Roscoe Village’s 20-Year-Old Southern Stalwart Will Close This Month for Relocation

A 20-year-old Southern restaurant and live music stalwart in Roscoe Village is closing and its owner is on the hunt for a new space. A sign in the window of Wishbone North informs customers that the location will close September 29 at 3300 N. Lincoln Avenue, and owner Guy Nickson confirmed the closure and relocation to Block Club Chicago. Ownership has not provided more information.

The owner of the North Lincoln Avenue building plans to divide the space to make way for a nail salon beside the restaurant now that its 20-year-lease is ending, according to Nickson. He plans to move the restaurant because construction on the building is expected to take four months and he wants to open sooner than that. Fans and would-be diners can expect the closure to last at least two months, and may check the Wishbone North website for updates.

Wishbone North owners describe its popular fare as Southern “reconstruction” cooking, a slightly healthier twist on Low Country, Piedmont, and soul food with influences from North Carolina and Louisiana. The all-day spot features comprehensive menus highlighting regional favorites like catfish, beef brisket, and chicken and waffles.

Nickson’s brother Joel Nickson and his wife Julie own the first Wishbone in the West Loop, where Joel also works as the chef. The restaurant flourished for 26 years on West Washington Boulevard until owners relocated in spring 2018 due to high rent costs. They launched the new location on North Jefferson Street that fall. The Roscoe Village location is under separate ownership, so the closure will not affect the West Loop restaurant.

Stay tuned for updates on where Wishbone North plans to set up shop. Block Club first reported this story.