Cafe Deko Bringing More Caffeine and Vibes to Printers Row (715 S. Dearborn)

Looks like we have a new cafe coming to Printers Row:

The spot will be called Cafe Deko and seems to be a second incarnation of their original location at 800 W Diversey.  Judging from our sleuthing on their website, yelp, and socials it seems like their vibe is a stylish coffee shop with small sandwiches, croissants, and snacks.  So why the vibes -  check out this video from the original location: 

   

This definitely seems to be bringing something different to the neighborhood.  Couple the vibes of Cafe Deko with the high ceilings and history of M.A. Donohue & Co. Building it seems like a match made in heaven. 

It's unclear when they're looking to open, but since this is the space vacated by Grail Cafe a couple years back, it seems like it wouldn't require major structural changes.  

If you're really curious on the concept and history, we found this 40 minute youtube video where a local realtor talks to the entrepreneur and owner - George:

Fun stuff - looking forward to having Cafe Deko in the Sloop!

Grazie, Forno Mauri!

Need an escape? Want to transport yourself to Italy? Or pretend to? I've got an idea. Pay a visit the new hot spot pizzeria in Printer's Row, Forno Mauri! I promise you that it's less expensive than a flight to Italy. 

I know I know - we've got a lot of pizza in Chicago, and definitely in the Sloop. But, hear me out. Newly opened in December 2024, Forno Mauri does it right, almost just like you're in Italy.

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!

Is Something New Cooking at Old Cuatro Restaurant Space (2010 S. Wabash)?

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!

Former Chicago Bear Star Israel Idonije Set to Officially Open "The Staley" on January 27

Looks like The Staley (1736 S. Michigan) is set to officially open on Monday (via Chicago Star):

Former Chicago Bear Israel Idonije and acclaimed chef Stephen Gillanders are teaming up again to bring Chicago “The Staley,” a high-energy neighborhood sports bar set to open Monday, January 27. Building on the success of their fine dining spot, Signature, which debuted last year, The Staley aims to deliver a more casual, approachable experience while retaining the same dedication to quality and innovation.

For those not familiar with the space this used to be Kroll's - which was one of our faves and had a rough go of it during the pandemic.  

Although we miss Kroll's, it's nice to see something open up in the space, so we're curious to see how it does.  

For those in the know and confused... thinking "didn't that already open?" - you're not crazy.  They did have a "soft opening" during the Bears season last year.

The article in the Chicago Star also has some pictures of the food and the pizza looks pretty good (maybe i'm just hungry?!?).  Looking forward to trying this one out.

Cafe Bionda Opens Under New Restaurant Group and Looks Fantastic

Same spot, but new restaurant group.  Judging by the pictures in this post - looks like we're going to have to check it out (via InsideHook):

Cafe Bionda
South Loop

You’re here because: You were crushed when they announced their closure during the pandemic.

You’re dining on: Cafe Bionda is back with a new restaurant group, refreshed space and an Italian chef. Classics like sausage and peppers, brick chicken and cavatelli al forno grace the menu, while newcomers include caprese burrata and housemade short rib ravioli topped with a red wine demi-glace. The warm, candlelit dining room is the perfect place to enjoy an autumnal, carb-heavy meal with a glass or two of wine from the Italian-focused wine list.

1924 S. State St.

Moody Tongue Brewery Gets Profiled By CBS Sunday Morning

A reader sent us this great video from CBS Sunday Morning profiling Moody Tongue Brewery.  We didn't see this and if you haven't, it will likely cause you to add this restaurant/brewery to your list (via CBS):

Acclaimed chef Jared Wentworth and brewmaster Jared Rouben have created quite a buzz with their Chicago restaurant, by pairing fine dining with in-house crafted beers. A review in the Michelin Guide says “Their culinary fireworks will lift your spirits and have you returning for more.” Dana Jacobson sits down with the duo behind the world’s first two Michelin star brewery. Air Date: Dec 3, 2021

As you may or may not know, Moody Tongue earned a prestigious two Michelin stars back in the spring of 2021.  It's nice to have this in our backyard and one we still haven't had a chance to check out, but hope to soon!

(Hat tip:  AK!)

Cafe Bionda Reopening at 1924 S. State

 Well this is exciting:

Cafe Bionda closed during covid, but was a popular staple in the southern part of the neighborhood.  Will be nice to have them back on Sate street.

Dollop Cafe, Bar & Kitchen Opens at NEMA (1210 S. Indiana Ave)

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.

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Apolonia Earns Bib Gourmand from The Michelin Guide

Big shout-out to Apolonia for their recent Bib Gourmand award (via Eater Chicago):

The Michelin Guide announced seven new additions to its Chicago Bib Gourmand list, its annual selection of “good value” restaurants where it’s possible to have a two-course meal plus wine or dessert for about $40 per person. Next week, the guide will announce its starred restaurants on Tuesday, April 5, along with the other 48 spots on the Bib Gourmand list.

Last year’s Chicago Bib Gourmand list consisted of 58 restaurants with 10 new additions. Of those 58, only Pizzeria Bebu, the Lincoln Park thin-crust specialists, is closed.

The new Bib Gourmands are Apolonia, Stephen Gillanders’s (S.K.Y.) contemporary South Loop restaurant; Bloom Plant Based Kitchen, the Wicker Park vegan spot from Rodolfo Cuadros (Amaru); Dear Margaret, the Lakeview restaurant that proves French-Canadian cuisine goes beyond Labatt’s Blue and poutine; Lardon, Logan Square’s popular all-day salumeria; Sochi Saigonese Kitchen, a modern regional Vietnamese spot in Lakeview; Superkhana International, which mixes and mashes up Indian flavors in Logan Square; and Tortello, the Wicker Park pasta shop and cafe.

While they probably wanted a star from the venerable tire company, inclusion in the Bib list is still noteworthy (especially given their proximity to McCormick Place we imagine this will really help their business).

For those not aware, Apolonia sits prominently at the corner of Michigan and Cermak and opened about a year ago and has garnered a lot of positive press.

Decadent Dessert Bar & Bistro to Open at 1355 S. Michigan (former Kurrah Space)

We were sad when Kurrah closed - one of our favorite restaurants at the corner of 14th and Michigan.  But it looks like a new dessert spot is heading to the space:

We did some googling and it looks like Decadent Dessert Bar & Bistro is in fact happening according to this article in What Now Chicago.  Interestingly enough - it appears that is it's a franchise:

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.

X-Pot Gets Some Love from Fox 32

 Not exactly the hardest hitting story here, but Fox32 did a super small segment on X-Pot:

NBC5 Highlights Apolonia's Viral Bread Dish

Apolonia (2201 S. Michigan) - probably the most exciting restaurant to open in the Sloop in the last couple of years - got some viral love for one of their bread dishes (via NBC5):

Gillanders said the restaurant's pastry chef was trying to make a focaccia to capitalize on the trend, but they wanted to make it different.

"The deep fry became this thing. We threw a dough ball into it, it just ballooned up," he said.

The restaurant likened the dish to a "savory black truffle doughnut" and said it has since taken off in a way they never expected.

"A lot of people started to cut them open and fill them like a pita and you'd be shocked what people put into those things," he said.

NBC5 has a good overarching video about what they're doing at the restaurant.  It's early in the morning and I'm hungry for dinner:

Hat tip: ND!

Are Half Sour and Burger Point Best Burger Spots in the Sloop?

We're not burger experts, but apparently this instagram user does.  They have Acadia as the highest ranked burger spot in the Sloop (obviously they're not aware they've closed).  Beyond that, Half Sour (755 S. Clark) and Burger Point (1900 S. State) are the only other South Loop locations ranked:

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2021 Business Counter: We have that a net 7 new businesses opened - did we miss any?

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

1. Luxury Medspa (2335 S. Michigan)
2. Naf Naf Grill (1248 S. Canal)
3. GeeFit (2127 S. Wabash)
4. Shangs (1101 S. Wabash)
5. Joffrey Ballet (1920 S. Wabash)
6. The Now Massage (1109 S. Wabash)
7. Williams Inn Pizza (2210 S. Michigan)
8. Mustard Seed (49 E. Cermak)
9. L'afrique Market (2001 S. State)
10. GeeFit (2127 S. Wabash)
11. Dollop Diner, Cafe & Bar (1210 S. Indiana)
12. Smoke Valley (1319 S. Michigan)
13. My Gym (1333 S. Wabash)
14. Duneyrr Fermenta & Moderne Dune (2337 S. Michigan)
15. Tea % (57 E. 11th)
16. Bureau Pizza (719 S. State)
17. Siam Rice (1906 S. State)
18. CBD Kratom (643 W. Roosevelt)
19. UChicago Med (47 W. Polk)
20. Veterinary Emergency Group (1114 S. Clinton)
21. Sweet Bean (1152 S. Wabash)
22. Crab Bucket (2036 S. Michigan)
23. GoGrocer (820 S. Michigan)
24. Chicago Duplicate Bridget (47 W. Polk)
25. Fit Results Chicago (731 S. Plymouth Ct)
26. Mimi's Tacos & French Fries (1155 S. Jefferson)
27. Lao Sze Chuan (616 S. Wabash)
28. Apolonia Restaurant (2201 S. Michigan)
29. Insomnia Cookies (30 E. Balbo)
30. Banfield Pet Hospital (645 W. Roosevelt)
31. JS Blossom Nail and Spa (719 S. State)

Closed in 2021

1. Dearborn Denim (728 S. Dearborn)
2. Cafe Bionda (1924 S. State)
3. Spanglish Kitchen (555 S. State)
4. Burger King (2328 S. Michigan)
5. Acadia (1639 S. Wabash)
6. Harbor (1312 S. Wabash)
7. Kurah (1355 S. Michigan)
8. Chef Luciano's (49 E. Cermak)
9. Shred 451 (1136 S Delano Ct)
10. Quench Wellness (1319 S. Michigan)
11. Mercy Medical Center (47 W. Polk)
12. Mei's Asian Small Plates (1101 S. Wabash)
13. Caribbean Jerk Palace (733 S. Dearborn)
14. Nice and Distressed (723 S. Dearborn)
15. Opart Thai (1906 S. State)
16. Pauly's Pizza (719 S. State)
17. Teriyaki Madness (829 S. Wabash)
18. Illinois Media School (530 S. State)
19. Float Sixty (1143 S. State)
20. Motor Row Brewing (2337 S. Michigan)
21. South Loop Cleaners (1248 S. Canal)
22. Tutto Italiano (501 S. Wells)
23. Urban Grocers (747 S. State)

Xpot at Roosevelt Collection Simply Looks Amazing and Out of this World

Xpot in Roosevelt Collection has been open for a couple weeks now and the yelp reviews and pictures seem spectacular.  We haven't been yet, but just take a look at some of these instagram posts:

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Wow - just wow!  Can't wait to try this place out...has anyone been yet?

Spanglish Has Eviction Sign on Door and Looks to be Closed as Retail Space is For Lease

 It looks like Spanglish (555 S. State) might be closed and not reopening:

There’s an eviction notice on the window of Spanglish Mexican Kitchen (State St. between Congress and Harrison).

Regarding the reopening, Mr. South Loop posted that the retail space is up for lease, so all sign point to the being the end of Spanglish (at least at this location).

We liked Spanglish, but it was never a go-to taco spot for us.  For those who are curious, Spanglish opened back in 2013, so has had a nice 8 year run.

(Hat tip:  AB!)

New Brunch Spot - The Southern Chicago - Signs Lease at 2000 S. Wabash

 Looks like the southern part of the Sloop is getting a new brunch spot:

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The stretch of Wabash south of 18th has been pretty barren for awhile.  For long time Sloopers you may remember Cuatro and Room 21 brought some energy, but those both closed over 10 years ago - wow!  

Who remembers The Shrine on Wabash?  That hosted some big names and provided a trendy hip-hope vibe to Wabash.  That also closed about 5 years ago.

Anyway - interested to try out The Southern and welcome to the Sloop.

Naf Naf Grill Finally Opens at 1248 S. Canal

Woohoo - Mr. South Loop posts that Naf Naf Grill at 1248 S. Canal is now open:

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Venerable, but Disgraced Sloop Restaurant Acadia Officially Closes Its Doors at 1639 S. Wabash

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.

The demise of Acadia is a sad tale for a restaurant that was consistently considered one of the best fine dinning spots in the city.  Furthermore, it was a rare restaurant in the Sloop and one that added a level of eating we simply didn't have before.

When Acadia opened in 2012, there was excitement and anticipation that usually isn't present for new restaurants in the neighborhood.  My wife and I saw the potential during our first visit just one week after it officially opened.

Eventually Acadia shifted to a tasting menu concept and took off.  First they earned one star from the famous Michelin guide in 2013.  Then in 2015 earned two stars from the guide - a distinction that put it in rarefied air with a handful of other top restaurants in Chicago.  It was on the dining map in Chicago and in the world.

During the fall of 2020 - in the midst of the pandemic - the Chicago Tribune published some explosive allegations about owner/chef Ryan McCaskey.  If you read the allegations it was pretty damning and pretty detailed.  At the time, McCaskey said these were untrue and vowed to fight them in court - which seems to be happening currently.

The fate of the restaurant was also in limbo.  It was closed "due to covid", but most felt that it couldn't continue to operate in the face of these allegations.  While there is likely more to this story, it seemed inevitable that they wouldn't be able to reopen.

While Acadia will undoubtedly be missed, fine dinning isn't completely gone in the neighborhood.  Moody Tongue (2515 S. Wabash) brewery surprisingly achieved a two star rating from Michelin last year and Apolonia (2201 S. Michigan) has also been praised and may earn some awards as well.  

That said - Acadia exploded onto the scene about a decade ago, but leaves unceremoniously and disgraced.  A sad story no doubt.

Impact of Lingering Pandemic Sinks Harbor Restaurant (1312 S. Wabash)

We've lost a solid restaurant choice (via insta):

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Here is what the caption said:

It's with much sadness that we are announcing Harbor is now closed for the foreseeable future.

With the external pressures and financial impact of the pandemic, it was a storm we just couldn't weather as a young restaurant that opened its doors January 2020.

We can't thank everyone enough for the support from our first day to the last. We will miss serving you and enjoyed every minute of the last 20 months. Harbor was very lucky to be welcomed warmly by the South Loop and have many amazing patrons and dedicated employees. We hope to see you again in the future.

Sad to see Harbor go.  It was an ambitious concept and a restaurant type the neighborhood didn't have.  We were excited about the potential and the initial response from the neighborhood was very positive. 

The silver lining is that the restaurant space has been retooled so whomever comes next will hopefully be able to step in with minimal buildout work.  

(Hat tip:  CW!)