Openings, Closings, Comings & Goings - 2016

Please post all applicable, basic news on this thread.

If you have something substantive to post about a place, please start a new thread (or search for an exising one and post there), as important details will almost certainly get lost and forgotten in this thread.

For 2015's Openings and Closings, please visit this thread:

Openings, Closings, Comings & Goings, October-December 2015

Please, remember, that per our Posting Guidelines, posts pertaining to health code-related issues are not permitted here unless they include a link to a credible, third-party source.

Thanks,

=R=
for the Moderators

Important Reminder:

LTH,

Please, do not post about a closing without making absolutely certain that your information is correct and accurate in every way.

Please, do not post rumors of closings without linking to a credible, 3rd-party source that substantiates your report. (i.e. "Eater.com reports . . ." is ok)

It's far more important to be accurate than early with your information. The best course of action may be to make a phone call to the establishment before posting anything. But whatever you do, make sure you are 100% correct before posting about a closing on this thread or any other in these forums.

Thanks again,

=R=
for the Moderators

Oooohhh...I get the first posting of the year!

The second shuttered La Pasadita will become a Thai restaurant. Kate's Thai Kitchen should open soon at 1132 N. Ashland,

http://chicago.eater.com/2016/1/4/10708 ... e-am-intel

With the new post, I'm reminded of the sticky disclaimer to verify that a place has indeed closed. Therefore, it may not be a complete closure (whatever that means) and only a name change, but either way...

Sticky Rice Chiang Mai is no more.

Confirmed by the restaurant's website, http://stickyricecm.com:

Sticky Rice Chiang Mai will be CLOSED for business from 12/14/2015. Sweet Rice Chicago Coming Soon

A Parisian-style cafe and restaurant is set to open this week at what has become a hot restaurant destination in Humboldt Park. Café Marie-Jeanne will serve its first customers Wednesday at the intersection of California and Augusta.

http://www.dnainfo.com/chicago/20160105 ... t-humboldt

Epic is done.

http://chicago.eater.com/2016/1/5/10693 ... ubbard-inn

Went there once in November, and thought it was completely underwhelming. Huge space, lackluster food, subpar service. Not surprised.

After many years when the sign was all that remained of the Swiss Pastries Bakery (RIP) on Western Avenue near Howard Street, a new Mexican restaurant is supposed to open some time this spring. It is owned by members of the Garcia family, of Garcia Restaurant in Lincoln Square.

EvA wrote:After many years when the sign was all that remained of the Swiss Pastries Bakery (RIP) on Western Avenue near Howard Street, a new Mexican restaurant is supposed to open some time this spring. It is owned by members of the Garcia family, of Garcia Restaurant in Lincoln Square.

So.....my expectations are low if it's anything like Garcia's.

Defloured is coming to Andersonville: http://www.dnainfo.com/chicago/20160107 ... ighborhood

The Northman Cider Bar is opening next month in North Center. http://www.dnainfo.com/chicago/20160106 ... n-february. We could really use some more decent lunch options in the neighborhood.

Jeff Mauro, our own chefjeff, is opening the first branch of Pork & Mindy's on Friday. Pork & Mindy's is a fast casual restaurant serving up some "Sandwich King" inspired original sandwiches, salads and sides right in the heart of Hipsterville. I had a chance to go for a friends and family preview dinner the other night and I came away pretty impressed.

Bao to the Pork


Pork & Mindy's
1623 N. Milwaukee
Chicago, IL 60647
(844) 573-6737

stevez wrote:Jeff Mauro, our own chefjeff, is opening the first branch of Pork & Mindy's on Friday. Pork & Mindy's is a fast casual restaurant serving up some "Sandwich King" inspired original sandwiches, salads and sides right in the heart of Hipsterville.

Correct me if I'm wrong, but... This is Jeff Mauro, the TV personality, who is a different person from Jeffrey Mauro, the chef-owner of Jam, the breakfast/brunch-focused restaurant in Logan Square. Correct?

nsxtasy wrote:

stevez wrote:Jeff Mauro, our own chefjeff, is opening the first branch of Pork & Mindy's on Friday. Pork & Mindy's is a fast casual restaurant serving up some "Sandwich King" inspired original sandwiches, salads and sides right in the heart of Hipsterville.

Correct me if I'm wrong, but... This is Jeff Mauro, the TV personality, who is a different person from Jeffrey Mauro, the chef-owner of Jam, the breakfast/brunch-focused restaurant in Logan Square. Correct?

Ah, the next round in the Sandwich King vs. Breakfast King showdown!

Paris Club closed on Monday. I went there once and I thought it was pretty good.




http://chicagoist.com/2016/01/05/pour_o ... hich_c.php

EvA wrote:After many years when the sign was all that remained of the Swiss Pastries Bakery (RIP) on Western Avenue near Howard Street, a new Mexican restaurant is supposed to open some time this spring. It is owned by members of the Garcia family, of Garcia Restaurant in Lincoln Square.

Man, that place has been closed for a LONG time. I never knew why no one else moved in before now.

Packed, a dumpling focused fusion restaurant (new-dumpling(?) restaurant) on 57th St in Hyde Park, seems set to open sometime in January: https://www.facebook.com/packeddumplings

I walked past on Monday and storefront looks about ready to go. I'm interested to see how this is received. The location is appealing, on a block that's a known destination for meals in the neighborhood, and I think the college community will eat it up. I'm a little bit skeptical about the actual food, as it seems a bit gimmicky. The restaurant is run by the Mike Sheerin, current head chef of Embeya (which I ADORE, but I haven't been since he became head chef).

You know Half Acre the brewery. And Half Acre the taproom. Get ready for Half Acre the restaurant. One of Chicago’s original craft breweries — turning a grizzled nine years old this year — will open its kitchen Jan. 14 at its original brewery, 4257 N. Lincoln Ave., with a menu going from elaborate burritos to full plates.

http://www.chicagotribune.com/dining/ct ... story.html

dbmochi wrote:Packed, a dumpling focused fusion restaurant (new-dumpling(?) restaurant) on 57th St in Hyde Park, seems set to open sometime in January

I'm not sure the name is such a good idea. Why would anyone want to go to a restaurant that's always Packed?

PeteF wrote:

nsxtasy wrote:

stevez wrote:Jeff Mauro, our own chefjeff, is opening the first branch of Pork & Mindy's on Friday. Pork & Mindy's is a fast casual restaurant serving up some "Sandwich King" inspired original sandwiches, salads and sides right in the heart of Hipsterville.

Correct me if I'm wrong, but... This is Jeff Mauro, the TV personality, who is a different person from Jeffrey Mauro, the chef-owner of Jam, the breakfast/brunch-focused restaurant in Logan Square. Correct?

Ah, the next round in the Sandwich King vs. Breakfast King showdown!

We are totally different men. Quite the coincidence considering our chosen professions. We did do a an episode of Sandwich King together and the other Jeff is a great guy who looks nothing at all like me.

Great seeing you the other night Steve! And for all my fellow LTH'ers, we are officially open for business. I'll be here all weekend slanging sangwiches, tots and cannoli shakes. Please introduce yourself if you do come in! Would love to meet some of you in person.

The Portage will become a taqueria with patio and a new concept will open next to Community.

http://chicago.eater.com/2016/1/7/10732 ... rtage-park

dbmochi wrote:Packed, a dumpling focused fusion restaurant (new-dumpling(?) restaurant) on 57th St in Hyde Park, seems set to open sometime in January: https://www.facebook.com/packeddumplings

I walked past on Monday and storefront looks about ready to go. I'm interested to see how this is received. The location is appealing, on a block that's a known destination for meals in the neighborhood, and I think the college community will eat it up. I'm a little bit skeptical about the actual food, as it seems a bit gimmicky. The restaurant is run by the Mike Sheerin, current head chef of Embeya (which I ADORE, but I haven't been since he became head chef).

Packed announced on its Twitter account on Monday that it would open for the first time at 11 a.m. Friday at 1321 E. 57th St.

http://www.dnainfo.com/chicago/20160111 ... 7th-street

The long-awaited (at least to me) Chicagoland Jollibee is actually happening:

http://chicago.eater.com/2016/1/11/1074 ... kie-update

I believe this business is newish (they appear to have opened in November 2015). A dessert cafe that also sells sandwiches, salads, etc.

J Smile 51
http://jsmile51.com/
3051 S. Archer Ave
Chicago

According to a sign on the door and their FB page, Mirabell is closed for renovations. And that's all I'm going to say about that.
https://www.facebook.com/MirabellRestaurant/?fref=ts

A few new additions in the Lincoln Park/Lakeview area:

Taking over the old Fo2Go space on Diversey is Torta Haus (926 W Diversey) - getting good reviews on Yelp so far - http://www.yelp.com/biz/torta-haus-chicago

Andiamo Pizza has moved into a vacant spot on Halsted. (2814 N Halsted) - it looks like a nice wood fired Italian Pizza spot
http://www.andiamopizzaria.com/

Based on food inspection records it looks like a new hot dog place is taking over the Hot Diggity Dog space next to the Wellington El stop. Can't find much online, but it is called Bob's El Stop.

The Brigadoon-like Cedar Hotel, at State & Rush & Cedar, won't reappear any more.


(Based on walking by there earlier today and noticing the building has been demolished.)

Followup, because I was mildly curious : Turns out, it will reappear - as the facade of an 18-story "boutique hotel" coming soon to the nabe. I guess they numbered the bricks or whatever for reassembly purposes. Brigadoon ...

Bob's El Stop formerly Hot Diggity Dog is being opened by the fellow that managed Fatso's Last Stand and late Frank Meats Patty

Longtime lurker, first time poster. I've lived here for 11 years and haven't seen much by way of Cambodian food, but it looks like there's a new restaurant dishing it out along with Thai standbys and seafood. Wouldn't have found it if not for some endless scrolling through Facebook.

Angkor Restaurant
http://www.angkorasiancuisine.com/
52 W. Roosevelt Rd.
Lombard

I don't drive, so I haven't been. Would be curious to know what LTHers think if anyone goes.

Metra commuters have a new restaurant option in the Ogilvie Transportation Center. Madison Tavern, a 250-seat restaurant, offers burgers, tacos and salads Mondays through Saturdays from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m.

http://www.chicagobusiness.com/article/ ... -sushi-bar

According to Eater, Reza's has closed it's massive Ontario Street location. Wasn't my favorite, but really fit the bill for last minute big parties with its convenient location and menu variety.