German Beer Hall The Radler to Close After Five Years in Logan Square

The Radler, Logan Square’s German beer hall and restaurant that’s seen its share of changes since it opened in 2013, is closing at the end of the month. Owner Adam Hebert texted that its last day will be February 24 at 2375 N. Milwaukee Avenue. He says he informed staff and investors about the closure last week.

When it opened in December 2013, the restaurant served creative, upscale German fare — it even was supposed to include a fine dining German concept in a separate room named DAS. But the neighborhood never fully embraced upscale food there, forcing Hebert to tweak the business to concentrate more on the bar operations to draw more customers. Despite the changes, the Radler still couldn’t stay financially afloat.

“We are losing money,” Hebert texted when asked why the Radler is closing. “Right now we are weighing our options for potential partnerships for a change in concept or a sale of the business and its assets.”

While the Logan Square dining community was slow to embrace the Radler when it opened, the neighborhood has seemingly changed with new restaurant openings nearby including Daisies, Bixi Beer, Quiote, and Mi Tocaya Antojeria. The new guard has showed a market for sit-down restaurants in the area, something that wasn’t as apparent five years ago.

Hebert and former chef/partner Nathan Sears also opened a fast-casual space behind the restaurant in trying to create more casual business. DAS Kebab was short lived, but it served food at a lower price point, giving customers a choice. The space was also used for pop-ups.

Fans have 17 more days to visit the Radler. Stay tuned for news on whether it reconcepts or is sold.