It is with heavy hearts that we say goodbye to some of Chicago's most loved bars and restaurants due to the impacts of COVID-19.
We will continue to update this page as things move forward. For now, let’s remember the great ones that kept our hearts and bellies full for years.
Updated March 24, 2021
Photo via Facebook/Ballast Point Chicago
Ballast Point Brewpub
212 N. Green St. - West Loop
Fans of San Diego-based beer makers Ballast Point will be disappointed to learn that the Chicago brewpub won't reopen following its closure at the start of the pandemic. After less than three years in the West Loop neighborhood, ownership has determined that the Chicago outpost "didn't align with" the brewery's brand, according to the Chicago Tribune. The empty restaurant space is now available to potential new occupants.
Photo via Instagram/Santorini Restaurant
Santorini
800 W. Adams St. - Greektown
After 31 years, a Greektown classic has closed for the last time. Eater Chicago has details on the "abrupt" closing of the restaurant. Longtime patrons will remember Santorini for the display of the freshest octopus, fish and other seafood on display at the front of the restaurant—the best inspiration for determining your order.
Photo via Facebook/Paladar
Paladar Cuban Restaurant + Rum Bar
2252 N. Western Ave. - Bucktown
Nine-year-old Bucktown Cuban corner spot Paladar announced in a Facebook post last week that COVID-19 proved to be too much. The rum-stocked restaurant will not reopen following the pandemic according to the manager. Patrons are encouraged to visit its sister establishment El Cid for menu favorites and to show support.
Photo via Facebook/No Bones Beach Club - Chicago
No Bones Beach Club
1943 W. North Ave. - Wicker Park
Shark shots are sadly not more at this vegetarian hotspot. No Bones has permanently closed all of its locations across the country, according to the company's website. It looks as though menu favorites like the cauliflower wings might not be gone for good though. A retail line of products is in the works and coming to grocery stores.
PHOTO VIA NORTHALSTED BUSINESS ALLIANCE
Taco & Burrito Palace
3507 N Halsted St. - Lakeview
After 34 years of being one of Northalsted's favorite late-night food staples, Taco & Burrito Palace has closed its doors permanently. Their delicious Mexican food always hit the stop after a night out at the neighboring LGBTQ+ clubs on the strip.
Photo via Facebook/Max's Take Out
Max's Take Out
20 E. Adams St. - The Loop
The downtown area has lost another longstanding hot dog shop in Max's. In a Facebook post, ownership encouraged its customers to continue supporting small businesses through COVID-19.
Photo via Facebook/Fiore's Delicatessen
Fiore's Delicatessen
2258 W. Erie St. - Ukrainian Village
One of Ukrainian Village's most beloved delis has closed its doors for the last time after 50 years in the neighborhood. Fiore's ownership announced the closure in a Facebook post. Among its many menu items, the deli is best known for popularizing the pepper and egg sandwich in Chicago.
Photo via Instagram/Pacific Standard Time
Pacific Standard Time
141 W. Erie St. - River North
In February, One Off Hospitality group made the quiet decision to scratch plans to reopen its popular Pacific Standard Time restaurant in favor of replacing the space with its second location of Avec. The new restaurant is now open for dine in and to-go orders.
Photo via Facebook/Downtown Dogs
Downtown Dogs
804 N. Rush St. - Gold Coast
Chicago's Gold Coast neighborhood is losing its classic hot dog spot at the end of January. Since 1994, Downtown Dogs has been the perfect place to refuel after a day of shopping on Michigan Avenue or an evening of drinking at nearby Streeter's or Pippin's taverns. The restaurant will be open for service through January 30 and encourages you to stop by for one last dog. In a post on Instagram, ownership blamed the pandemic for the restaurant losing its lease and despite applying for multiple grants, "we unfortunately were not lucky enough to get enough to keep our doors open through these unfortunate times."
Photo via Facebook/Gino's East
Gino's East - Lakeview
2801 N. Lincoln Ave. - Lakeview
Sadly, people don't seem to want much deep dish pizza during the pandemic. Block Club Chicago reports that Bravo Restaurants, Chicago-based owner of the Gino's East restaurant chain, has closed the Lakeview pizzeria after it "wasn't doing well" in the last few months. Now the location has transformed into a dual concept kitchen, serving bagels in the morning and Italian food in the afternoons and evenings. Gotham Bagels and Eduardo's Enoteca are open now for online ordering. Anyone who has dined at this location in the past should remember the large outdoor patio area which will continue to be a big focus for the restaurant once the weather warms up in the spring.
Photo via Facebook/Dark Horse
Dark Horse Tap & Grille
3443 N. Sheffield Ave. - Lakeview
Wrigleyville staple Dark Horse closed for good on the Sunday following Christmas, Block Club reports. A Facebook post from the bar's owner detailed the struggles the bar faced through the pandemic even after receiving a federal Paycheck Protection Program loan. Dark Horse opened in 2003.
Photo via Facebook/Dante's Tavern
Dante's Tavern
2759 W. Augusta Ave. - Humboldt Park
In late 2018 beloved local pizzeria Dante's made its expansion to Humboldt Park for its first tavern-style restaurant. This December, Dante's Tavern's run came to a sad, unexpected end when owners announced it would be closing for good, citing the pandemic as the reason. The good news is that the tavern will live on at 1938 W. Chicago Avenue (the former home of High Drive) in the form of a "temporary extended pop-up." A Facebook post also revealed that Japanese restaurant Cat-Su Sando will be taking over the former Dante's Tavern space. Dante's Avondale and Logan Square pizzerias remain open and unchanged.
The pandemic has wreaked havoc on the Augusta and California intersection in Humbolt Park that Dante's once inhabited. This spring, popular cocktail bar and live music venue The California Clipper closed and last month Café Marie-Jeanne announced its closure.
Photo via Facebook/Furious Spoon
Furious Spoon (Wicker Park)
1571 N. Milwaukee Ave. - Wicker Park
Furious Spoon's original location in Wicker Park has closed for good as indicated by the "For Lease" sign in the window. The hip-hop loving ramen shop once had seven locations in Chicago and Evanston. However, according to its website, Logan Square and Lakeview are the only locations still in operation.
Photo via Facebook/Devil Dawgs
Devil Dawgs (Lakeview)
2147 N. Sheffield Ave. - Lincoln Park
Devil Dawgs' original location is closing after a decade in business. While no DePaul University student's experience will ever be quite the same, fans of the adventurous hot dog purveyors can still visit Devil Dawgs' South Loop and Wicker Park locations.
Photo via Facebook/Uptown Arcade
Uptown Arcade
4830 N. Broadway - Uptown
Block Club Chicago reports that this Uptown barcade has closed its original location. Uptown Arcade initially opened in 2016 and, according to the report, plans to reopen next spring following the pandemic.
Photo via Facebook/Cafe Marie-Jeanne
Café Marie-Jeanne
1001 N. California Ave. - Humbolt Park
Humbolt Park's most beloved European-style cafe has closed permanently. "We hung in as long as we could," ownership posted prior to the restaurant's final weekend of service. Café Marie-Jeanne was a popular spot for brunch, sandwiches, cheese boards and more. The shuttered restaurant marks the second permanent closing at one of the neighborhood's busiest intersections. The California Clipper, formerly located across the street, closed in the spring.
Photo via Facebook/Morton's The Steakhouse
Morton's The Steakhouse
1050 N. State. St. - Gold Coast
Following the most recent indoor dining ban in Chicago, Morton's original location has closed after 42 years. A leader in Chicago's competitive steakhouse scene, Morton's has been a leader in the industry since opening in 1978. Patrons can still place carryout and delivery orders from the restaurant's locations at 65 E. Wacker Pl. and in Rosemont.
Photo via Facebook/Imperial Lamian
Imperial Lamian
6 W. Hubbard St.
One of River North's most popular Asian eateries has closed its doors for the last time. Imperial Lamian served noodles, dumplings and other Chinese delicacies for nearly five years at the corner or Hubbard and State streets. The restaurant was well known for its beautiful dining room and colorful dishes. A Facebook post cited "challenges we faced as a result of the pandemic this year" as the reason for its permanent closure. Imperial Lamian's sister restaurant, Phat Phat Chinese, remains open in Schaumburg.
Photo via Facebook/Danny's Bar
Danny's Tavern
1951 W. Dickens Ave. - Bucktown
Bucktown hipster hotspot Danny's is officially closed Block Club Chicago reports. The bar was best known for its vinyl dance parties and Smiths night which drew lines down the block. Without the ability to host its full capacity due to COVID-19, the dance floor at Danny's was empty for much of 2020.
Photo via Facebook/Band Of Bohemia
Band Of Bohemia
4710 N. Ravenswood Ave. - Ravenswood
The Chicago Tribune has posted a report that Michelin-starred restaurant Band Of Bohemia has filed for bankruptcy and will remain closed for good. When the restaurant debuted in Chicago five years ago, it was a first of its kind in combining house-brewed beer and fine dining-quality food. Band Of Bohemia initially announced a temporary closure earlier in the summer following allegations of inappropriate treatment of female employees by management.
Photo via Facebook/Hamburger Mary's Chicago
Hamburger Mary's Chicago
5400 N. Clark St. - Andersonville
All-day drag and burgers will be no more at Hamburger Mary's after November 1. The Andersonville mainstay announced it will be closing next month after 15 years. In a Facebook post, the restaurant stated it planned to move in December when its lease ran out but the COVID-19 pandemic has forced a permanent closure.
Photo via Facebook/City Mouse
City Mouse
311 N. Morgan St. - West Loop
Ace Hotel's ground floor restaurant will ended services after October 18. In November, the space will reopen as a residency helmed by Michelin-starred Alinea. Reservations are open now. Longterm plans for the Ace's restaurant have not been revealed.
Photo via Facebook/Northside Bar & Grill
Northside Bar & Grill
1635 N. Damen Ave. - Wicker Park
Northside Bar & Grill— best known for great late-night bar food and an amazing beer garden—has permanently closed its doors Eater Chicago reports. This neighborhood favorite opened in 1989 on the corner of Concord and Damen and will be dearly missed by many Chicagoans.
Photo via Facebook/Maude's Liquor Bar
Maude's Liquor Bar
840 W. Randolph St. - West Loop
After nine successful years, Maude's Liquor Bar is permanently closed, according to a letter posted to the restaurant's website. The letter states that the closure doesn't come as a result of COVID-19, but it's worth noting this is the second Hogsalt restaurant and bar group closure this year. The California Clipper shuts its doors for good in the spring. Maude's opened in 2011 and was known for its delicious cocktails and French cuisine. We'll mourn the loss of its decadent seafood towers.
Photo via Facebook/The Flat Iron
The Flat Iron
1565 N. Milwaukee Ave. - Wicker Park
Late night dive favorite The Flat Iron was sold in mid-September and will reopen as a new concept, according to Block Club Chicago. The 4 a.m. bar's new owner also owns nearby Bourbon On Division and will be transforming the space into a live music venue. This isn't the first time the space has been used as a venue. It formerly housed The Note until 2008.
Photo via Facebook/Fountainhead
Fountainhead
1970 W. Montrose Ave. - Ravenswood
Ravenswood residents are feeling the loss of beloved neighborhood gathering place, Fountainhead. The gastropub was most known for its beer and whiskey menus and for elevating the typical bar fare offerings. The restaurant stated in a Facebook post that it is "financially impossible to operate past the rooftop season" and will be closing permanently after November 14.
Photo via Facebook/Mundano
Mundano
1935 N. Lincoln Park West - Lincoln Park
Just eight months after its debut, trendy Latin-fare-focused Lincoln Park restaurant Mundano has closed. Executive chef Ross Henke was a veteran of the now-closed Quiote in Logan Square.
Photo via Facebook/Gino's East
Gino's East
500 N. LaSalle Dr. - River North
Gino's East River North location has permanently closed, according to Eater Chicago. The pizza spot, which was especially popular with tourists, likely felt the strain of a lack of travelers this summer.
Photo via Facebook/Lawry's The Prime Rib
Lawry's The Prime Rib
100 E. Ontario St. - Streeterville
Not even the downtown area's longstanding steakhouses are safe from the effects of the pandemic. After 46 years of service, Lawry's will close permanently on December 31, 2020. The restaurant announced its plans in a Facebook post at the end of September.
Photo via Facebook/Pierogi Heaven
Pierogi Heaven
169 N. Wells St. - The Loop
Eater Chicago reports that Pierogi Heaven has said a quiet goodbye that will leave many downtown workers deeply upset once they finally return to the office. According to Eater, the restaurant—never known for its online presence—disconnected its phone number and is listed as "closed" on Yelp.
Photo via Facebook/Fat Willy's Rib Shack
Fat Willy's Rib Shack
2416 W. Schubert Ave. - Logan Square
Fat Willy's was always our favorite pre- or post-movie feast when catching a flick at the Regal City North theater across the street. We pour one out any time Chicago loses a barbecue purveyor to be honest. The nearly 20-year-old restaurant announced on Facebook in mid-September that it would close at the end of the month.
Photo via Facebook/Schoolyard Tavern
Schoolyard Tavern
3258 N. Southport Ave. - Lakeview
If you've ever lived in the Lakeview or Lincoln Park areas during your 20s, you absolutely spent at least one night at Schoolyard. The neighborhood bar was a one-stop-shop for college and pro sports and all the revelry that comes with them. The bar served its final drink on October 4. A Facebook post from bar owners encourages neighborhood residents to "please support your local, small businesses as much as you are able to."
Photo via Facebook/Twisted Tapas
Twisted Tapas
1146 W. Pratt Blvd. - Rogers Park
Rogers Park neighborhood served its last meal at the end of September after seven years in business. A post on the restaurant's Facebook page explained Twisted Tapas was "another casualty" of the pandemic.
Photo via Facebook/Southport Lanes
Southport Lanes
3325 N. Southport Ave. - Lakeview
Just shy of its 100th birthday, Lakeview longtime Lakeview favorite Southport Lanes is shutting its doors for good on September 27. Housed in a former Schlitz Brewery tied house building, Southport Lanes spent 98 years bringing bowling, billiards and beer to Chicago. According to various reports, without the ability to host bowling anymore, the Lane's limited dining and drinking tabs weren't making the cut. The sidewalk patio is open until its final day so you can work in one final visit.
Photo via Facebook/Wells Street Market
Wells Street Market
205 W. Wacker Dr. - The Loop
Established in 2018, Well Street Market food hall recently announced its permanent closure after a final service on Friday, September 18. The dining hall houses a handful of restaurants and bars including Fry The Coop, Tempesta Market, Firecakes and Grand Central Bar. To close out its final week, Wells Street Market has customer appreciation offerings on the menu. Stop by Grand Central Bar for drink specials and wholesale deals on all unopened bottles of liquor and spirits every day from noon until 7 p.m. On Friday, Fry The Coop will offer all patrons a free meal including a sandwich, fries and a drink.
Photo via Instagram/Original Harolds Chicken
Harold's Chicken #55
100 W. 87th St. - Chatham
Many Chicagoans, including Chance The Rapper, have gone on record saying Harold's #55 was the best one in the city. It's unclear how directly related to the pandemic the location's closure was, but Block Club Chicago quotes owner Percy Billings as saying, “The pandemic is still affecting my business. I didn’t want to go, but with everything going on right now it made sense to close.”
Photo via Facebook/Ay Ay Picante
Ay Ay Picante
4569 N. Elston Ave. - Albany Park
After 13 years of serving the neighborhood, Eater Chicago reports that Peruvian steakhouse and seafood restaurant has closed for good.
Photo via Facebook/Bar Biscay
Bar Biscay
1450 W. Chicago Ave. - West Town
On August 7, Bar Biscay owners posted a Facebook status announcing its permanent closure. The statement comes as a surprise given the sleek French-inspired restaurant's quick pivot to a bodega business model during the shutdown and its critical success over the past two years.
Photo via Facebook/Grand Trunk Road
Grand Trunk Road
1417 W. Fullerton Ave. - Lincoln Park
After opening in 2018, Grand Trunk Road was a much-loved modern Indian restaurant that showed promise of being a longtime neighborhood fixture. However, Eater Chicago reports that it has closed permanently.
Photo courtesy of Jo Communications
ZED451
739 N. Clark St. - River North
One of Chicago's largest and most popular steakhouses has closed. ZED451's social media accounts have been taken down and its website is now password protected.
Photo via Facebook/Guthrie's Tavern
Guthrie's Tavern
1300 W. Addison St. - Lakeview
The hits keep coming, even in Chicago's most popular neighborhoods. After 34 years serving as a Wrigleyville hideaway full of board games and good times, Guthrie's Tavern announced in a Facebook post on Monday, July 20, that with the latest round of restrictions set in place to prevent bars without food licenses from serving patrons indoors, the bar simply cannot carry on. It will close permanently on July 23.
Photo via Facebook/Farmhouse Chicago
Farmhouse Chicago
228 W. Chicago Ave. - River North
Fans of Farmhouse's funky, farm-to-table charm will be saddened to learn the restaurant has closed permanently according to a post from management. The restaurant spent nearly ten years operating under the Chicago Brown Line CTA station on a strip of Chicago Avenue that was otherwise slim on great dining options. Farmhouse's Evanston location appears to still be open at this time.
Photo via Facebook/Eden in Chicago
Eden
1748 W. Lake St. - West Loop
Eden has announced it will end services on July 18. The contemporary restaurant, known for incorporating ingredients from its own greenhouse into meals, successfully reopened its patio earlier this summer but cited the "larger economic impact" of the pandemic as its reason for ceasing operations.
Photo via Facebook/Chubby Wieners
Chubby Wieners
4652 N. Western Ave. - Lincoln Square
The loss of a great hot dog spot hits Chicagoans harder than most. Chubby Wieners was a long time (15 years) favorite in Lincoln Square and at festivals and other food-truck-heavy gatherings around Chicago. You'll be sorely missed.
Photo via Facebook/The Scout
The Scout
1301 S. Wabash Ave. - South Loop
Popular South Loop sports bar, and home to the foot-long grilled cheese sandwich, ceased operations in July.
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Rickshaw Republic
2312 N. Lincoln Ave. - Lincoln Park
Chicago's only Indonesian restaurant has closed its doors permanently. The owner and staff posted a heartfelt, cheerful video during the first week of July thanking the community for its support over the years.
Photo via Facebook/Blackbird
Blackbird
619 W. Randolph St. - West Loop
After spending two decades as a Chicago dining staple, Michelin-starred restaurant Blackbird has closed. Local dining enthusiasts and chefs have mourned the loss of the influential landmark.
Photo via Facebook/Bite Cafe
Bite Cafe
1039 N. Western Ave. - Ukrainian Village
The Empty Bottle's next-door neighbor won't be reopening in its current form. Instead, owners announced that Bite Cafe will take new form as a Sicilian-style pizzeria led by Oriole's Noah Sandoval.
Photo via Facebook/Big & Little's
Big & Little's - Logan Square
3000 W. Fullerton Ave. - Logan Square
One of Logan Square's largest patios—and home to the soft-shell crab sandwich—is no more. The business was sold to Heisler Hospitality (Sportsmans Club, Pub Royale) in June and will reopen as a takeout-only pizzeria named Pizza Lobo.
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Photo via Facebook/Mercury Theater
Mercury Theater
3745 N. Southport Ave. - Lakeview
Chicago's theater scene isn't immune from the losses suffered at the hand of the coronavirus. Mercy Theater won't be returning. A Facebook post announced the theater's permanent closure in June and paid tribute to the beautiful accomplishments of its casts and crew over the last nine years.
Photo via Facebook/Bad Hunter
Bad Hunter
802 W. Randolph St. - West Loop
This one hurts, veggie lovers. Bad Hunter—a restaurant concept from Heisler Hospitality (Lone Wolf, Pub Royale)—was able to overcome the fire it suffered in 2018, but a loss of revenue during the city's dining restrictions was too great to keep it open.
Photo via Facebook/Bonci USA
Bonci - Wicker Park
1566 N. Damen Ave. - Wicker Park
Roman-style pizza is no longer readily available in Wicker Park. International quick-service pizzeria Bonci's number of Chicago locations has been halved with the closing of its Wicker Park restaurant. The West Loop remains safe and open for takeout, delivery and patio dining.
Photo via Facebook/Cafe Cancale
Cafe Cancale
1576 N. Milwaukee Ave. - Wicker Park
Just a year after opening and replacing the former Publican Ankor, Cafe Cancale's permanent closure leaves a vacant corner at the Milwaukee/Damen/North aveneues intersection.
Photo via Facebook/The California Clipper
The California Clipper
1002 N. California Ave. - Humboldt Park
Not only was this Humboldt Park mainstay a great place to get a fantastic classic cocktail, it always hosted a diverse lineup of local bands, burlesque performers and other artists. The cause for the closure is assumed to be due to the COVID-19 shutdown, however, it seems to be a developing story. In any case, we’ll certainly miss tucking ourselves away in a booth during the long Chicago winters and warming up with a negroni under the Clipper’s dim red lights.
Photo via Facebook/Vanille Patisserie
Vanille Patisserie - Hyde Park
5229 S. Harper Ct. - Hyder Park
Life in Hyde Park became a little less sweet when Vanille Patisserie announced in a Facebook post that its Hyde Park location was unable to sustain operations through the shutdown and ceased business immediately.
Photo via Facebook/Toast
Toast
2046 N. Damen Ave. - Bucktown
746 W. Webster Ave. - Lincoln Park
Sadly, brunch won’t ever be the same in Chicago once we reach the other side of this due to the loss of Toast. Both of its locations closed in relation to the stay-at-home order after serving the city for 24 years.
Photo via Facebook/Hot Chocolate Chicago
Mindy’s Hot Chocolate
1747 N. Damen Ave. - Bucktown
Chicago’s efforts to stop the spread of coronavirus may not have been entirely responsible for Mindy's Hot Chocolate’s exit after 15 years, however, it did speed up the process. Owner Mindy Segal used the closure of Chicago dining rooms as an opportunity to launch her new concept in the same space: Mindy’s American Bakery. So, this one’s not all bad news!
Photo via Facebook/Crown Liquors
Crown Liquors
2821 N. Milwaukee Ave. - Logan Square
Popular bar, packaged good store and live music venue Crown Liquors broke our hearts by announcing its permanent closure in April. The “slashie” was a hot spot for the neighborhood’s music and arts community, even after its remodel in 2015. Play a game of “Hot Dice” at home in its honor.
Photo via Facebook/Links Taproom
Links Taproom
1559 N. Milwaukee Ave. - Wicker Park
Known as a gathering place for beer enthusiasts and Phish livestream viewings, the spring shutdown of Chicago marked the end of Link’s Taproom in its Wicker Park home. However, a Facebook post from management indicates a future for Link’s—perhaps in the form of pop-ups or a new location.
Photo via Nacional27Chicago.com
Nacional 27
325 W. Huron St. - River North
Lettuce Entertain You’s River North hub for drinks and dancing won’t be returning following the restaurant closure. The closure was announced in March.
Photo via Facebook/Simply It
Simply It
2269 N. Lincoln Ave. - Lincoln Park
Vietnamese restaurant Simply It, one of our favorite destinations for pho, closed in April after 14 years. The owners cited the loss of revue during the shutdown as the cause.
Photo via GoFundMe.com
Jeri’s Grill
4357 N. Western Ave. - Lincoln Square
This one really hurts. Jeri’s was a Chicago institution for nearly 60 years before announcing its closure in May. Where else could you get ham-on-the-bone 24 hours a day? Chicago’s greasy spoon landscape will never be the same.
Photo via Facebook/Odd Obsession
Odd Obsession
1830 N. Milwaukee Ave. - Bucktown
Though not a bar or restaurant, Odd Obsession really held a special place in our hearts. The video rental store proved why its outdated model survived in contemporary times by always stocking a truly unique collection of 25,000+ foreign, cult classic and other niche films. We’ll miss it terribly no matter the reason, but Block Club Chicago reports the closure may have been looming even prior to the stay-at-home order.
Photo via Facebook/Luella's Gospel Bird
Luella’s Gospel Bird
2009 N. Damen Ave. - Bucktown
Just over a year after opening, soul food spot Luella’s Gospel Bird announced it won’t be reopening following the pandemic. Its sister restaurant, Luella’s Southern Kitchen in Lincoln Square, is still open and offering food to go.
Photo via Facebook/Income Tax
Income Tax
5959 N. Broadway - Edgewater
Edgewater neighbors mourned the loss of their local watering hole when Income Tax announced it won’t be reopening following the shutdown. The owners thanked patrons and staff in a Facebook post made in early May.
Photo via Facebook/Ditka's Chicagoland
Ditka’s
100 E. Chestnut St. - Gold Coast
Not even da coach can recover from every fumble he’s dealt. Ditka’s, namesake restaurant for the famous Chicago Bears coach, will not be reopening following the stay-at-home order. If you’re missing the Ditka’s experience, the Oak Brook Terrace and Pittsburgh locations appear to be remaining open...so hit the road.
Photo via Google Maps
Taqueria Sabor Y Sazon
2018 S. Blue Island Ave. - Pilsen
After seven years, this husband-and-wife-owned taqueria wasn’t able to survive the loss of business during COVID-19. If you were able to savor the restaurant’s signature homemade mole sauce, you’re surely left with good memories. If you would like to send donations to the business’s family, a GoFundMe campaign has been set up.
Photo via Facebook/Mo Dailey's
Mo Dailey's Pub & Grille
6070 N. Northwest Hwy. - Norwood Park
It's the end of an era for Mo Dailey's. The neighborhood bar announced its closure at the beginning of June. The space has been sold to new owners with plans to introduce a new concept.
Photo via Facebook/The Chicago House Of 'Za
The Chicago House Of 'Za
1939 Byron St. - North Center
North Center's home to vegan pizza won't be coming back to the neighborhood. Opened in March, 2019, the pizzeria posted an announcement that it will be permanently closing on June 20. The restaurant owner cited the pandemic as well as the "enormous cost of operating a business in Chicago" as reasons for the closure.
Photo via Facebook/Congas
Congas
7021 W. Higgins Ave. - Norwood Park
Congas, a Latin American restaurant, bar and danceclub, will not reopen following COVID-19. The owner made a heartfelt post on Congas's Facebook page noting, "Covid-19 made me realize the most important things in life. Having this time off from the restaurant, made me appreciate more my time with my family."
Photo via Facebook/Hot G Dog
Hot G Dog
5009 N. Clark St. - Andersonville
Andersonville's Hot G Dog—most famously known as the home to former Hot Doug's employees carrying on the restaurant's legacy—will be closed at least through the end of the year. The popular hot dog shop's business took a significant hit when the stay-at-home order went into effect. A Facebook post from management does indicate that a new location is in the works...eventually.
Photo via Facebook/Fahlstrom's Fresh Fish Market
Fahlstrom's Fresh Fish Market
1258 W. Belmont Ave. - Lakeview
Fahlstrom's was a favorite of many in the Lakeview neighborhood. It was also home to "The Crabster" sandwich—a delicious blend of Alaskan king crab meat, boursin cheese and coleslaw on a toasted New England roll. On June 1 owner Glenn Fahlstrom posted an authentic message to the restaurant's website letting patrons know the restaurant would not reopen. Fahlstrom observed the new capacity rules and other safety precautions would make it too difficult to make ends meet.
The Pepper Canister
509 N. Wells St. - River North
In a poetic farewell, The Pepper Canister's owner took to Facebook in mid-June to announce the River North watering hole had run its course and would not be reopening to serve refreshing spirits daily.
Photo via Facebook/25 Degrees
25 Degrees
736 N. Clark St. - River North
Summertime in Chicago will be a few boozy milkshakes short this year. After nine years in River North, 25 Degrees announced on Facebook that "due to the current situations," the burger spot will not be reopening.
Photo via Facebook/Francesca's
Francesca's On Taylor Street
1400 W. Taylor St. - Little Italy
Francesca's Taylor Street location is permantely closed and has been removed from the company's website. The locations in Gold Coast, Lakeview and Oak Lawn remain unaffected.
Photo via Facebook/Davanti Enoteca
Davanti Enoteca
1359 W. Taylor St. - Little Italy
Another Taylor Street classic from the same management of Francesca's will not be reopening and Little Italy will never be quite the same. Devoted fans of the restaurant can travel to Western Springs, Illinois, to visit its suburban location.
PHOTO VIA FACEBOOK/LITTLE JIM'S
Little Jim's
3501 N. Halsted St. - Lakeview
The oldest LGBTQ bar on the Northalsted strip, and Chicago's second-oldest LGBTQ bar, Little Jim's closed it doors permanently in early-July. While this historic venue's closure is sad for the neighborhood and regulars, the space is in negotiations to be a new center for Howard Brown Health.
