 2909 N. Milwaukee Avenue, according to the Avondale Neighborhood Association. The owners are supposedly looking for a new location.
LAKEVIEW/THE LOOP— Muscle Maker Grill, a kind of Chipotle for weight-lifters with assembly-line style cafeteria service, has closed its Chicago locations at 113 W. Jackson Boulevard and at 920 W. Belmont Avenue. The Tribune first reported the news.
RIVER NORTH— Bistro Voltaire has closed at 226 W. Chicago Avenue after seven years of French cooking. Its OpenTable page confirmed the shutter and a tipster emailed to say a new restaurant is on its way. The owners were unable to be reached for confirmation on the latter. The restaurant’s website has also been taken down.
SOUTH LOOP— After a little less than six years at 14th and Michigan, Square One has officially closed. The bar/restaurant reinvented itself several times for the neighborhood. As Sloopin’ pointed out, they even had a self-serve wine bar at 1400 S. Michigan Avenue.
EVANSTON— Sunday, April 15 marks closing day for Prairie Moon at its current location at 1502 Sherman Avenue in Evanston. Management, according to a news release, will announce a new location in the coming weeks. They’ve been in the current location for 16 years and should reopen at the new space in late 2019.
March 20
AUBURN GRESHAM— Popular South Side family-owned eatery Three Chefs Restaurant has closed on Friday at 8125 S. Halsted Street. Ownership posted on Facebook that they “have a new location coming soon,” however. The restaurant was known for its breakfast, lunch, and soul food.
IRVING PARK— The Northwest Side has lost another longtime neighborhood bar, as Peek Inn has shuttered at 2825 W. Irving Park Road, according to Google, Yelp, eyewitnesses, and its phone line.
RIVER NORTH— Yu Choy, a Chinese-American restaurant near the corner of Ohio and Wells, is closed. The windows are papered up at 548 N. Wells Street and Yelp reports it as closed too. The restaurant had been around for 18 years.
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LOGAN SQUARE— The Armitage Avenue dining strip in Logan Square has lost a casual Italian option. Ugo’s Kitchen & Bar, an affordable restaurant owned by a chef with experience at Alinea and Sixteen, closed after service on Sunday at 2833 W. Armitage Avenue, Logan Squarist reports and owner Stephen Hasson confirms. Hasson also says that he sold the restaurant but hasn’t revealed to whom. The shutter was for “personal and financial reasons,” Logan Squarist reported, and Hasson could open another restaurant in the future. Ugo’s lasted nearly two-and-a-half years after opening in October 2015.
GURNEE—The popular Cheesie’s Pub & Grub local mini-chain officially closed its north suburban Gurnee location at the end of February. The Lakeview, Wicker Park, Evanston, and food truck locations remain open.
February 20
AROUND TOWN— Claudia, an acclaimed ongoing pop-up from chef Trever Teich, is hosting its last two dinner dates on March 10 and March 11, with two seatings (6:30 p.m., 8:30 p.m.) on each date. The 8:30 p.m. seating on March 10 already sold out. They are collaboration dinners with former Moto chef Richie Farina. Teich is halting Claudia as he’s struggled to find a space for a permanent home for a restaurant. He faces challenges despite a resume that’s included stints at L2O, Acadia, Sixteen, and NoMI. Claudia is a prix-fixe dinner series that started in 2015.
LINCOLN PARK— Sugar Fixe Pâtisserie has closed its location on the corner of Sheffield and Armitage, 958 W. Armitage Avenue. The windows are papered up. It has a suburban Oak Park location and it appears ownership plans on opening a West Town location, according to its website: “We are baking up something new. Coming to West Town soon!”
PILSEN— Fogata Village, a Mexican restaurant at 1820 S. Ashland Avenue, has closed in preparation of moving to the North Side. It heads to 4322 N. Western Avenue.
SOUTH LOOP— Polk Street Pub has closed its kitchen at 548 W. Polk Street. The bar will stay open until the end of the week.
WEST ROGERS PARK— Meerath Kabab House, a popular Pakistani restaurant at 2657 W. Devon Avenue, has closed. Michael Nagrant, the RedEye critic, was a fan.
February 14
BUCKTOWN— After more than seven years, Siboney’s Cuban Cuisine has closed on 2165 N. Western Avenue. The owners plan on moving to a new location but haven’t shared an address, according to a Facebook post.
LAKEVIEW— It’s been more than a month, but J.P. Burke’s Patio & Tap shuttered after a five-year run at 2913 N. Lincoln Avenue.
NORWOOD PARK — This week will be the last one for Ada’s Market & Deli, 6165 N. Northwest Highway. The Norwood Park Chamber says they’ll offer discounts to shoppers this week.
It is with a heavy heart we announce the closing of Ada's Market & Deli on Northwest Highway. Please be sure to stop in...
Posted by Norwood Park Chamber on Monday, February 12, 2018
DOWNERS GROVE— Longtime Italian restaurant Carlucci is closing, reported the Tribune. It had a 15-year run in the suburbs and was the last restaurant ran by respected restaurateur Joe Carlucci. Sunday’s its last day.
HIGHLAND PARK— After a little under six years in the suburbs, Merlo’s has closed at 581 Roger Williams Avenue in Highland Park. It was a family-friendly Italian spot.
HIGHLAND PARK— As spotted on LTHForum, Green Panda, a Chinese restaurant at 600 Elm Place in Highland Park has closed after 2 1⁄2 years.
HIGHLAND PARK— The final trio of Highland Park restaurant shutters comes from Tomo Sushi. It had operated at 675 Central Avenue for four years.
NAPERVILLE— Kick’s Chicken Cafe is closed after 4 1⁄2 years at 2728 W. 75th Street in Naperville, according to the Naperville Sun.
NAPERVILLE— The Sun also reported that Wayback Burgers has closed at 2775 Showplace Drive. It lasted about a year and a half.
NAPERVILLE— Haagen Dazs and Popcorn Palace both closed at 30 W. Jefferson Avenue. The Sun reported they were around for eight years.
February 8
CHINATOWN— Cafe Hoang, a Vietnamese restaurant with three locations, is closing its South Side spot at 232 W. Cermak Road. The chain still has locations in Uptown and in suburban Oak Park. The Chinatown location opened in 2006 and Thursday is its final day.
Hello everyone! After 12 amazing years in Chinatown, we’ve decided to make the difficult decision to close our...
Posted by Cafe Hoang Restaurant on Tuesday, February 6, 2018
LOGAN SQUARE— Half Italian Grocer has announced it will close in March at 2643 N. Milwaukee Avenue. The grocer sells baked goods, sandwiches, and more. It opened in 2012.
ROSCOE VILLAGE— The windows at Riverview Tavern, 1958 W. Roscoe Street, are papered over. The bar, which opened in 2005, appears closed. A phone message wasn’t immediately returned.
WICKER PARK— A popular spot for wedding cakes has closed in Wicker Park. Oak Mill Bakery closed about a month ago at 2204 W. North Avenue. They’ll still sell paczkis and more at its five other locations, including a Southwest side location at 5747 S. Harlem Avenue.
WESTMONT— Eater Young Gun Dave Park’s acclaimed Korean restaurant, Hanbun, has officially closed. Chef Park, and co-owner Jennifer Tran, announced their plans to close in November. Reservations for their special coursed-out dinners were booked months in advance. Hanbun made a small suburban strip mall a destination. They are looking for a new location.
January 30
LAKEVIEW— The Original Yak-Zie’s, a bar on the border of Lakeview and Lincoln Park, is closing on Wednesday after 52 years at 506 W. Diversey Parkway. The storied bar was also featured in the 1986 film About Last Night. There’s a second location in Wrigleyville. Ownership made the announcement via Facebook.
LINCOLN SQUARE— After nearly six years in business, daytime eatery, bakery and coffee spot Le Cafe is closing. Ownership teased a “next chapter” beginning March 1 on a Facebook post.
It is with a heavy heart that Le Café announces we are closing after a wonderful 5 1/2 years! We thank all the residents...
Posted by Le Cafe Chicago on Saturday, January 27, 2018
WEST LOOP— SuChi Sushi will close on January 1 at 651 W. Washington Boulevard. The Japanese restaurant, which opened in June 2016, announced the shutter via Facebook.
Dear sushi lovers, Don't miss the chance to have one more sushi lunch or dinner at SuChi Sushi before we are closing...
Posted by SuChi Sushi on Monday, January 29, 2018
SCHAUMBURG— The Clubhouse, the third restaurant to occupy the space at 1031 American Lane, near Woodfield Shopping Center, has closed, according to The Daily Herald. Before Clubhouse, the space was Grillhouse by David Burke. A location in Oak Brook remains unaffected.
January 25
LINCOLN PARK— The windows at Lincoln Park Stadium Club have been papered up and the blinds shut. No one’s answering the phone, and its Facebook page has been scrubbed clean. Normally open on Wednesday afternoon, the space was silent. The sports bar, a popular place for college fans, appears closed after a five-year run at 2423 N. Clark Street.
WEST LOOP— After opening in September at 176 N. Wells Street, Cubano Latin Street Food has closed its doors, as noticed by an LTHForum member. It served Cuban sandwiches and salad bowls. A person who answered the phone at the number confirmed it was closed.
ELMHURST— After closing its last retail location in 2017 in Oak Park, Red Hen Bread is no more. Its last day was Wednesday, January 24, as “they’re no longer supplying bread,” according to a phone greeting from its headquarters in Elmhurst. Red Hen in 2014 closed its Bucktown cafe, a neighborhood stalwart for 17 years. It also had a Lincoln Park location.
SKOKIE— McCormick & Schmick’s Seafood & Steaks has closed another Chicago-area location. Ownership has shuttered the restaurant at Old Orchard, 4999 Old Orchard Center in suburban Skokie. The brand, owned by Laundry’s, now has three locations in the area — Chicago, Oak Brook, and Rosemont. It closed a Gold Coast location over the summer. Loyalty club customers were notified last week via an email.
January 10
THE LOOP— Poag Mahone’s 13-year run ended right before Christmas. The Irish pub, once known for its burgers, is closed at 333 S. Wells Street.
The end of an era. So many memories, so many friends, so many family members. We will miss you all. So long friends, from Poag himself...
Posted by Poag Mahone's on Friday, December 22, 2017
MAG MILE— Basil Thai, a restaurant inside the 900 North Michigan Avenue shops, has closed. They’re not answering their phones and online ordering has been shut down. They first opened in 2005. An Oak Brook location closed in 2015 in the suburbs.
PILSEN— After three years, Andorka’s Sandwich Shop has closed at 2110 S. Halsted Street. The owners made the announcement via Facebook.
Happy New Year to our Facebook friends - Andorka’s Sandwich Shop is closed as of January 1st. We are so thankful for a...
Posted by Andorka's on Friday, January 5, 2018
WEST ROGERS PARK— Mom’s Bake Shop, a Filipino restaurant that lasted more than 30 years, has closed. They served lunch, dinner, and baked goods at 2415 W. Peterson Avenue. The Tribune first reported the shutter.
January 4
BOYSTOWN— Thirteen years of business in Boystown has come to end for Horizon Cafe. The family-owned diner has shut down at 3805 N. Broadway Street. The diner was a neighborhood fixture.
On behalf of John, Stella, George and I, we thank you for your warmth, love and support. We are all touched by your...
Posted by Horizon Cafe on Tuesday, January 2, 2018
LINCOLN PARK— Francophiles in Lincoln Park were dealt a blow as Aquitaine is closed after seven years at 2221 N. Lincoln Avenue. The restaurant gave residents a more refined experience, compared to the glut of cheaper restaurants in the area that catered to DePaul University students. It’s unknown how the closing of Children’s Memorial Hospital affected business. Many restaurants lost loyal customers after the hospital moved five years ago to Streeterville. Chef Holly Willoughby writes, via Facebook: “I am eternally grateful for this life experience. Stay tuned for my next adventure.”
It has been a beautiful experience to share closing my restaurant with so many great people. After seven wonderful...
Posted by Aquitaine on Monday, January 1, 2018
LINCOLN PARK— Wiki Wiki Poke Co. is closed at 2661 N. Clark Street. The independent poke shop lasted five months.
LOGAN SQUARE— After more than two years, The General is closing at 2528 N. California Avenue. The restaurant/bar made a name for itself with its pies, creative cocktails and tacos. Saturday is last call.
Friends of The General, we want to thank you for supporting us the past two and a half years at our Logan Square home....
Posted by The General Logan Square on Tuesday, January 2, 2018
NAPERVILLE— January 1 was the final day for Heaven on Seven in suburban Naperville. The restaurant opened in 2006. Chef Jimmy Bannos only has one Heaven on Seven location, on Wabash, remaining.
All good things must come to an end. As of 01/01/18 we are closed. Thank you to Downtown Naperville and all our guests...
Posted by Heaven on Seven Naperville on Monday, January 1, 2018
January 3
EDGEBROOK— After five years, Ivy’s Burgers, Hot Dogs, and Fries is closed at 5419 W. Devon Avenue. Yelp users say it’s closed, and a LTHForum member posted that signs for a new restaurant, Ruk Sushi Thai, have gone up. It’s unclear if this is a new location for the Jefferson Park restaurant or a replacement. The restaurant was closed for New Year’s Day and management couldn’t be reached.
LAKEVIEW— Blackwood BBQ has closed on the corner of Belmont and Sheffield at 962 W. Belmont Avenue. Ownership put up a sign explaining their decision, as most of their business was coming from catering and delivery. Locations in River North, West Loop, and the Loop remain open.
THE LOOP— Cavanaugh’s closed just before Christmas, ending a 28-year run at the Monadack Building, 53 W. Jackson Boulevard. The tavern served pub food, cocktails, and beer.
NORTH CENTER— Mr. B’s BBQ has closed at 4160 N. Lincoln Avenue. The catering business will remain and operate out of the same address, according to a Facebook post.
We thank you for all of your likes, shares and business over the past couple of years in North Center and it is with...
Posted by Mr. B's BBQ on Thursday, December 28, 2017
OLD TOWN— Garlic and Chili closed earlier this month after plans to demolish the Marshall Hotel began at 1232 N. LaSale Drive where it resided for more than a decade on the hotel’s ground floor. However, the Thai restaurant announced it’s moving to a new space at 1512 N. LaSalle Drive inside the renovated Carling Hotel. The new Garlic and Chili should open on February 2.
RAVENSWOOD— Mythos Greek Taverna, a Greek restaurant that opened in 2008, closed in December. The BYO spot was a neighborhood gem. Signs for a new Greek restaurant, specializing in street food, have gone up in the window at 2300 W. Montrose Avenue.
Ravenswood Greek spot Mythos closed after a decade in business pic.twitter.com/sAnmVerw7Y
— Tim Regan (@MrTimRegan) December 9, 2017
STREETERVILLE— 52Eighty Rooftop Lounge, the space inside the Cambria Chicago Magnificent Mile hotel, is now closed to the general public. The hotel has converted the space exclusively for private events at 166 E. Superior Street.
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