“Coming soon” signs are up for Dönerka Alma-Ata in the former Chase Bank location in the plaza at Lincoln and Balmoral. This looks like the first city location for the döner kebab and burger joint, which already has a location in Mount Prospect.
https://www.donerka.com/

Mangi's Fast Foods has closed. Awnings, Signage and coolers have been gone awhile. It was on the corner of Lincoln and Grace (across Grace from the Trader Joe's). No great loss to the culinary scene of Chicago, but certainly fit the bill when dealing with hungry kids wanting a hot dog. Grumpy old man service at no charge!

Mangi's Fast foods
3801 N Lincoln Ave
Chicago, IL 60613

Roister is closing this weekend (11/16), with new concept Fire opening as soon as Nov. 20. St. Clair Supper Club will live on in the basement for now.

“I’ve been wanting to create something new,” Alinea co-founder and chef Grant Achatz writes in an email. “In my travels, some of my favorite meals have been in restaurants that use the fire in a dedicated, focused way. It was time to try our hand at this level of commitment to the fire and explore its possibilities within the refined rusticity. We think a tasting menu format is best suited to experience the wide range of nuances the hearth provides.”

https://chicago.eater.com/2024/11/14/24 ... restaurant

Dave148 wrote:

kimzy wrote:DeNucci's Italian, a restaurant from the Ballyhoo group, is planning to open in downtown Highland Park in the fall of 2024. The original DeNucci's opened in Lincoln Park last year. The restaurant will be located in the large space on Second St. that formerly housed Beelow's Steakhouse, and Rosebud before that.

Not sure of the logic of opening literally across the street from Bella Via, another Italian spot.

More here = https://www.therecordnorthshore.org/202 ... from-city/

DeNucci’s, 1850 Second St., will debut Monday night, Nov. 18

https://www.therecordnorthshore.org/202 ... y-reopens/

GT Fish & Oyster will be replaced by Zarella Pizzeria & Taverna

https://chicago.eater.com/2024/11/18/24 ... th-gt-fish

Raising Cane’s To Open Its First Chicago Drive-Thru In South Loop Early Next Year

https://blockclubchicago.org/2024/11/19 ... next-year/

Dave148 wrote:

Raising Cane’s To Open Its First Chicago Drive-Thru In South Loop Early Next Year

https://blockclubchicago.org/2024/11/19 ... next-year/

I still feel like I'm on an episode of Punk'd. Cannot begin to comprehend how this is a multi-billion dollar business. It's the Scotch tape store of fast food.

Brazilian Bowl Fresh Grill has closed its Albany Park location at Lawrence and Kenzie. Per their website:

After 9 wonderful years serving the Albany Park community, we have made the bittersweet decision to close this location as of Nov 3rd, 2024. This choice stems from our exciting plans to expand into new areas, allowing us to share our Brazilian culinary passion with a broader audience.

For the moment, please visit or order from our Lakeview Location at 3204 N. Broadway St, Chicago and stay tuned.

spinynorman99 wrote:

Dave148 wrote:

Raising Cane’s To Open Its First Chicago Drive-Thru In South Loop Early Next Year

https://blockclubchicago.org/2024/11/19 ... next-year/

I still feel like I'm on an episode of Punk'd. Cannot begin to comprehend how this is a multi-billion dollar business. It's the Scotch tape store of fast food.

It is like the Scotch tape store except when you do one thing and people love it, you win. As to the food I always try to eat inside. Chicken is usually hot and fresh, but I also get the fries extra crispy, do the Texas toast buttered on both sides for more flavor, extra sauce (because you dip all of that in it) and I am happy. On their own? The chicken is fair and the fries are bland. The way I do it? Keeps me coming back every time.

spinynorman99 wrote:

Dave148 wrote:

Raising Cane’s To Open Its First Chicago Drive-Thru In South Loop Early Next Year

https://blockclubchicago.org/2024/11/19 ... next-year/

I still feel like I'm on an episode of Punk'd. Cannot begin to comprehend how this is a multi-billion dollar business. It's the Scotch tape store of fast food.

To my taste buds, Cane's sauce (and all similar tasting sauces) is worse than putrid. I have tried to like it and wish I could. Must be genetics.
I don't especially like their chicken or fries either but might eat there occasionally if they offered BBQ, Ranch, and/or Buffalo sauce for dipping (not a fan of honey mustard, their only other option). The lack of choice on the sauce front - and yet their continued popularity - is stupefying.

Boka Restaurant Group to close steakhouse GT Prime as chef Giuseppe Tentori departs

Chicago’s First Australian-Style Cafe Aims To Bring Back The ‘Long Lunch’

Chapel Street Cafe, opening in January in Streeterville, is the latest venture from Shawn Uldridge, a Melbourne native and West Loop business owner.

https://blockclubchicago.org/2024/11/22 ... ong-lunch/

New at Randhurst Village, in the old Minta/e+o spot:

Hong Dae Korean Bar and Grill
125 Randhurst Village Dr, Mt Prospect, IL 60056
https://hongdaechicago.com/

I didn't especially need another Korean restaurant in that mall, especially as I still haven't visited Mr Kimchi right across the way. But Mr Kimchi is only AYCE, this place looks like it has a greatest hits of Korean: dumplings, wings, stews, bbq.

Tag's Cafe in Evanston will be closing. https://evanstonnow.com/tags-cafe-on-ce ... -to-close/

Dave148 wrote:Tag's Cafe in Evanston will be closing. https://evanstonnow.com/tags-cafe-on-ce ... -to-close/

Note, this is only the cafe portion. Tag's Bakery will remain open.

nsxtasy wrote:

Dave148 wrote:Tag's Cafe in Evanston will be closing. https://evanstonnow.com/tags-cafe-on-ce ... -to-close/

Note, this is only the cafe portion. Tag's Bakery will remain open.

The article says the space was formerly Backlot Coffee. I forgot they had been there before moving two doors down, immediately east of Tag's. I remember Linz and Vail after that.

Chicago’s oldest Italian restaurant is opening a basement eatery with an elevated menu and relaxed vibe that owners hope will attract a younger crowd.

Sotto opens Thursday in the basement of the sprawling Italian Village Restaurant, 71 W. Monroe St., following an extensive makeover. It replaces La Cantina Enoteca, one of the restaurant’s three dining concepts that closed during the pandemic.

https://blockclubchicago.org/2024/12/02 ... n-village/

ETC, From Lauded Chef Lamar Moore, Brings Southern Cuisine To South Loop

https://blockclubchicago.org/2024/12/03 ... outh-loop/

Mrs. Kay’s Kitchen, is a Nigerian restaurant that used to be in downtown Skokie. It closed and moved to Rogers Park where it closed a second time. It has now relocated to the location where Patty's Diner used to be - 3358 Main St in Skokie. It opened about a week ago. Third time's the charm?

It appears that some version of Francesca's/Fiore will be returning to Forest Park. I originally saw December 2nd, but now this:

https://www.fiorebakes.com

Dave148 wrote:

Virtue Owner Erick Williams Opening Mexican Bar, Restaurant In Hyde Park

https://blockclubchicago.org/2024/01/19 ... this-year/

Erick Williams, the James Beard award-winning chef and owner of Virtue restaurant, just opened the only craft cocktail bar in the Hyde Park neighborhood on the South Side of Chicago. Cantina Rosa opened Nov. 29, around the corner from his critically acclaimed Southern restaurant, and across the street from Daisy’s Po-Boy and Tavern, his New Orleans cafeteria.

https://www.chicagotribune.com/2024/12/ ... hyde-park/

The Celtic Knot restaurant and bar will be reopening in their new space this Wednesday, December 12th at 3pm.
The new place is smaller than the Church St location but I am assured all the favorites will be on the menu.
Easily my favorite corner beef in the city.

Celtic Knot Pub and Restaurant
2022 Central St
Evanston IL 60201

Fiesta Mexicana, 4806 N. Broadway, is closing Dec. 20, per a Facebook post. The restaurant opened in 1979.

Lao Sze Chuan in Highland Park has closed. Windows are papered over and signage has been removed.

Chef Ivan Valdez plans to open Taquizas Valdez this month — as soon as next week — in the former Tano’s Pizzeria storefront at 3038 W. Irving Park Road.

https://blockclubchicago.org/2024/12/13 ... ving-park/

The Good Wolf, 1547 W. Bryn Mawr Ave., opened Dec. 12 next to Little Bad Wolf with “a more refined atmosphere, featuring high-end cocktails [and] an elevated shared plate menu.” Open 5 p.m.-1 a.m. Monday-Thursday, 5 p.m.-2 a.m. Friday and Saturday and 5 p.m.-12 a.m. Sunday.

https://blockclubchicago.org/2024/12/13 ... rsonville/

Just got an email from George Trois Group that their new restaurant, Fondita Miguel Mexican, is now open, not far from Aboyer, and no reservations are required.

Fondita Miguel Mexican Restaurant
544 Lincoln Ave.
Winnetka, IL

Tues.–Sat., 11am-7pm
Sun. 11 am - 3 pm

Cynthia wrote:Just got an email from George Trois Group that their new restaurant, Fondita Miguel Mexican, is now open, not far from Aboyer, and no reservations are required.

Fondita Miguel Mexican Restaurant
544 Lincoln Ave.
Winnetka, IL

Tues.–Sat., 11am-7pm
Sun. 11 am - 3 pm

It's a very casual taco/burrito place.

Opening tomorrow:
Yana's Barbershop and Speakeasy
465 Roger Williams Ave.
Highland Park IL 60035
(847) 322-9863
https://raviniaspeakeasy.com/