September 17
ALBANY PARK — Moody, intimate cocktail bar Bokeh is slated to open September 30, according to owner Rick Weber. The date was also posted to social media, where Weber has documented the construction process on the space at 4716 N. Kedzie Avenue. Weber also has lined up the first local artist to display mixed media pieces in the space.
EAST GARFIELD PARK — The team at Passion House Coffee Roasters has more news up its sleeve on the heels of opening a Goose Island coffee shop this summer. Leadership plans to relocate its Near West Side roastery to 328 N. Albany Avenue into a warehouse space that’s triple the size of the current location, according to Block Club. It will also house a cafe and employ veterans.
LAKEVIEW — Punny CBD breakfast spot Wake ‘N Bacon was originally slated to open this summer at 420 W. Belmont Avenue, but owners Gabriel and Sarah Ayala have pushed back the launch to November, according to a representative. The couple plan to offer CBD add-ons to every food or drink item.
LINCOLN PARK — San Francisco coffee chain Philz Coffee is rapidly expanding its Chicago footprint, with a third Chicago location planned for 2323 N. Lincoln Avenue. Opening events are planned for neighborhood residents starting September 26, and the shop will open to the public two days later.
SOUTH LOOP — Anthony Bernal (Mastro’s Steakhouse) is now hiring staff for his upcoming seafood restaurant Harbor in the former Gioco space at 1312 S. Wabash Avenue. News of the restaurant’s progress first appeared on Sloopin, and applicants can get the details online.
SOUTH LOOP — Signs outside 1140 S. Wabash Avenue indicate that a Jet’s Pizza location is imminent, according to photos posted to Sloopin. Last December, the blog reported that a Chipotle was going into the space but that hasn’t come to fruition. The address was previously listed on the burrito chain’s website, but the company has since removed the reference.
STREETERVILLE — WoodWind is the name of a regional restaurant featuring small plates that’s coming to the former GreenRiver space on the 18th floor of the Lavin Family Pavilion at 259 E. Erie Street. Craveable Hospitality Group’s — formerly the David Burke Group — plans to open a restaurant at that address were first reported in July. Michelin-starred GreenRiver shuttered last year after less than two-and-a-half years in business.
THE LOOP — The owner of Jiao, the new downtown dumpling expansion of Chinatown’s Qing Xiang Yuan, has pushed pack its opening date due to inspection delays. Originally scheduled to open on September 30, it’s now slated to debut on October 3 debut with a grand opening on October 12.
UPTOWN — The opening ofClub Della Robbia, the forthcoming blues club from the owner of famed the Green Mill, is delayed at 4804 N. Broadway Street. The project, first reported in September 2018, will likely take some time, owner Dave Jemilo told Block Club. He did not specify an opening timeline. The space formerly housed landmark gay sports bar Crew Bar and Grill, which closed in 2006.
WEST TOWN — New sweet spotDonutSlut plans to start serving coffee and sugary booze-infused treats at 1601 W. Grand Avenue by the end of the year, owner Blake Seitz told neighbors in a community meeting that was reported by Block Club. The shop’s on-trend offerings will include “the Claw,” (white chocolate doughnut, black cherry White Claw-infused glaze). The building was previously occupied by a currency exchange.
MORTON GROVE — Louisiana fried chicken chain Raising Caine’s received a special use permit from trustees allowing construction to commence on a 3,300 square-foot restaurant on the southeast corner of Dempster Road and Waukegan Road in suburban Morton Grove. Trustees noted that construction needed to be expedited because rest of the units in the forthcoming development are already underway, according to the Tribune.
SKOKIE — Evanston’s Sketchbook Brewing Co.plans to open another brewery taproom in a neighboring Chicago suburb. The production facility is slated to open in early 2020 at 4901 Main Street in Skokie and owners plan to open a taproom that spring or summer, representatives wrote in a news release. The building will also include an event space for live music and private parties.
September 3
BRIDGEPORT — The husband-wife team behind essential brunch stalwart Nana and Caribbean restaurant Ajo plans to open Mexican spot Taco E this week, according to a Facebook post. Located at 750 West 33rd Street, it shares a building with its sister restaurants. Taco E will first open as a carry out-only location, and owners plan to open an adjacent fast-casual sit-down restaurant with an expanded menu and alcohol next summer, representatives wrote in a news release. Block Club has more on the story.
FULTON MARKET — New York-based tapas mini-chain Boqueria is slated to open in November at the 811 Fulton development at 807 W. Fulton Market, according to a chef de cuisine job posting on Culinary Agents. Ownership also posted listings for a sous chef, a general manager, and a front-of-house manager. It’ll be the Spanish bar and restaurant’s seventh outpost, following four New York locations and another two in Washington D.C.
HUMBOLDT PARK — Isaac Liberman, owner of adored Ukrainian Village bar EZ Inn, now holds permits to renovate and expand a new bar at 1108-110 N. California Avenue, the first movement on the bar project since 2017. At the time, he told Eater that he hopes to create a dark neighborhood bar with a huge outdoor space and great finger food. The $250,000 permit allows Liberman to build a patio, according to Block Club.
LOGAN SQUARE — New “neighborhood watering hole” Welcome Back Lounge is slated to open next spring at 2423 N. Milwaukee Avenue beside sister restaurant the Whale, representatives wrote on Instagram. Block Club likened the concept to 1970s sitcom “Welcome Back Kotter,” and the bar’s social media refers to a celebration of the 70s and 80s. Social media photos highlight dishes including michelada wings, patty melts, and bread pudding.
WEST TOWN — Beatnik’s Bonhomme Hospitality Group now plans to open Spanish-Portuguese restaurant and wine bar Porto this fall, Block Club reported. The space at 1600 W. Chicago Avenue is right beside the group’s flagship restaurant. Diners can anticipate dishes inspired by Galicia and Portugal cooked over an open flame, as well as a backyard garden. A Byline Bank previously occupied the location.
BARRINGTON — Ala Carte Entertainment plans to open a flagship location of Moretti’s Ristorante and Pizzeria this month in the former Wool Street Grill and Sports Bar at 128 Wool Street near the Barrington Metra station, according to the Daily Herald. The chain has nine suburban locations and will include an outdoor patio and a special cafe section for commuters.
NAPERVILLE — St. Louis-based Korean-Mexican street food chain Seoul Taco is bound for the ‘burbs with an opening planned this month at 206 S. Washington Street in Naperville. Originally a food truck, the brand has outposts in River North and Hyde Park, along with three locations in its home state of Missouri. Diners can expect hip hop, murals, and plenty of kimchi, the Daily Herald reported.
OAK BROOK — Arizona-based chain True Food Kitchen is coming to Oakbrook Center at the end of November, according to the Chicago Tribune. The location is also listed on the chain’s website at 105 Oakbrook Center #105, in Oak Brook. Founded by celebrity doctor and alternative medicine champion Dr. Andrew Weil, the chain, which first came to Chicago with a River North location opened in 2017, offers a detailed menu designed to accommodate various diets and food restrictions.
ROSEMONT — Self-service bar Tapville Social, a franchise of suburban brand Red Arrow Tap Room, is coming to the Fashion Outlets of Chicago mall, management wrote in a Facebook post. Drinkers and shoppers can expect 10 draft beers near the food court on the first floor, and will be able to wander the mall with refillable glasses, the Daily Herald reported.
SCHAUMBURG — Shao Hong Tang, owner of Chinatown restaurant Sze Chuan Cuisine, plans to open Cajun spot Louisiana Crab and Seafood at 410 W. Higgins Road in Schaumburg. The address formerly housed Indian sweets cafe Mooh Mitha. Tang will offer seafood delights like crawfish, blue crab, lobster, and clams cooked in the Cajun style, according to the Daily Herald. It’s slated to open this fall.
SCHAUMBURG — Virtual gaming bar and restaurant chain Topgolf is coming to 2050 Progress Parkway in Schaumburg this fall, the Daily Herald reported. Amenities will include a full-service restaurant and bar, as well as 100 “hitting bays,” more than 200 HDTVs, and a rooftop terrace with a fire pit. The chain already operates Illinois locations in suburban Naperville and Wood Dale, and a special “Swing Suite” on the ground floor of the downtown Chicago Athletic Association Hotel.
VERNON HILLS — Local tavern group Bottleneck Management has another suburban City Works brewpub location planned, this time at 929 N Milwaukee Avenue in Vernon Hills. It’s slated to open next month, according to the Daily Herald. Known for its emphasis on draft beers and rare brews, the chain opened a Wheeling location in July.
August 20
ANDERSONVILLE — A new restaurant and bar called Gadabout is slated to open in September at 5212 N. Clark Street, management wrote on the venue’s Facebook page. It’s moving into the space left by the now-shuttered location of gourmet market Pastoral and neighboring wine bar and restaurant Appellation. Representatives aren’t yet ready to share details on the space and menu.
GAGE PARK — Coffee shopHogar Cafe posted a “coming soon” notice to Facebook last winter, but little else is known about the space at 2753 W. 55th Street. A call to the number listed on the shop’s Facebook page went unanswered, and representatives have not yet responded to a request for details.
HUMBOLDT PARK — Bárbaro Taqueria y Cantina opens next week at 2525 W. North Avenue, according to an Instagram post. “We are ten days away from sharing a cocktail (or several) with you for our opening day!” ownership wrote on Sunday. Photographs of a few selections are also available on social media, including the Barbaro Paloma (tequila, St. Germain, grapefruit, lime, soda, poblano black salt) and a “Taco Bárbaro-Arrachera” with nopales salad. The location previously housed West Town Pizza Shop, which closed in 2017.
JACKSON PARK — Food, drink, and entertainment venue Reggie’s on the Beach from the owner of South Loop club Reggie’smay be open by Labor Day, according to Block Club. Located in a section of the 100-year-old 63rd Street Beach House at 6245 S. Lake Shore Drive, the long-awaited project will reportedly include a 60-foot deck, a stage, WaveRunner and paddle board rentals, and beach-friendly food like brats and wings.
LOGAN SQUARE — Signs are up at Victory Grill, a new venture from the owner of Hollywood and White Palace grills, at 2246 N. Milwaukee Avenue. A Facebook post includes photos of interior and exterior of the nearly-complete restaurant and says that it will open soon. The space’s former tenant was popular loncheria Cafe Mariano’s, which closed in 2016.
SOUTH LOOP — A sign in the window in the former Villains craft beer haven at 730 S. Clark Street indicates a new restaurant is on the way, according to a Sloopin post. All-Star Seafood & Sports is apparently “coming soon,” but the brand has no online or social media presence. Villains shuttered in August 2018.
THE LOOP — JIAO, the hotly anticipated spinoff of Chinatown’s Qing Xiang Yuan Dumplings, is slated to open September 18 at 18 S. Wabash Avenue, a representative confirmed. Owner Eric Zhou plans to keep dumplings flowing out of the kitchen to feed 500 customers every day with the help of a mobile app he helped design that allows diners to order ahead for pick-up.
THE LOOP — Vietnamese mini-chain Lotus Cafe and Bahn Mi Sandwiches is expanding its Chicago footprint with a fourth location, according to a Facebook post and website listing. The new shop at 200 W. Adams Street is slated to open this fall. Owners already operate locations in the Loop on West Washington Street, University Village, and on South Walcott Avenue.
THE LOOP — The team at Jewell Events Catering has applied for liquor licenses at 65 E. Adams Street, and representatives confirmed that a restaurant named Opus is in the works. The address was previously home to popular theater district Italian restaurant Tesori, which closed after six years in May. Management won’t yet share details or an opening timeframe.
WEST LOOP — Suburban-based developer Marquette Companies has a plan to build three new apartment buildings and one restaurant on the 1400 block of West Randolph Street, razing the building that formerly housed Bill Kim’s BellyQ and UrbanBelly, according to Block Club. One of the buildings would host a second location of Bloomington’s 25 West Brewing Co. at 1400 W. Randolph Street. Representatives from 25 West Brewing have not yet responded to a request for information.
WEST LOOP — Paul Virant’s forthcoming restaurantGaijin is coming to 950 W. Lake Street in late September or early October, according to a news release. Focused on okonomiyaki, savory Japanese pancakes, the menu highlights Hiroshima and Osaka styles and Japanese-influenced desserts from pastry chef Angelyne Canicosa (Vie, Vistro). The space will include a 12-foot custom griddle as well as individual griddles for table service.
WICKER PARK — Little Victories, the new bar and restaurant opening in former sports bar the Anthem, is slated to open soon at 1725 W. Division Street, Block Club reported. Footman Hospitality shuttered the Anthem in January after more than seven years to reconcept the space but didn’t specify any plans at the time. The group also operates Spilt Milk, Bucktown Pub, and Bangers and Lace.
GLENVIEW — A new suburban sweet spot calledChurro Parlor is coming to 9705 N. Milwaukee Avenue in Glenview, according to owner Joseph Parra (Cafe El Tapatio). Parra hopes to open by September 15, just before Mexican Independence Day, he wrote in an email. A huge pink sign outside the forthcoming location advertises churros, ice cream, and coffee.
August 6
CHINATOWN/WICKER PARK — Owners of rotary sushi mini-chain Sushi Plus have applied for liquor licenses at 2131 S. Archer Avenue (formerly Seafood Harbor) and 1352 N. Milwaukee Avenue. The two forthcoming city locations, first reported in March, will double the brand’s Chicago-area footprint — it already operates locations in Lakeview and suburban Aurora. Ownership has not responded to requests for information, but the website slates the openings for this summer.
LAKEVIEW — Signs are up for a new Nepalese spot Mo:Mo Factory, which is slated to open “soon” at 3202 N. Broadway Street, owners wrote in a Facebook post. The space previously housed Middle Eastern restaurant Zachi Express and Mediterranean eatery Falafill. Ownership has not yet responded to a request for information about an opening date.
LINCOLN PARK — Signage at 1224 W. Webster Avenue indicates that a new restaurant called Centre Street Kitchen is coming to the former Derby space. Big Onion Tavern Group closed the sports bar last month.
LINCOLN PARK — Cocktail bar Love Street from the trio of brothers behind Parisian drinking den Victor Bar is slated to open this month at 1325 W. Wrightwood Avenue, according to an official Facebook post. Owners originally hoped to open this spring, and as time passed anxious denizens began to lose faith. In June, one Facebook commenter queried, “Is this still happening?” The building previously housed tavern stalwart Maeve, which closed in 2015.
LINCOLN PARK — Japanese restaurant Ringo Sushi on North Lincoln Avenue is relocating from its former home on Lincoln Avenue, owners wrote on the shop’s website. Its new home at 1441 W. Fullerton Avenue previously housed sushi bar Tsuki, which closed in 2010. Owners have not yet responded to a request for information about a reopening date.
OLD TOWN — Jam band/sports mashup and rooftop bar Utopian Tailgate from Fifty/50 Restaurant Group and iconic comedy group Second City appears to be on track to open this month at 210 W. North Avenue, according to a recent Facebook post. Management is holding a job fair for front and back-of-house positions today at Roots Pizza on West Chicago Avenue, and tomorrow and Thursday at Leviathan on North State Street.
RAVENSWOOD — Owners of long-awaited virtual reality bar Redline VR plan to debut the space and amenities August 18 at 4700 N. Ravenswood Avenue, according to a Facebook event. A description promises “cold drinks…and family-friendly fare.” The celebration will kick off a week of VR specials. Would-be gamers can already reserve an hour of VR arcade games and a single headset (shareable for up to four people) for $45.
WRIGLEYVILLE — A new Chipotle location is coming to the Addison & Clark building across from Wrigley Field at 1025 W. Addison Street, according to a renovation and alteration permit posted to Chicago Cityscape. The permit, issued late last month, estimates the cost at $425,000. The development also houses Do-Rite Donuts & Chicken and Shake Shack outposts, as well as arcade and bowling bar and restaurant Lucky Strike Social.
HIGHLAND PARK — Curt’s Cafe, a non-profit coffee shop and restaurant with job training for 15 to 24-year-olds seeking a second chance, is slated to open at 1766 Second Street in September, according to the Chicago Tribune. The shop’s name is an acronym: “Cultivating Unique Restaurant Training.” Founder and restorative justice advocate Susan Trieschmann first opened an Evanston job-training site in 2012, said the program is open to all neighborhood youth. Some trainees will be referred by the Lake County State’s Attorney’s office and Highland Park High School social workers.
SCHAUMBURG — Baton Rouge, Louisiana-based fast-food chain Raising Cane’s Chicken Fingers is slated to open another suburban Chicago restaurant in late 2019, representatives confirmed, though they wrote “exact site(s) are still in negotiations” and would not specify an opening timeframe. The chain, known for its vocal fanbase (“Caniacs”) and Cajun-spiced sauce, opened its first Chicago location in 2018, and operates suburban spots in Naperville, Harwood Heights, Oak Lawn, Evergreen Park, and Riverside.
ST. CHARLES — Construction began this week on the second Chicago-area Wahlburgers location at 855 S. Randall Road in St. Charles, the Kane County Chronicle reported. The chain, owned by celebrity brothers and co-owners Mark, Paul, and Donnie Wahlberg, opened its first Windy City outpost in River North in April (it’s run by a franchisee), and St. Charles resident Donnie and wife Jenny McCarthy broke ground on the suburban site in March.
July 23
BEVERLY — New shop Peace of Pizza, the for-profit arm of South Side anti-violence organization Mothers/Men Against Senseless Killing (M.A.S.K.), is holding a grand opening July 31 at 1801 W. 95th Street, the Sun-Times reported. Teens and adults seeking job skills in the food and beverage industry will train at the pizzeria for three months, before hopefully moving on to permanent restaurant placements. A quarter of the shop’s revenue will go toward M.A.S.K. programming and supportive services in Englewood.
Update: July 24, 2019, 11:37 a.m.: Peace of Pizza was already open last week but is now temporarily closed to due to Metra construction that closed the sidewalk outside the restaurant, according to Block Club.
EAST LAKEVIEW — “Neo-neopolitan” pizzeria Roebuck Pizza from DryHop Brewers and Corridor Brewery & Provisions is slated to open in September at 3159 N. Broadway Street, according to a news release. The menu features “wild-fermented” pizzas baked in a wood-burning oven, as well as cocktails and DryHop lagers, including a Bohemian pilsner and Vienna lager.
EAST VILLAGE — 55-year-old Ukrainian dive Happy Village owners are planning to expand the bar into the lot next door at 1057 N. Wolcott Avenue, according to Block Club. Co-owner Andrew Miller presented site plans at an East Village Association meeting this month and said the neighboring parcel will ultimately be integrated into the existing property. Construction is scheduled to begin this fall.
LINCOLN PARK — Owners of Chicago’s second projected Velvet Taco location have applied for a liquor license at 2301 N. Lincoln Avenue. A new supplement to the Gold Coast original was first announced in January. The space formerly housed Ranalli’s on Clark.
LOGAN SQUARE — Teeny 230-square-foot spot Necessary & Sufficient Coffee is slated for a mid-September opening at 3624 W. Wrightwood Avenue, Block Club reported. Artist and owner Kate Vrijmoet plans to offer Washington-based Olympia Coffee, bakery items from Spoke & Bird, and more at the grab-and-go shop. Vrijmoet plans to segment the space into a cafe and her painting studio.
MAGNIFICENT MILE — Four-story roastery, coffee shop, bakery, and roof deck the Starbucks Reserve will likely serve alcohol, based on a liquor license application for the former Crate & Barrel space at 646 N. Michigan Avenue. It’s touted as the world’s largest Starbucks. The company is ponying up nearly $10 million in construction costs for the 43,000-square-foot space.
SOUTH LOOP — Seafood restaurant Harbor is coming this fall to the former Gioco space at 1312 S. Wabash Avenue, according to the Chicago Tribune. Chef and partner Anthony Bernal (Mastro’s Steakhouse) reportedly plans to offer fish, oysters, crabs, clams, and shrimp. Gioco closed in May 2018 after 19 years of serving the neighborhood.
SOUTH LOOP — Independent shop Overflow Coffee Bar’s owners announced on Facebook they have secured a new location at 1449 S. Michigan Avenue. The shop’s original location on 16th Street on the Near South Side closed at the end of April. Owners wrote that curious would-be customers can keep up with the cafe’s progress on social media, but didn’t specify an opening timeframe.
WHEELING — Brewpub City Works from local group Bottleneck Management will open to the public August 19 at 365 W. Dundee Road in Wheeling, according to a news release. One of seven City Works locations around the country, the suburban spot will offer over 90 draft beers and 12 taps featuring rotating seasonal and rare brews. City Works does not offer bottles or cans in an effort to reduce waste. Forty percent of the selections will be sourced from Chicago-area breweries. Diners can expect classic pub fare like smoked chicken wings and a burger made with a short rib/brisket blend and white cheddar, lettuce, tomato, red onion, and a dill pickle.
July 9
BUCKTOWN — Grilled poultry haven the Art of Chickenis closer to coming back to 2041 N. Western Avenue after a 2017 fire shuttered the restaurant for nearly two years. Owner Christian Moreno has secured the necessary permits, according to a Facebook post, and applied for a liquor license in February (the old spot was BYO). The path to reopening was fraught for Moreno, he said, but he plans to start serving again this summer.
BUCKTOWN/WICKER PARK/VERNON HILLS — I Dream of Falafel staff plan to celebrate the the local chain’s one-decade anniversary by opening its 10th location at 1922 W. North Avenue at the end of August, co-owner Hassan Naseem wrote in an email. Another new shop is currently under construction in Vernon Hills and is slated to open in early August, Naseem added.
LITTLE VILLAGE — Latin speakeasy-style cocktail bar Osito’s Tap is slated to open in mid-September, according to an Facebook comment posted last week. The bar, located at 2553 S. Ridgeway Avenue right beside parent store Moreno’s Liquors, will feature rare whiskeys, mezcals, and tequilas in a Prohibition-era atmosphere. It’s named for owner Mike Moreno, Jr.’s chihuahua, Osito, and translates to “little bear.”
LOGAN SQUARE — Local financial planner Adam Abbas is planning to open OP-ESPORTS, an “eSports” lounge and video game center for competitive players in late July at 2741 N. Milwaukee Avenue, Block Club reported. The lounge will reportedly include a snack bar with craft beers, cocktails, and small bites. Abbas told Block Club that he may change the name before the opening.
NEAR WEST SIDE — Midwest Coast Brewing Company, a new brewery from a brother-sister team who began as hobbyists, is coming to 2137 W. Walnut Street this summer, according to a news release. The space, just blocks away from the Goose Island Taproom, will include an Alpha ten-barrel system brew house and cellar, and co-owners plan to offer five flagship beers.
THE LOOP — Club 77, a downtown piano bar, restaurant, and garden terrace at 77 W. Wacker Drive from the owners of Roscoe Village’s Le Sud and chef Patrick Sheerin (City Mouse), is slated to open in late July, according to the Chicago Tribune. A Facebook post advertises a hiring event today at the restaurant seeking bartenders, sous chefs, runners, and more, and the restaurant has passed some city inspections, city records show.
WICKER PARK — Co-owners of popular food truck the Cracked Truck and sister restaurant Cracked on Green have applied for a liquor license at 1359 N. Milwaukee Avenue under the doing-business-name Cracked on Milwaukee. Owners aren’t yet ready to share more information with the public. The space formerly housed Le Duck Food & Sweet Cafe, which closed in 2017.
WICKER PARK — Ownership of mysterious venue the Lotus Black applied for a tavern license at 1540 W. North Avenue early this month. The license lists Clarence Alford as owner. The space formerly housed Hoosier-centric sports bar Game 7 Bar & Grill, which closed in 2017.
EVANSTON — Longtime neighborhood landmark Clarke’s is moving after 34 years on Clark Street to 804 Davis Street in Evanston, according to Evanston Now. Window signage is visible in the new space. It formerly housed Boltwood, which shuttered in January after five years. Clarke’s serves classic diner fare, including omelettes, skillets, burgers, and more.
June 25
BUCKTOWN — Vienna Beef plans to build two buildings to house Chick-Fil-A and Panera Bread where its hot dog factory and store once stood at 1942 W. Fullerton Avenue, according to permits. Mid-America Asset Management, brought on to oversee Vienna’s redevelopment project, recently applied for permits to commence construction on the first building, the Real Deal reports.
BUCKTOWN/WICKER PARK — Local Mediterranean chain I Dream of Falafel is planning a forthcoming location at 1922 W. North Avenue, according to “coming soon” signage in the windows. It will be the chain’s ninth Chicago-area shop. The spot was formerly occupied by retailer Taste Wine & Cheese. Representatives have not responded to a request for information, but the chain’s hiring page states it intends to open seven new restaurants this year.
LOGAN SQUARE — A new dessert spot and pool hall may be coming 3716 W. Fullerton Avenue, courtesy of the couple behind Albany Park’s Surge Coffee Bar & Billiards and Pressure Billiards & Cafe in Edgewater. Owners Wahib Merchant and Kareeshma Ali hope to create an after-dinner spot with around 12 pool tables and a cocktail and coffee bar, according to Block Club Chicago. The space formerly housed record store Saki, which closed in 2016.
MAYFAIR — Owners of Maplewood Brewery & Distillery and Logan Square’s Maplewood Loungeare considering an expansion from their Mayfair warehouse to 4300 W. Montrose Avenue. The 14,660 square-foot property, a short jog from the Kennedy Expressway and the CTA Blue Line, is available for sale or lease. It’s currently listed at $2.5 million, according to Block Club Chicago. They are also looking at properties in Bridgeport, Pilsen and Back of the Yards.
NEAR NORTH SIDE/THE LOOP — New York-based indoor golf and entertainment mini-chain Five Iron Golf is planning to expand into the Chicago market. The first of two locations is slated to open on the Near North Side by October in the Millennium Centre residential tower on Dearborn Street. The space will include 12 simulator stations, a full bar, and kitchen. The Chicago Tribune has more. Indoor golf venues are popping up left and right, as Topgolf Swing Suite also plans two downtown locations, with openings planned for July and the fall.
OLD TOWN — The Roots Handmade Pizza location slated for 1610 N. Wells Street inside the Second City building is slated to open in mid-September, according to a news release. Diners can expect more Quad Cities-style malt crust pizza cut into strips with scissors, and a plethora of draft options. Roots will share chef Amber Lancaster (Alinea, Sable, Bernie’s Lunch & Supper) with highly anticipated Second City rooftop spot Utopian Tailgate. Both are owned by Fifty/50 Restaurant Group.
RIVER NORTH — “Late night lounge” Fame is slated to open at 157 W. Ontario Street. The space formerly housed dance club Ontourage, shuttered in 2014, and Mystique. Management posted a hiring notice for all positions to Fame’s Facebook page in May.
ROGERS PARK — The opening of forthcoming brewery Howard Street Brewing at 1617 W. Howard Street is delayed until September due to permit issues, according to owner Chuck Patella. Slated to become the only brewery in the neighborhood, Howard Street Brewing will offer 12 taps in a space that seats 37. The opening was originally planned for May.
THE LOOP — The first location for Detroit area-based salad mini-chain 7 Greens has pushed back the opening to mid-July. The space at 218 W. Washington Street is 900 square feet, so there’s no room for seating. Customers will be able to customize a salad or order from the pre-set menu and grab their items to-go. The spot was originally slated to open in June.
THE LOOP — Fifty/50 Restaurant Group’s 90th Meridian is slated to open in mid-July, according to a news release. It’s located at 231 S. LaSalle Street inside the 1920s-era Central Standard Building and will feature a granite U-shaped bar, as well as seating for 164.
THE LOOP — Prolific fast-casual cafe chain Goddess and the Bakeris planning a new central Loop location 181 W. Madison Street, according to an official Facebook post. The chain announced a planned River North location in April, which is slated to open this summer.
THE LOOP — LEYE’s River North Japanese spot Sushi-sanis expanding into the Loop with a new location in the Willis Tower at 233 S. Wacker Drive. Owners applied for a liquor license for the new spot late last week. The landmark’s other new offerings will include Shake Shack, Sweetgreen, Do-Rite Donuts & Chicken, and Brown Bag Seafood Co.
UPTOWN — Le Nocturne, a new restaurant, nightclub, and wine bar is coming to 4810 N. Broadway Street. It is also now hiring bartenders, bouncers, barbacks, cooks, and light engineers. Uptown Update has the details. The space formerly housed Persian restaurant Caravan, which closed in January.
EVANSTON — Sushi and noodle restaurant Shinsen is moving into the former Asian Cajun Too space at 1322 Chicago Avenue in Evanston, according to a post on LTH Forum. A sign in the window reads “Sushi Coming Soon.” Prior to Asian Cajun Too, the space housed Ethiopian restaurant Addis Abeba, which closed in 2016.
