68 Chicago restaurants and bars that permanently closed

After 15 years in Rogers Park, this wine-centric cafe will close its doors on September 6. A post on the cafe's website cites the financial struggles of the past year and a half for the impending closure: "We didn't want to close that way, both for our employees and ourselves," owners Tom and Geri Foley wrote. "We fought hard to return in the spring of 2021 and it has been a remarkable recovery. However, the time has come again for us to close the door on this chapter of our lives." The post also says a potential sale could allow for the cafe to reopen under new management. 

Eater Chicago first reported the closure of this beloved sports bar on the Near West Side, where Bulls and Blackhawks fans would often flock after games at the nearby United Center. The building will now be home to a second location of the Lincoln Park pizzeria Ranalli's, which will reportedly open in October.  

Long-running—and Michelin-starred—fine dining institution Spiaggia has shut its doors after 37 years serving some of the city's most acclaimed pasta dishes and training star chefs like Joe Flamm (Rose Mary) and Sarah Grueneberg (Monteverde). A post on the restaurant's website announced the closure, stating that the cost of maintaining its Michigan Avenue location had become too expensive and that management had been "unsuccessful in [their] efforts with the landlord to restructure our soon-to-expire lease."

Shortly after earning its latest Michelin star, contemporary Japanese tasting menu restaurant Yūgen—known for melding Japanese cuisine with classic French cooking techniques, and for employing an all-female management team—announced its closure at the end of May. A press release stated that the closure stemmed from chef Mari Katsumura temporarily leaving the restaurant industry to "focus on personal needs," a decision that Katsumura and owner Michael Olszewski told the Chicago Tribune was amicable.  

This Mexican-American cafe in Ukrainian Village closed on May 16 after 12 years of serving up chilaquiles, tacos, pancakes, margaritas and more. El Metro was the sister restaurant of Gaudi Cafe, which closed its doors in April of this year.  

One Off Hospitality is doing away with fan-favorite River North restaurant Pacific Standard Time in order to make way for Avec's second location. PST executive chef and partner Erling Wu-Bower used the bright and airy space to crank out eats that seamlessly blended California sensibilities with Asian and Mediterranean influences. Avec 2.0 opens Friday, February 12, offering takeout, delivery and limited indoor seating.

Longtime North Center eatery Chicago Joe's is no more, according to Block Club Chicago. The building that houses the 33-year-old family-friendly restaurant is being torn down and replaced with luxury condos; it's been on the market for the past two years. Chicago Joe's has been closed to the public since October, when indoor dining restrictions tightened and forced restaurants to stick with carryout or go into hibernation.

The corner of Erie Street and Oakley Boulevard won't feel the same without this 51-year-old stalwart. According to a Facebook post from owners Michael and Carmela Fiore, the iconic West Town deli has officially closed its doors. "2020 made us realize that life is precious, we cannot take anything for granted, so by reflecting on this, we decided that was time to retire," the heartfelt letter to loyal customers reads.

One of the city's most treasured hot dog stands shut its doors for good after serving the Loop for decades. Owner Max Khan's daughter shared the news on Twitter, adding that the "little restaurant with its four stools (five on a good day) was the beating heart of this city to me." 

This Near East Side steakhouse has permanently closed, leaving behind locations in Texas and Florida. "After operating in Chicago for nearly a decade, the dining restrictions that were implemented as a result of the pandemic made profitability unattainable," a spokesperson for the restaurant said via email.

Stunning new date-night spot Good Fortune has reportedly closed, according to a feature in the New York Times that documented a local sous-chef's struggle to find stable employment this year. The subject of the piece, Jeff Danaher, staged at the Logan Square restaurant before it reportedly went out of business. Owners Charles Welch and Andrew Miller have not yet commented on the closure publicly.

Chef Shin Thompson's first-ever location of Furious Spoon has reportedly closed. The ramen shop at Six Corners in Wicker Park now sports a "for lease" sign in its window. You don't have to go far to get your noodle fix—outposts in Logan Square and Lakeview remain open for pickup and delivery. Plus, Thompson's new-ish ghost kitchen Bokuchan's Japanese Curry House offers one more way to try his beloved cooking.

After four years on Broadway, Uptown Arcade is hitting pause. According to Block Club Chicago, the arcade bar has vacated the space it once occupied in on the North Side. Owner Aaron Allen told the publication that he hopes to open a new location "when this blows over."

Another Chicago restaurant with multiple locations is tightening its footprint. On December 13, Devil Dawgs shuttered its maiden location at 2147 N Sheffield Avenue in Lincoln Park. The 10-year-old hot dog stand is survived by outposts in South Loop, Wicker Park and Lakeview, and ownership promises to return to Lincoln Park soon. "We’re looking for a new space in the neighborhood with hopes to reopen in summer 2021," reads a Facebook post shared on closing day.

Iconic Wicker Park restaurant Las Palmas is closing for good, but it's not all doom and gloom—ownership has transitioned the space into a more casual Mexican restaurant called Taquizo." As first reported by Eater Chicago, the kitchen will be helmed by chef Yanitzin Sanchez, who will be charged with executing a laid-back menu focused on Mexican street food. 

Humboldt Park staple Café Marie-Jeanne permanently closed in November after almost five years in the neighborhood. "We have to tell you. The string has run out for CMJ. We hung in as long as we could and it’s time to let go," reads an Instagram post from management. Despite its relatively short lifespan, the effortlessly cool and cozy French hangout managed to reach institution status in record time. It's the kind of place that you'd swear had been there for decades, even though it was just coming up on its five-year anniversary.

Indian restaurant Mysore Woodlands has closed "due to COVID distress and landlord disagreements," according to a Facebook farewell that was shared in early November. The Devon Avenue "corner store" leaves behind a legacy of tasty vegetarian and vegan fare as well as modern interpretations of traditional Indian dishes.

Morton's The Steakhouse has closed its first Chicago location, which debuted on State Street back in 1978. Fear not: You can still get your red-meat fix from outposts in Naperville, Northbrook, Rosemont, Schaumburg and at 54 E Wacker Drive.

River North loses an excellent Chinese restaurant as Imperial Lamian announces its permanent closure. The Indonesian import specialized in colorful soup dumplings, hand-stretched noodles and delicious char siu. "It is with heavy hearts we inform you that we are closing our doors after four years and eight months due to the challenges we faced as a result of the pandemic this year," management wrote in an Instagram statement. "... Thank you for the memories. We will cherish them forever." Sister spot Phat Phat remains open in Schamburg doling out dim sum, noodle dishes and shared plates to go.

It's last call for Danny's Tavern, a beloved Bucktown dive bar that's synonymous with dance parties, cheap beer and late nights. Musician Danny Cimaglio opened the neighborhood spot back in 1986, and over the past 34 years, it's become a candlelit beacon for DJs and revelers alike.

It was back in early October when a grease fire ripped through beloved Avondale diner Belmont Snack Shop, rendering the building uninhabitable. A few weeks later, owner Nelson Rodriguez took to Facebook to share more devastating news: "After a lot of thought and consideration and looking at every angle possible it is apparent to all of us at the Snack Shop that rebuilding and attempting to bring Belmont Snack Shop back to the community is not in the stars." The Rodriguez family is still raising money through GoFundMe to help with costs incurred by the devastating fire.

There's a good chance that if you've been to a Chicago street festival (remember those?) in the past five years, you've probably been tempted by Taco in a Bag. The Lincoln Square restaurant sadly closed at the end of October, leaving us craving its portable meals. Former competitive eaters Pat Bertoletti and Tim Brown brought the restaurant to Chicago from West Dundee back in 2015, introducing us to loaded meals in a bag, like the Norberto, which covered tortilla chips in spicy chicken, peppers, onions, pepper jack cheese, avocado-jalapeño sauce dried cranberries and cilantro.

The world's first Michelin-starred brewpub has shuttered and filed for bankruptcy, according to records obtained by the Chicago Tribune. Owners Michael Carroll and Craig Sindelar temporarily closed their Ravenswood restaurant in late June in an effort to "learn, and reflect on our faults, our deaf ears and the feelings of those who we have caused harm," according to a statement they released via a since-deleted Instagram account. This came after employees raised concerns about management's handling of allegations brought against a former chef.

Disclosure: Band of Bohemia formerly operated a kitchen at Time Out Market Chicago.

Riverfront restaurant Beacon Tavern has permanently closed. The dressed-up seafood spot was part of Gage Hospitality Group, which also owns the Dawson, Coda di Volpe and Acanto. Beacon Tavern landed downtown in 2016, with a happy hour-friendly bar and a cozy back dining room. Though the menu changed often, guests could always count on fresh oysters and cheddar bay biscuits baked to order.

The sophisticated restaurant in the lobby of the Ace Hotel has permanently closed. City Mouse was an all-day concept curated by celebrated chef Jason Vincent (Giant, Chef's Special Cocktail Bar). Like his other concepts, the menu here celebrated seasonal local produce presented in innovative ways. A note on the website reads, "Over the last three years, it's been an honor to have you here—to host your birthdays, anniversaries, first dates (the good ones), after-work happy hours and opulent weekend brunches. We're truly so grateful for you and your patronage (plus your adorable patio pups), and we’ll miss you."

Drag show destination Hamburger Mary's closed its Andersonville location on Sunday, November 1, 2020. "We want to thank everyone who has helped make Hamburger Mary’s a special place for almost 15 years... the staff, the entertainment, and especially our guests," a Facebook post announcing the closure said. 

After serving fanciful French fare for more than three decades, Michelin-starred Everest announced its final night of service. "Everest will be serving dinner for the last time on December 31, 2020, as the restaurant’s lease has expired," explains an Instagram post. "Chef J. Joho is extremely proud of Everest’s legacy and the many years that he and his team spent serving loyal guests." Joho told the Chicago Tribune that the building—425 South Financial Place—didn't want to renew the restaurant's lease but he was determined to stay open through the end for customers and staff. 

Neighborhood watering hole Schoolyard Tavern served its last call in early October, announcing via Facebook that COVID-19 sealed its fate. "Unfortunately, trying to run a sports bar in this new reality is just not sustainable," the post reads. "... Please take a look around and see the devastation happening to our fellow brothers and sisters in the bar/restaurant and small business communities. Please support your local, small businesses as much as you are able to."

Following the closures of its Humboldt Park spots C.C. Ferns and the California Clipper, Hogsalt Hospitality is also dropping West Loop darling Maude's Liquor Bar. The romantic standby opened in 2011 and specialized in French eats, seafood towers and excellent cocktails—all served in a dimly lit, chandelier-clad dining room. In a heartfelt letter posted to its website and signed "Maude," management wrote: "Someday, people may say that we were a victim of the pandemic of '20, but don't believe them. No, I simply knew it was time. All things must come to an end, mes chers, and so has Maude's."

This edgy Logan Square bar is closing for good to make way for an exciting new takeout-only sandwich shop from award-winning chefs Ryan Pfeiffer (Blackbird) and Mason Hereford (New Orlean's Turkey and the Wolf). Young American opened in early 2019 and touted a forward-thinking beverage menu that was rife with CBD-infused elixirs. Chef Nick Jirasek, who's staying on to help with the new concept, helmed the kitchen and cranked out remixed Filipino-American eats. 

After more than a decade in Lincoln Square, beloved beer bar and restaurant Fountainhead closed on November 14, 2020. "We have made every effort to make adjustments to operate in this 'new normal' but with limitations restricting revenue and without funding to offset this condition it is impossible to continue," ownership wrote in an Instagram post. Still, Fountainhead is leaving the door open, noting that they could reverse the decision if things change drastically and they might open a new venue when it makes sense. Stay tuned—and in the meantime, you can pick up cider, beer, spirits and other brews at the Fountainhead Market.

Loop lunch favorite Pierogi Heaven has apparently closed, as first reported by Eater Chicago, who noted that the restaurant's phone has been disconnected and its Yelp page has been marked "closed." The storefront specialized in borscht, Polish sausage and—of course—14 varieties of pillowy dumplings.

UPDATE: Guthrie's will reopen under new management sometime this year. 

This Wrigleyville institution cited heightened restrictions on bars due to COVID-19 as the primary reason for its demise. Guthrie's served its last round on July 23: "We have loved serving you for the past 34 years. We got to meet and know so many amazing wonderful people. Amazing people who turned into regulars, who turned into close friends and it was an absolute pleasure to get to know you all," management wrote in a Facebook post.

This larger-than-life River North restaurant is gone for good. "After careful consideration, we regret to inform you of the permanent closure of Barton G. Chicago due to difficulties related to the COVID-19 pandemic," a statement on the website reads. "We have thoroughly enjoyed serving the Chicago community and thank our hardworking team as well as our dedicated supporters." Barton G. continues to serve whimsical fare in Miami and Los Angeles.

One of the best coffee shops in Chicago is no more. Eater Chicago was first to report the closure of Finom Coffee, a cozy Irving Park haunt with serious charm and excellent Hungarian small plates. "We knew this was gonna happen and tried all we could to prevent it or at least delay it but in the end it is what it is," wrote co-owner Rafa Esparza in a bittersweet Instagram post. "I won’t go on about how 'heavy my heart is' because I’m genuinely not sad or angry, it was a beautiful moment in time and the whole crew fucking slayed from day one!"

It's closing time for Kiki's Bistro, a classic French hideout that has lovingly served the Near North neighborhood for several decades. "We appreciate the birthdays, anniversaries, special occasions and everyday meals that you spent dining and laughing with us," reads a heartfelt statement on the restaurant's website. "Those memories have sustained us through the last few months, as your visits did for those many years."

However, the announcement does leave the door open, noting that owner Georges "Kiki" Cuisance is keeping an eye out for "a potential petite Kiki’s—a tiny, cozy reboot with the potential to offer authentic French fare you love on a very intimate scale."

Iconic downtown steakhouse Lawry's dished out its final dinner service on New Year's Eve. The Los Angeles import settled into its home in the McCormick Mansion back in 1974 and became a fast favorite for its decadent prime rib, soul-warming Yorkshire pudding and mesmerizing spinning bowl salad. 

Bo Fowler's longtime Logan Square barbecue joint Fat Willy's shuttered for good after serving its final meal on Sunday, September 27. "It’s with deep gratitude and a true shade of sadness that we are announcing our closure at the end of this month," reads a heartfelt Facebook post from the restaurant. "... We have been serving the neighborhood for 19+ years and we have been humbled and honored to serve so many incredible guests. Many of you became a special part of our lives and it was an amazing thing to feed you all."

After briefly teasing a reopening following its September 2020 closure, Southport Lanes has closed for good. The 98-year-old boozy bowling alley and billiards hall has an illustrious history in Chicago. It was built back in 1900 by the Schlitz Brewing Company and has lived many lives since, including incarnations as a speakeasy, a brothel, a gambling facility, a beer hall and a polling place. The building underwent significant remodels in 1991 and again in 2003, and these days, Southport Lanes is a beloved neighborhood joint that specializes in craft beer and pub grub with a side of bowling and billiards.

With foot traffic down in the Loop, popular lunch haunt U.B. Dogs was forced to close after a decade of slinging dogs, brats, burgers and sandwiches. "While it breaks our hearts to announce our permanent closure, we wanted to take the time and properly thank our customers and family for their support over these last 10 years," reads a farewell post on the restaurant's Facebook page.

Wrigleyville sports bar Redmond's Ale House went out on a high note in mid-September: The day before it closed, the Minnesota bar showed the first Vikings game of the season. "There are not enough words to express all the memories that have happened within our walls or how much we will truly miss all of you," a final Facebook post reads. "Thank you for your patronage. Thank you for your support. Just thank you for being a part of Redmond's." Eater Chicago first reported the story.

Throughout its two-plus years in business, this Loop food hall hosted vendors like Firecakes, Piggie Smalls, Tempesta Market, Furious Spoon, FARE and Pork & Mindy's. But with many Chicagoans still working from home, the Loop doesn't get the weekday foot traffic it used to. Management remains hopeful that one day it might be able to resurrect their once-successful concept: "It is still unclear what the future will hold for the Wells Street Market, but we hope for the possibility of reopening one day when life goes back to some sense of normalcy," a press release reads.

Time Out restaurant critic Maggie Hennessy practically sang about her five-star dining experience at Passerotto, the  Italian-influenced Korean-American eatery from Jennifer Kim. Unfortunately, the Andersonville restaurant closed up shop on September 12. "The neighborhood, the guests and the community have shared with us the most memorable 3 years we’ve experienced in a long line of phenomenal memories," a note on the website reads. "Thank you to all who have spent time within our four walls; thank you to all of you who have supported, nurtured and guided our connections to each other."

It's hard to imagine the Loop without this iconic cafeteria-style steakhouse. After nearly 60 years of hospitality, Ronny's is turning off its neon sign for good and permanently closing its doors. Management posted a heartfelt message on Facebook, reading in part: "From the corner of Randolph and State to Clark and Lake and all the locations in between, Ronny’s has stood as a beacon welcoming all of Chicago, and those from around the globe, into our dining room and family. For this, we will be eternally grateful."

After 22 years in the West Loop, La Sardine has reached institution status thanks to its classic French fare and welcoming environs. The Chicago Tribune first reported that the restaurant has closed permanently due to coronavirus and a broken air-conditioning unit that would have cost $80,000 to repair. "We have seen the [West Loop] change completely but we have tried to remain consistent, delicious, but most of all that old school place that knows your name and is excited to see you again!" management wrote in a tear-inducing Instagram post. Sister spot Le Bouchon remains open for all of your French cravings.

Real Chicagoans know that the Harold's Chicken Shack on 87th Street has long been considered the crème de la crème of the franchise's locations. Owner Percy Billings says that he was forced to shutter the outpost at the end of July due to a rent spike. Devotees can still find the mild-sauce–smothered fried chicken and a few blocks east at Billings's Harold's Express location at 8653 S State Street.

The rustic, farm-themed eatery just off the Chicago Brown Line is closing its doors for good. Farmhouse served the River North neighborhood for nearly 10 years, specializing in hearty brunch dishes, stacked burgers, addictive cheese curds and a lineup of innovative cocktails.

One of the city's most exciting restaurants closes its doors after less than three years in West Town. "The time has come to say goodbye to our groovy, Atlantic-coast inspired French-Spanish-Basque funhouse, our Oasis of Joy," partner Scott Worsham wrote in a Facebook post. "Due to factors beyond our control, in addition to COVID-19, we have been forced to end our journey with Bar Biscay."

South Loop club and cocktail lounge Tantrum permanently shuttered following a 12-year run, as first reported by Eater Chicago. The Black-owned establishment signed off via Instagram, with a message that read in part, "Tantrum meant a lot to many people. For the more seasoned party goers, when we first opened it was the spot you just chilled at and it became your "Black Neighborhood Cheers." For those that are in their late 20s to mid 30s we were your first party spot, some couldn’t wait to turn 21 to go to Tantrum."

After decades of holding it down in Ukrainian Village, the Empty Bottle's longtime neighbor Bite Cafe is no more. But it's not all doom and gloom: Opening in its place is Pizza Friendly Pizza, a new venture from hospitality group 16" On Center and chef Noah Sandoval (Oriole, Kumiko, Kikko), who bring Sicilian-style pan pizza to the nabe.

Partners Paul Kahan and Donnie Madia told the Chicago Tribune that the decision to shutter 22-year-old Blackbird wasn't easy, but that operating a cozy restaurant at just 25 percent capacity wasn't a feasible business model moving forward. Blackbird opened back in 1997 as a pioneer of the West Loop neighborhood, long before it was the flashy dining destination it is today. In addition to holding a Michelin star for eight years, it has also hosted some of Chicago's best chefs, including Elske's David Posey, Pretty Cool Ice Cream's Dana Cree, Gaijin's Paul Virant and, most recently, Ryan Pfeiffer.

It's lights out for Rickshaw Republic, a vibrant Indonesian restaurant located in the heart of Lincoln Park. The BYOB-friendly spot was beloved for its jackfruit curry, coconut-scented rice and bala bala fritters.

Los Angeles import Katana has shut down its only Chicago location, which was situated just north of the House of Blues in River North. The high-end Japanese restaurant was known for its sushi and its expansive robata menu.

This iconic corner "slashie" situated on the border between Avondale and Logan Square was one of the pandemic's first closures. However, Block Club Chicago reported late last year that the building's owner plans to reopen the bar sometime in 2021—stay tuned. 

Heisler Hospitality's veg-forward West Loop restaurant Bad Hunter quietly shuttered in late June 2020, citing safety and financial concerns directly tied to the COVID-19 pandemic as culprits for the decision. It's not all doom and gloom: Later that summer, the hospitality group debuted Pizza Lobo in Logan Square, a concept that was born while the Bad Hunter crew was recovering from a kitchen fire in 2018.

Owner Glenn Fahlstrom penned a heartfelt farewell that chronicles the struggles many restaurants will face in the coming months: "The new restaurant model is asking owners to put employees in harms way so that their business can possibly survive. That's an 'acceptable risk' I cannot take."

You'll have to drive out to Western Springs to get your hands on this Italian restaurant's prosciutto-veal meatballs or focaccia with honeycomb, as the Taylor Street locations has permanently shuttered.

UPDATE: Block Club Chicago reports that Eden will reopen this fall at a new location in Avondale. 

Citing the "larger economic impact resulting from the coronavirus pandemic," the owners of Eden will shut down the breezy West Loop restaurant after dinner service on Saturday, July 18. Executive chef Devon Quinn will keep Eden's leafy spirit alive by moving his on-site greenhouse beds to a nearby garden project.

This oyster-slinging, French-inspired bistro shutters just a year after it came onto the scene, replacing Publican Anker in Wicker Park. In a goodbye letter on its website, One Off Hospitality partners write that "while the decision to close is a difficult one, the realities that restaurants across the country face are truly sobering."

Lincoln Square stalwart Jeri's Grill is throwing in the towel after more than 50 years of 24-7 service. "Unfortunately the past can no longer survive in this post pandemic world," a letter on the diner's door reads.

After nine years in River North, the lights are going out at this beloved burger bar that was known for its loaded patties and spiked milkshakes.

UPDATE: In July, Block Club Chicago reported that the California Clipper will reopen under new ownership sometime this fall, offering the same "look and feel" as before the bar closed.   

In May, restaurateur Brendan Sodikoff shuttered his two Humboldt Park spots, late-night cocktail den California Clipper and cool coffee shop C.C. Ferns, citing an inability to reach an agreement with the building's landlord. However, according to reporting from Block Club Chicago, landlord Gino Battaglia said Sodikoff stopped paying rent and ignored offers to reduce or defer rent.

Lauded as one of the best craft beer bars in Chicago, Links will always have a presence in Chicago, but it just won't be on Milwaukee Avenue in Wicker Park. Management hints that "this is not the end... it is simply a new beginning. Keep an eye on their Instagram account for pop-up booze and food offerings.

This award-winning Edgewater wine bar announced its plans to permanently shutter back in May, thanking customers and staff for their support throughout the years and during quarantine, when they operated a socially distanced wine shop out of their storefront. 

After serving Bucktown for 15 years, Mindy's HotChocolate closed to make way for Mindy's Bakery, chef Mindy Segal's brand-new concept that deals in bagels, bialys, cookies and cakes.

With an impressive 24 years under its belt, beloved brunch haunt Toast is no more. Owner Jeanne Roeser wrote a lengthy letter to faithful customers and staff, which reads: "I can't adequately express how much I will miss working with my staff and serving customers who have shared so much of their lives with me."

Chef Darnell Reed decided to close his spinoff chicken shop in Bucktown in May, but you can still get your hands on his cooking in Lincoln Square, where his first restaurant, Luella's Southern Kitchen, is still slinging shrimp and grits, fried chicken and beignets.

Sophie Evanoff's authentic French bakery shuttered its Hyde Park location in mid-March, just as dine-in service was being paused in Illinois. "We opened this special, vibrant community two years ago with big dreams and high hopes. Unfortunately, we are unable to sustain operations, especially given the devastating economic situation caused by COVID-19," a Facebook post read. You can still get your fix of Vanille's impeccable pastries at the bakery's locations in Lincoln Park and in the Chicago French Market in the West Loop.