Coronavirus in Chicago: A running list of restaurants that have closed – Eater Chicago

A large number of Chicagos restaurants have shut down for the duration of Illinoiss ban on dining room service, now slated to potentially end in late June as part of Gov. J.B. Pritzkers Restore Illinois plan, but a growing group has closed permanently as the hospitality industry across the country grapples with an uncertain future.

Among the losses are beloved neighborhood institutions like Jeris Grill, as well as more recent establishments like Luellas Gospel Bird in Bucktown.

These closures are likely to mount in the coming months as restaurant owners face ongoing rent and utility payments. Some Chicago hospitality leaders are calling on the governor to allow dining rooms to open as early as June 1, but much still remains unclear about what a return will look like for workers and diners.

Below, Eater is cataloging permanent restaurant closures in Chicago. If you know of a restaurant, bar, or other food establishment that has permanently closed since the start of the pandemic, please email chicago@eater.com. We will continue to update this post.

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Bowmanville: Barbecue spot Baobab BBQ, which served ribs, rib tips, and brisket, is closed after two years. The restaurant added a South African touch to American barbecue, borrowing from several regions. Chef Andrew Dunlop made the announcement via Facebook on May 4.

Bucktown: Luellas Gospel Bird, chef Darnell Reeds (Luellas Southern Kitchen) fried chicken restaurant, is closed permanently, he told Eater Chicago on April 8. Prior to the pandemic, Reed was handling operations at both of his restaurants while also caring for his children. The restaurant relied in large part on catering orders, but the pandemic lead to mass cancelations and Reed decided to close the business.

Bucktown: Lauded local chef Mindy Segal told Eater Chicago on April 29 that shed permanently closed her popular restaurant Mindys Hot Chocolate after 15 years. Segal already had plans to close the restaurant by the end of May before the COVID-19 pandemic, but mandated dining room closures expedited the process. Shes transitioning toward converting the space into Mindys Bakery selling bagels, coffee, hot chocolate, and pantry items.

Bucktown/Lincoln Park: Toast, a much-loved 24-year-old breakfast and brunch restaurant with two Chicago locations, is permanently closed due to the impact of the coronavirus, according to owner Jeanne Roeser. She announced the closures on April 22.

Edgewater: The owners of Income Tax, a popular neighborhood restaurant and wine bar, announced it would not reopen in a Facebook post on May 9. The North Side restaurant managed to deliver an adventurous menu without alienating residents. Owners say theyll continue to sell alcohol to go while thinning inventory.

Hyde Park: Local dessert mini-chain Vanille Patisserie closed its Hyde Park storefront permanently on March 17. In a Facebook post, ownership pointed to the devastating economic situation caused by COVID-19. The business also has locations in Lincoln Park and in Chicagos French Market.

Lincoln Park: Specialty chocolate company Vosges Haut Chocolat has closed its retail location in Lincoln Park. Prior to the pandemic, the company operated another store on Michigan Avenue and two shops inside OHare International Airport. The Armitage shop served coffee and hot chocolate.

Lincoln Square: Iconic North Side 24-hour diner Jeris Grill is permanently closed after nearly 60 years. Jeris Grill was a part of the past living in a modern world, owner Di Piero writes in the closing announcement, posted May 9. Unfortunately the past can no longer survive in this post pandemic world...if these walls could talk they would tell beautiful and sad stories of many lives.

North Center: Gastropub and sports bar Monty Gaels Tavern and Grill is permanently closed after seven years. A for-sale sign hangs in the window.

Logan Square: Pioneering Macanese restaurant Fat Rice is closed for the foreseeable future after eight years. Adrienne Lo and James Beard Award-winner Abe Conlon also operated a neighboring bakery and a cocktail bar, and last year debuted a stall inside Fulton Markets Time Out Market Chicago. The pair have since transitioned the Fat Rice space into Super Fat Rice Mart, a general store sells $99 meal kits, groceries, and more.

Rogers Park: Family-owned Mexican restaurant Restaurante Cuetzala Gro is permanently closed after owner Saul Moreno died of coronavirus on April 15 at age 58, Block Club Chicago reported. Family members told reporters that the restaurant would never be the same without him and they felt it was best to shut down completely.

Streeterville/Lombard: Chicago-based 4 Star Restaurant Group has permanently closed two of its venues the Windsor in Streeterville and D.O.C. Wine Bar in suburban Lombard because of the coronavirus-related dine-in closures, according to social media posts from May 4. With a heavy heart, we are sad to announce that we are closing our doors for good due to the challenges surrounding the coronavirus shutdown, one post reads.

West Loop: New Orleans-style lounge the Front Room is for sale, according to a Facebook post from March 9. The spot opened in 2018 along Randolph Restaurant Row.

1747 N Damen Avenue, Chicago, IL 60647 773 489 1747

3243 N Broadway St, Chicago, IL 60657

160 E Huron St, Chicago, IL 60611

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Coronavirus in Chicago: A running list of restaurants that have closed - Eater Chicago