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.
AVONDALE — Kitchen 17, the restaurant celebrated for vegan deep-dish pizza, has shuttered after 13 years. Owner Jennie Plasterer says rising expenses and incidents of violence against staff ultimately pushed the business to close, according to Block Club. The menu also offered items like cauliflower wings, spinach artichoke dip, nachos, and burgers. Plasterer indicated that the pizzas might become available again for shipping in the future. 2554 W. Diversey Avenue.
LOGAN SQUARE — Beloved vegan institution the Chicago Diner will close its Logan Square outpost on Friday, December 12. “We are sad to be leaving a great community and have loved being part of such a unique neighborhood of Chicago, but despite our best efforts, we are no longer able to keep this location open,” ownership said in a press release. The restaurant is popular for its meat-free diner fare like burgers, chili, country-fried steak, and milkshakes. The original Lakeview location will remain open. 2333 N. Milwaukee Avenue.
THE LOOP — Native Foods in the Loop has closed, according to Block Club. The fast-casual vegan restaurant cited the closure of nearby businesses and a decrease in foot traffic as factors leading to the decision. This marks the end of Native Foods’ run in Chicago; the plant-based chain previously operated locations in Hyde Park and West Loop as well. Since 2023, the Loop outpost had been an employee-owned establishment following the shutdown of the company’s corporate office. 218 S. Clark Street.
WEST LOOP — The curtains will fall on Proxi after service on Wednesday, December 31. The coastal Asian restaurant and Bib Gourmand recipient from Andrew Zimmerman announced on social media that “this was an incredibly difficult decision, but we believe it’s the right time to bring this beautiful chapter to a close.” In November, chef de cuisine Jennifer Kim introduced a limited-time tasting menu highlighting the cuisine of North Korea. Proxi’s closure also coincides with the news that Zimmerman is stepping down from his role as executive chef at Sepia, the Michelin-starred restaurant he’s led since 2009. 565 W. Randolph Street.
WICKER PARK — After 31 years, Smoke Daddy will close its original location in Wicker Park on Sunday, January 4. Known for barbecue and live music, the restaurant will celebrate its final weeks with a series of events, including a pig roast, Throwback Thursdays featuring special 1994 pricing, and all-day happy hour. Smoke Daddy’s legacy will carry on at its Wrigleyville outpost, and ownership plans to open a new restaurant in the Wicker Park space in 2026. 1804 W. Division Street.