Chicago Restaurant Closings

Dia de los Tamales Closes After Six Years in Pilsen

The Block 37 location also shuttered

by Ashok Selvam@Shokdiesel Oct 23, 2018, 2:12pm CDT

Dia de los Tamales didn’t make it to the Day of the Dead this year as the popular tamale maker has closed both locations — the original in Pilsen and the one downtown at Block 37. Known for creative tamales — like a Chicago Italian beef variety — the shop lasted six years at 939 W. 18th Street.

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6 years after starting this crazy idea we call, Dia De Los Tamales, the owners have come to the difficult decision that it’s time to shut the doors at both locations for the final time, today, October 19th. We are beyond grateful for the amazing customers, near and far, the family and friends that have been along for all the ups and downs, our mentors and everyone else that has played a part in growing this concept into something larger than we ever could have imagined. We are most thankful for all the members of #teamtamale, past and present, we never would have made this dream a reality without you. THANK YOU! It’s a bittersweet ending to a beautiful journey! #diadelostamales

A post shared by Dia De Los Tamales (@diadelostamales) on Oct 19, 2018 at 4:25pm PDT

“We are beyond grateful for the amazing customers, near and far, the family and friends that have been along for all the ups and downs, our mentors and everyone else that has played a part in growing this concept into something larger than we ever could have imagined,” an Instagram message read.

The stores’ last day was Friday, October 19. In October 2017, owner Jeni Wahl and company opened the Block 37 location in the pedway. Carrying a Dia de los Muertos theme, the stand made pop-up appearances at major events like Lollapalooza. It also popped up when the Forum 55 food hall opened last year. A message to Wahl wasn’t immediately returned.

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