Acclaimed Barstaurant Old Town Social Shutters After Nine Years

After nine years in business on North Avenue, acclaimed bar and restaurant Old Town Social is no more. Management announced in a Facebook post that they sold the building at 455 W. North Avenue and that Old Town Social’s last day in business was Sunday.

Old Town Social, known for its upscale bar food and a more sophisticated space and vibe than most bars at the time of its opening in 2009, was the first venture for now-acclaimed restaurant group Element Collective. Its food, most notably its house-made charcuterie, turned chef Jared Van Camp into a local culinary star. The group followed its success by openingNellcote, RM Champagne Salon, multiple Leghorn Chicken locations, and Kinmont, the last of which is also shuttered.

Word started spreading last week that Old Town Social could close soon but ownership declined to confirm the news then or elaborate on the decision. The only additional reasoning for the move revealed in the Facebook announcement, which also thanked staff, regulars, and the neighborhood, is that “the timing just seemed right to focus on the sale and to fully embrace this next chapter in our lives.” There’s no word on who bought the building and whether another restaurant or bar could take over the space.