The coronavirus has taken a toll on many businesses over the past few months. And unfortunately, some restaurants weren’t able to stay afloat. From neighborhood joints to large popular chains, here’s a quick roundup of popular Chicago restaurants that are closing in 2020 due to COVID-19.
Trattoria No. 10
10 N Dearborn, Chicago, IL 60602
This Italian restaurant in Chicago is closing its doors for good after a whopping 30 years in business. With its proximity to various theaters, Trattoria was ideal for an elegant dinner and a show. According to a GoFundMe, supporters have raised over $17,000 to assist former employees.
Specialty’s Cafe & Bakery
Various Locations
Slightly shocking: as of May 19, this top-rated breakfast and lunch spot has closed all 55+ locations. Their website simply states, “Current market conditions attributed to COVID-19 and shelter-in-place policies have decimated company revenue.”
Links Taproom
1559 N Milwaukee Ave, Chicago, IL 60622
Pour one out for our homies at this neighborhood favorite. On April 23, the owners said on their Facebook page, “Unfortunately, with the current situation, we cannot say for certain when or where we will see you again, but, rest assured, we WILL see you all again.”
Toast
2046 N Damen Ave, Chicago, IL 60647
The owner of Toast, Jeanne Roeser, announced on Facebook that that both restaurants in Chicago will be closing in 2020. For 24 years, the popular brunch spot was bustling with folks every weekend. However, COVID changed that forever.
The Windsor
4530 N Milwaukee Ave, Chicago, IL 60630
Located in Streeterville, the American bar & grill announced on Facebook that they would be permanently shutting down: “Today, we raise a glass to our amazing team, guests, and vendors for making us a part of your community for the last 5 years. Today, we also close our doors for good due to the challenges we have faced from coronavirus.”
Monty’s Tap
600 W Chicago Ave, Chicago, IL 60654
River North folks will have to find a new watering hole — Monty’s Tap is officially closed. The hospitality group that operated Monty’s (Four Corners) even took down their website. It’s unclear if COVID caused the closure or if they shut down for other reasons.
Taqueria Sabor y Sazon
2018 S Blue Island Ave, Chicago, IL 60608
Owners Jesus Quiroz and Mercedes Cruz were forced to close their Pilsen-based restaurant in 2020. This establishment has been available to Chicago residents for seven years. However, the couple stated that rent and bills were part of the reason for closing but also event cancelations and school closures made it difficult to operate. The community has raised over $4,000 on GoFundMe for the husband-and-wife team.
House of ‘Za
1939 W Byron St, Chicago, IL 60613
Chicago’s one and only Vegan pizza joint will officially shut down on June 20 after just one year in business. The owners shared on Instagram that, “With the current pandemic, as well as the enormous cost of operating a business in Chicago we are unable to stay open for business any longer.”
Fahlstrom’s Fresh Fish Market
1258 W Belmont Ave, Chicago, IL 60657
Lakeview residents will have to get their seafood fix somewhere else. Owner Glenn Falhstrom wrote on their company website, “The new restaurant model is asking owners to put employees in harm’s way so that their business can possibly survive. That is an ‘acceptable risk’ I cannot take. The restaurant business as I know it is gone and will not return for years. It was hard enough when the playing field was supposedly level, now it is tilted beyond recognition.”
Congas
7021 W Higgins Ave, Chicago, IL 60656
After serving up Latin American cuisine for five years, Congas is calling it quits. The owner penned a Facebook post explaining, “COVID-19 made me realize the most important things in life. Having this time off from the restaurant made me appreciate my time with my family.”
