We can thank Maurizio Michi for the thin crusted deliciousness. Michi is also the owner of Sofi Italian, which happens to be right next door. The ingredients used in both restaurants are imported straight from Italia, and give a sense of flavor that you don't find just anywhere. Of the three pizzas I tried at Forno Mauri, my favorite was the Emiliana. Check it out and show our local Sloopin' eateries some love!
Wow! It's been awhile since we've heard about anything cooking at the old restaurant space where Cuatro (2030 S. Wabash) lived. This article in Block Club Chicago says something could be coming - but after reading this feels like it still has some hurdles to clear:
After 15 years of sitting empty, the building formerly occupied by a popular Latin fusion restaurant could become a new restaurant later this year.
Joji Tirumalareddy told Block Club he aims to open Rhumbar at 2030 S. Wabash Ave. in six months. Tirumalareddy has been trying to open the bar and restaurant in south suburban Frankfort since 2019, but pandemic-related delays and concerns from nearby residents has slowed progress.
Tirumalareddy has owned the South Loop property for several years. He began work on the restaurant in 2020 but the pandemic forced him to put everything on hold. Now he’s ready to get back to work, recently applying for a liquor license under Tulips Chicago LLC.
Tirumalareddy is in the process of renovating the kitchen and dining area so patrons will be able to get a glimpse of the “behind the scenes” action. He envisions a restaurant serving upscale American bar food, with exposed brick walls and big screen televisions.
For those who are curious, check out this post from 2010 about Cuatro's last stand.
We're curious to see if Rhumbar becomes real - would be nice!
Looks like the new Dollop Coffee at NEMA is now open and providing some unique options from their other locations (via Eater Chicago):
South Loop: There are now 19 Dollop cafes around town and in the suburbs, but the location that opened Thursday, April 28, is special, says a rep. Unlike the majority of the other locations, Dollop Cafe, Bar & Kitchen will have full table service and offer all-day breakfast and lunch — including chicken and waffles and smash burgers — in addition to the usual coffee and pastries, with evening hours and cocktails coming next month. Dollop Cafe, Bar & Kitchen, 1210 S. Indiana Avenue, Open 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. daily.
Decadent Dessert Bar & Bistro is a franchised chain of restaurants from Buttercream Dreams Hospitality Group. The group also owns Decadent’s sister-concept Smallcakes Cupcakery & Creamery, which has grown to operate over 140 locations in 22 states. “Decadent is the first of its kind—a fast and casual dessert bar that offers the highest quality desserts at a sweet yet affordable price,” shares the company’s website. “Everything on our menu is made fresh daily, all day, every day, using only the finest ingredients.”
Sounds pretty good to us. Hopefully they open soon.
One South Loop spot gets hit with citation on new indoor mask mandates (via Fox32):
The city of Chicago has cited six businesses for failing to enforce the city's COVID-19 indoor mask mandate.
Investigators from the Department of Business Affairs and Consumer Protection (BACP) conducted 56 investigations over the weekend to see if people were wearing masks and whether there were signs posted about the requirement.
From Thursday through Sunday, the following businesses were each issued two citations for violating both requirements of the mandate, which went into effect on Aug. 20:
- Cortland’s Garage, 1645 W. Cortland St. in Bucktown
- Bassline, 2237 S. Michigan Ave. in South Loop
- Fulton Loft, 2107 W. Fulton St. in West Town
- The Soul Tribe LLC, 1564 N. Damen Ave. in Wicker Park
- The Hidden Palace, 1900 N. Austin Ave. in Galewood
- Vaunt Fitness, 6255 S. Archer Ave. in Garfield Ridge
We haven't maintained our business tracker very well this year, but that doesn't mean we can't endeavor to get a count on the year. We've scoured some of our posts as well as other neighborhood resources (Mr. South Loop, Hello South Loop, Prairie District Neighborhood Alliance) and here is what we got:
Opened in 2021
Closed in 2021
Likely not the biggest surprise in the world, but it looks like the venerable - but recently disgraced - two Michelin-starred Acadia (1639 S. Wabash) has officially closed their doors (via Eater):
Acadia, the two Michelin-starred restaurant from Ryan McCaskey will not reopen, the chef and owner confirms to Eater Chicago. Earlier this month, “for lease” signs went up above the South Loop restaurant marking the official end of McCaskey’s time in Chicago. The restaurant actually closed in July 2020 shortly after a shockwave of allegations were levied against McCaskey by former employees. At the time, McCaskey said he planned to quickly reopen.
McCaskey has since moved to Maine, where he runs another restaurant, Acadia House Provisions. McCaskey says the ongoing pandemic changed his mind to reopen in Chicago. In a statement to Eater, he writes “we decided to close Acadia because of the mounting obstacles of owning a business, especially a restaurant business in Chicago.”
“Rising crime, burglary attempts, staffing shortages and declining revenue at our price point also forced us to shut the doors,” a portion of McCaskey’s statement reads.
While there may be some truth to McCaskey's statement, it was hard to see how this restaurant could reopen based on the explosive accusations about the toxicity and sexual harassment within this high-profile workplace.
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South Loop: Restaurant owner Giulio Spizzirri (Señoritas Cantina) has applied for a liquor license under the name Jefas Cantina Inc at 610 S. Dearborn Street. The space previously housed Standing Room Only, a casual burger and sandwich spot, which Spizzirri also owned until it closed during the pandemic.
We weren't aware that it's the same owner and that he's just reconcepting, but maybe the silver lining is that he knows the neighborhood? We're unfamiliar with his spot Señoritas Cantina in Pilsen, but it looks pretty similar to some of the other Mexican spots in the neighborhood such as Flaco's, Taco Maya, Spanglish. Guess we will see.
As a reminder, SRO was a long standing burger joint in the neighborhood that closed during the pandemic last fall. The spot is in a great location and seems well positioned to continue Dearborn's momentum. Hopefully they make the most of it!
(Hat tip: RH!)
Concern tonight in and around the #Chicago Loop after at least two overnight shootings.
— Steven Graves (@StevenGravesTV) June 6, 2021
One bullet barely missed people sitting on a patio at a #SouthLoop restaurant. @cbschicago pic.twitter.com/S0XInSSp63
“I saw people running from patios, running inside,” another witness said. “I saw tables getting flipped over.”That worker saw the chaos in the 700 block of South Dearborn Street after someone fired one shot, of many, toward a restaurant.In the path of the bullet was a patio area where people were sitting. A nearby barrier just stopped it.“It’s been so many months of people staying inside and you want to get outside and it’s not safe outside,” the worker said. “It’s just too bad. It hurts.”These two shootings add to the 10 this year in the Central (1st) Police District, which includes the Loop, the West Loop Gate, the South Loop, and parts of the Near South Side. That is up from four shootings through this time last year.
Pretty scary stuff. We say it all the time, but be careful and aware of your surroundings. That said - we can imagine how it must rattle people to see this hit during such a busy time of the day.
A reader adds:
Yes, I can confirm that Roots Pizza had a panel of its revolving door shattered, and I saw police searching the sidewalk on the east side of Dearborn St last night around 10:30. They taped off an area from Flaco's Tacos up to the wine shop.
(Hat tip: AB!)
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Alinea in Lincoln Park remains Chicago’s only three-starred restaurant. The full three stars is a rare honor that’s been bestowed on about 130 restaurants worldwide. There was speculation that Smyth (two stars) in Fulton Market would join chef Grant Achatz’s restaurant, but that didn’t happen. In a rare move, Michelin did award two stars to a pair of new restaurants during their first year of eligibility: Ever and Moody Tongue.
The post on Curbed Chicago goes on about Moody:
Meanwhile, near McCormick Place, Moody Tongue effectively replaces Band of Bohemia as Chicago’s only Michelin-starred brewpub. Moody Tongue relocated from Pilsen, not only moving its brewing operations but also adding a full-service restaurant with a tasting menu. The brewery also brought over Jared Wentworth, a chef who presided over Longman & Eagle in Logan Square during its Michelin-starred days.
While many were optimistic that they would earn a star from Michelin, getting a second star in their first year puts them at the top of the game in Chicago. For this year's iteration of the list there are only six restaurants in the whole area earning two or more stars:
Three Stars
Alinea
Two Stars
Acadia
Ever (first year)
Moody Tongue (first year)
Oriole
Smyth
If you're a perceptive reader, you will also know that the Sloop's other highly regarded restaurant - Acadia - also is on the list. That does come as a bit of a surprise given some of the controversy surrounding the restaurant and owner/chef Ryan McCaskey. As a reminder, there have been allegations of a toxic work environment at Acadia and the restaurant has been closed throughout most of the pandemic. McCaskey wants to reopen but that remains unclear how and when.
Also of note, the longstanding French staple just north of the Sloop - Everest is off the list. They closed after a super long run at the end of 2020. Everest was a consistent Michelin one star restaurant since the inception of the list.
But the big story is Moody Tongue. Sure, it's debatable whether or not we can claim them since in our opinion they are technically a little south of the Sloop, but it's not hard to get down to their establishment from the Sloop (although it might be harder to get a table or reservation now....).
As a reminder, word came down in March of 2019 that the Moody Tongue crew would be moving into the space formerly occupied by the Baderbrau Brewery. They officially opened late in 2019 and all the reviews were very favorable. The Tribune suspected a Michelin star was in their grasp and Eater Chicago struck a similar sentiment.
Everything we were reading and seeing had us excited. Just take a look at some of these pictures:
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Unfortunately we still haven't had a chance to try them out. We actually had a reservation in April of 2020, but then the pandemic happened - ugh! Really looking forward to heading down there...assuming we can get in.
Congrats to the crew at Moody Tongue and glad to have you in close proximity to the Sloop!
Mr. South Loop's instagram has an update on a new Mexican restaurant coming to the heart of Printers Row. As a reminder, Standing Room Only (SRO) closed in the midst of the pandemic at this 610 S. Dearborn location:
Looking forward to seeing what type of Mexican concept will come to this space. There are already a handful of quick service taco places in the area - Flacos Tacos (725 S. Dearborn), Taco Maya (823 S. State), and Spanglish (555 S. State) to name a few. Needless to say, hopefully the new restaurant has some form of differentiation.
Regardless, great to see another restaurant coming to an important, high-profile stretch of the neighborhood.
We see you Grail Cafe (via Eater Chicago - The Best Coffeeshops to Work From in Chicago):
11. The Grail Cafe
715 S Dearborn St
Chicago, IL 60605
This Printer’s Row cafe is ideal for a satisfying and light meal. Creative coffee and teas, a fun French and creole-inspired menu, and friendly service make the Grail Cafe one of most complete restaurants in Chicago.
This may be old news, but it's the first time we've noticed the new sign at Wabash Tap saying that the space is available:
A Chicago Now blogger highlights her love of Kasey's Tavern on Dearborn:
Kasey’s Tavern is a popular sports bar in the Printer’s Row neighborhood. I, along with many other customers, have been anxiously awaiting those boarded windows to open. The exciting announcement came through social media with the bar’s reopening on March 22, 2021.
Kasey’s captured my heart the first time I stepped through those vintage doors and I couldn’t wait to return. It’s the type of bar where everyone can feel comfortable, sports fan or not. Their longevity as Chicago’s second oldest bar goes to show how well-received the establishment is. The charm, staff, low prices, and beer menu keep me coming back for more.
If you've lived in the neighborhood for awhile, chances are you've been to Kasey's (710 S. Dearborn). If not, head over for some old fashioned Chicago bar fun.
It's been a tough go for restaurants during the pandemic, but it's encouraging to see such an ambitious opening moving forward - especially towards the south end of the Sloop (via Eater):
It may take conventions some time to return to McCormick Place, but when they do, S.K.Y. chef Steven Gillanders and his team will be ready. The challenges of the pandemic have delayed the opening, but Gillanders’ second restaurant, Apolonia, finally has an opening date in the South Loop. The restaurant, which focuses on European-Mediterranean coastal fare, will open on Friday, April 16 at 2201 S. Michigan Avenue. Reservations are live.
It’s been a long road for Gillanders and his team, but 2021 has provided optimism: “The last relief bill, certainly if it didn’t pass, we wouldn’t have been able to open open,” he says. “That’s just the reality.”
The 5,300-square-foot 100-seater is on the ground floor of a tri-branded Hilton Hotel that also houses Fatpour Tap Works, Starbucks, and VU Rooftop Bar. Nestled near Wintrust Arena in a South Loop neighborhood that’s been begging for more dining options, convention business will be the “icing on the cake,” Gillanders says, locals will be Apolonia’s “bread and butter.” The restaurant will open with a 50-person capacity and 90-minute reservations. Apolonia has space for a patio, but furniture won’t arrive time for the opening.
We are excited, but curious to see how this restaurant does. The Eater article says the expectation from the owner is that this year will be "lean" but hopefully that doesn't sink this ship before it even has a solid chance to set out on its course. If it succeeds we anticipate it will continue to usher in more good things for the area.
Judging from the pictures and pedigree of the staff, it sure seems like this restaurant will up the game for the Motor Row area - especially with the (likely?) closure of Acadia. Between Apolonia and the highly revered Moody Tongue Brewery in the area it sure seems like this area will be primed for locals and conventioneers (assuming they come back at some point).
Congrats to the folks at Apolonia and can't wait to stop by!
We recently stumbled upon a rather innocent story that caught our attention on the Newcity website: "R-E-S-P-E-C-T for Wings: Charred Wing Bar, South Loop Ups the Game".
What is this you say? The Sloop bringing some heat on Wings?
Given the popularity of wings during the year’s biggest football game, it’s no accident that Charred Wing Bar in the South Loop (1150 South Michigan) opened right before Super Bowl Sunday.
Hmmm - we don't recall seeing a new restaurant go up on Michigan avenue, so what gives? According to the article:
At this ghost restaurant within Burger Bar (with two Chicago locations), chefs John McLean and Martin Murch serve eighteen different preparations of wings, which is around sixteen or seventeen more than I’ve seen offered at places like Buffalo Wild Wings. As the name Charred Wing Bar implies, these wings are not fried, as at other wing-centric restaurants like Wing Stop.
All this wing talk has me hungry and it's only Monday morning - so i guess we'll have to wait to try out this spot.
Has anyone been yet? Thoughts you'd like to share?
The Hello South Loop Facebook group is soliciting info via a poll on the neighborhoods desire to close off some streets to allow for expanded alfresco dinning. The poll can be found here (since Facebook doesn't allow us to easily embed - thanks FACEBOOK!).
We've pondered similar ideas all the back in 2014 and strongly feel that it would add a positive dynamic to the neighborhood. Our post back then was more of a permanent 'european-style' idea, but we totally support what is being thrown out now.
WGN talks about this city's interest in this topic:
The city has announced a new initiative to increase outdoor dining areas through long-term outdoor spaces.
The ‘Chicago Alfresco’ program has city officials encouraging chambers of commerce and other neighborhood groups to think beyond emergency traffic barricades and construction cones of last year’s outdoor dining expansion to propose and build outdoor community spaces.
“Outdoor dining has become a lifeline for so many of our neighborhoods, but not all of them have been able to take advantage of our safe, outdoor dining programs,” said Mayor Lightfoot. “And by creating and transforming public spaces, the Chicago Alfresco initiative will significantly increase our city’s ability to fully revitalize the public way. Last year, we started this program out of necessity to help bars and restaurants stay open safely, now we’ve seen how well this program works and how much the City loves it, so we want to keep it going.”
Dearborn is a slam dunk in our opinion mostly because it has the benefit of two smaller North/South streets (Federal and Plymouth Ct) that could help with traffic issues. It also has more restaurants and bars to fill in this street (Roots, Totos, Caribbean Jerk Palace, Flacos Tacos, Printers Row Wine Shop, The Grail Cafe, Kasey's Tavern, Sofi, Amarit Thai). Finally, all those businesses could theoretically use the extra outdoor space - maybe with the exception of Roots who has a custom-built rooftop that seems perfect for the situation.
While we would support closing down a block of Wabash it seems less of a necessity. Flo & Santos already has a sizable beer garden. Asian Outpost and My Place have the benefit of a wide sidewalk that allows for a good amount of patrons. The Scout is closed and we're not sure if/when anything is coming to that space. That leaves Harbor which probably could benefit from more outdoor space, but is it worth closing down for one restaurant? Maybe?
That said, it doesn't seem like this need to be an everyday type of initiative. Weekends (and maybe include Fridays?) would seem just find in our opinion. Fingers crossed that this happens!
Sorry to read this story, but maybe a new flower will grow (via Chicago Tribune):
Motor Row Brewing is no more, felled by the COVID-19 pandemic.
In its place will be ambitious twin brewing concepts: Duneyrr, whose arcane name reflects its arcane pursuit of creating wild ales and beer-wine hybrids, and Moderne Dune, which will tread a far more accessible path with a focus on lagers and IPAs.
The new concepts, at 2337 S. Michigan Ave. in the South Loop, will be run by veteran Lagunitas brewer Tyler Davis and his partner Katie O’Hern, who helped run the Chicago taprooms for Lagunitas and Ballast Point.
Duneyrr (pronounced “dune-yer”) has had small amounts of beer in the market since September, contract brewed at Motor Row. Moderne Dune has yet to launch.
As Duneyrr began brewing at Motor Row last summer, Motor Row’s business had become paralyzed by the COVID-19 pandemic. Duneyrr eventually negotiated to take over the operation, buying the brewing equipment and leasing the space from Motor Row founder Bob Lassandrello.
We were very bullish on Motor Row Brewery and thought it could provide a shot in the arm for the much discussed "entertainment district". Actually we first posted about this back in 2011 and at the time the brewery was going to be called Broad Shoulders Brewery
If you want a trip down memory lane go read that post from 2011 (and about how Cheap Trick was going to open a concert venue down on Michigan Ave). To be fair, Michigan Avenue south of Cermak has evolved and seems to be heading towards the vision that was discussed. But it still has a ways to go.
Regardless, thanks to the crew at Motor Row Brewing for pushing the neighborhood forward and looking forward to a time when we can enjoy some brew with friends at Duneyrr.
