Chicago’s restaurant scene is rapidly changing, and the city is used to seeing places come and go. It’s a tough real estate market out there, and the rising costs of doing business do not favor restaurant owners. Sometimes the grind gets too much, other times it’s time to pull the curtain on a long run. Of course, customers may not always love the food that’s being served either.
The Shutter, a regular roundup of Chicago’s restaurant closures, is your resource to find out what’s on its way out. The list is by no means comprehensive. Have information on another closing? Send all tips to chicago@eater.com.
BUCKTOWN— Mable’s Table has closed at 1655 W. Cortland Street. In a world where “neighborhood gem” is cliché, the phrase is actually applicable in this case. The restaurant opened in 2017, filling the big shoes left after the 22-year run of Jane’s ended in the same space. Saturday, June 21, was Mable’s last day of service.
GARFIELD RIDGE— After 26 years, Oak Mill Bakery has closed its South Harlem Avenue location. While the bakery at 5747 S. Harlem is closed, its four suburban locations, including one in Harwood Heights on North Harlem, remain open.
JEFFERSON PARK— Gale Street Inn, a neighborhood restaurant that epitomized North Side barbecue thanks to its ribs, is closed. The sudden announcement ended a 62-year run across the street from the CTA’s Jefferson Park Blue Line Stop. Gale Street’s ownership blamed challenges finding workers, and media reports began shifting blame at Chicago’s move to ban the tipped minimum wage, which goes into effect on July 1. But as it’s hard to predict the ordinance’s impact other than to see how it impacted Washington, D.C. Perhaps Gale Street’s closure is a referendum on Chicago’s barbecue scene, which is marketably different from six decades ago. Lem’s Bar-B-Q just won a James Beard Award. Smoque BBQ is in the headlines over a trademark dispute with Weber Grills. Gale Street was also trapped in the past. Who can forget their ‘90s spots on sports radio, bragging about never playing hip hop in their dining room? Regardless, Gale Street was a pillar of the Northwest Side community since 1963 and a place for special occasions, including first dates, birthdays, and graduation parties.
WEST TOWN— Vegans were dealt a big blow as Liberation Kitchen has closed at 2054 W. Grand Avenue. Operated by Vegan food company Upton’s Naturals, Liberation Kitchen has served the public for 12 years with veganized versions of Chicago dogs, doughnuts, and more. Ownership says they’ll continue to host vegan farmers markets and want to focus more on Upton’s.
WICKER PARK— Milk & Honey, once considered an anchor along Division Street, has been closed since May after the city suspended the cafe’s business license. New owners have run the cafe at 1920 W. Division Street since 2022, and they’ve faced some challenges over the years. Management describes the closure as a temporary move, but there haven’t been updates in five weeks.