In 1989, as the restaurant was about to close, Szathmary said that although current food writers made fun of it, "they all raved about it once, and I know 50 percent of our sales after 26 years is still beef Wellington." Ask Geoffrey: What Happened to Chicagos Most Famous Restaurant? Schaller's Pump, opened some 130 years ago in the city's Bridgeport neighborhood, took top honors in the ranking. Owner Dick Portillo changed the stand's name to Portillo's in 1967 and ditched the trailer for a storefront.What's taken its place: While there's still a location in Villa Park, Portillo's has grown into a 50-location Midwest chain that reportedly sold for $1 billion to a private equity firm in July.EarwaxWhat it was: Before Wicker Park became Lincoln Park West, it was an edgy, angry enclave for irate hipsters wearing clunky boots and clunkier glasses. So said Bon Apptit, Julia Child, Jacques Ppin, Craig Claiborne, and Mimi Sheraton. (steaks) At the epicenter of Rush Street action, this always-packed prime meat scene follows the ultimate Chicago steak-house paradigm to a T. 19. It was hypnotic. ), Cock Robin Ice Cream / Multiple Chicagoland area locations (196?-2007). (Contemporary American) Rick Tramonto and Gale Gand (Tru), Shawn McClain (Spring, Green Zebra), anddrumroll pleaseGrant Achatz (Alinea) all passed through Trio. 1965-late 1980s // Lincoln Park 1966-2005 // Gold Coast The Pump Room Federighi was nicknamed "Georgetti" after the famous Italian cyclist. Chicago sleaze 1965. 2. Skilled workers and factory workers lost their jobs during the crisis. But Chicago politicians wouldnt have it. (German) The stately original across from the Germania Club fell to urban renewal, and when RSI closed for good, we lost the citys best German pancakes. Yoshis Caf Another neighborhood bar serving cheap drinks, this Noble Square establishment may have operated as a speakeasy at some point too, but the details are a bit blurry. 3. After the Great Chicago Fire in 1871 that incinerated miles of wooden walkways and buildings, Chicago was determined to rebuild itself and stand tall for good this time. Calumet City's contribution to the fine-dining scene was a formidable one. Although it was never as big as McDonald's or Burger King, Red Barn is estimated to have 400 restaurants in 22 states at its peak. Roger W/Flickr. co-owned by Garry Meier, Prince Castle / Multiple Chicagoland area locations (1928-196? 33. La Strada / 1531 N. Wells St. Chicago, IL. Ditka's City Lights / 223 W. Otario Chicago, IL. The Hollywood Snack Shop / Western Ave.& Lawrence Ave. Chicago, IL. Bressler's Ice Cream was a popular ice cream chain in Chicago in the '30s and '40s, so it seemed only natural that a fast-food chain would come as an extension. An upstairs salon displayed chef portraits of Jean Joho, Jean Banchet, Paul Bocuse, Roland Licccioni, and other friends and mentors. The thin doughnut-crepe treat could be pulled off in spirals.Whats taken its place: As far as we can tell, you cant get chimney cakes anywhere in Chicago. 1941-present // River North The restaurant caught national attention, too, winning best new restaurant from the James Beard Foundation. After graduating from the U of I with a Bachelors in English, Courtney hit the ground running. Hat Dance / 325 W. Huron St. Chicago, IL. She died of natural causes following her testimony before a grand jury, forever a queer icon for the LGBTQ+ community. Some get accolades for being game changers, some for grandeur, and even a few for kitsch, but all for memorable dining. What's taken its place: It's hard to think of a comparable spot, but if you want to get drunk and eat potatoes smothered in strange toppings, hit a bar in Wrigleyville and soak up the booze at Big Cheese Poutinerie.Ohio House Coffee ShopWhat it was: A quintessential greasy spoon diner in River North, the Ohio House Coffee Shop was the kind of place where you could nurse a hangover for less than $7. Market Plaza Mall Rolling Meadows, IL. Cizma loved cooking game blackberry-stuffed venison loin, grilled boar tenderloin, rabbit with prunes and port-wine sauce and I loved eating there. Yes, kids, Oprah Winfrey once had a restaurant. Look out for your first newsletter in your inbox soon! 1976-1999 // River North Lockwood Castle / 5400 W. Devon Ave.Chicago IL. When you think of ancient cities, Chicago is not typically the first to come to mind. But many food lovers also know the heartbreak that comes with your favorite restaurant closing for good. The rathskeller was known for its horse-betting, gambling, stripping, and other vices during the 30s, which eventually got Lottie arrested in 1966 when the city started to crack down on criminal activity. In the 1970s the restaurant industry and the custom of eating in restaurants grew rapidly. Come here with a group, and prepare to float away on a sea of martinis and red sauce. Cereality / 100 S. Wacker Dr. Chicago, IL. Lombard, IL60148, Frejlach's Ice Cream Grille / multiple Chicagoland area locations (1930-19??). Jerry and Carolyn Buster, who had worked under legendary chef Louis Szathmary at The Bakery, opened this homey suburban restaurant, which oozed country charm. /a > Name Good. Bob Elfman's Restaurant / 179 N. State St. Chicago, IL. Didn't know Walgreen's used to have a restaurant chain? These restaurants don't exist today (or if they do, they exist in a very reduced form). 302 West was one of the finest restaurants the western suburbs ever produced. text-align: left !important; At UrbanMatter, U Matter. 36. Gibsons Steakhouse Antonio's Steak House at 1528 N. Wells Street, Chicago. The level of hospitality provided at this place rivals none, and anyone whos been there can attest! Established in 1941 by true Italian chefs, this is one of the city's premier steakhouses, and it has been owned by the same family since it opened. (Contemporary American) Its star has faded, but memories of damned good food and Booth Onewhere Bogie and Bacall celebrated their weddingstill make our hearts race. The Bakery But for '70s kids, they might be a nostalgic part of your childhood memories. After 53 years in business, the Ohio House closed in 2013 when it lost its lease.What's taken its place: A second Leghorn Chicken location will open in the former Ohio House digs later this year, but those searching for affordable diner fare will find it at the Cozy Corner Diner and Pancake House in Logan Square.OknoWhat it was: One of restaurateur Terry Alexanders first restaurants (see also: Tizi Melloul, The Violet Hour, The Publican, Nico Osteria), Okno opened in Wicker Park in 1997 where Standard Bar & Grill is now. The easy way to make healthier comfort foods. 2003-present // West Loop South Barrington, IL. 302 West was one of the finest restaurants the western suburbs ever produced. An earlier version of this article was originally published on September 16, 2019. } There were bakeries, butcher shops, greasy-spoon diners, liquor stores, old-fashioned barber shops, and tiny drugstores that had only two or three aisles. Too bad; Gordon was the very first restaurant I reviewed for the Tribune (even though it was 13 years old by then), and I went back multiple times in the following 10 years, thanks to the restaurant's frequent chef turnover (most of whom left to open their own restaurants). Stunning Vintage Historical Photos Show What Chicago Looked Like In The 1960s. } Cal's Creemy Whip / 4354 N. Central Ave. Chicago, IL. An absolute staple in the Taylor Street area of Little Italy, its a true veteran of Chicagos oldest restaurants, and the food will have you coming back for more, guaranteed. St. George & The Dragon / Multiple Chicagolandarea locations, The Pacific Club / 50 Yorktown Rd. Although younger generations may know of Howard Johnson's thanks to Mad Men, '70s kids will remember actually visiting the orange-roofed restaurant chain. There's a group page on Facebook called "Chicago Restaurants 86 But Not Forgotten." 30. If there were more justice in the world, Savarin would be around still. And so will your furry friend, for that matter, since its a dog-friendly bar. It took Jarvis nearly a year to reopen, this time in larger digs in nearby Northfield (the opening wine list included "fire-sale reds," which had water-damaged labels), but Melange finally was back, along with those oysters. So, as you can imagine, it was probably pretty rowdy back then. (The restaurant's namesake is the English actor who played the butler in the Shirley Temple films.). What's taken its place:Bub City's women's bathroom is surprising, but not really in a good way.Pecking Order What it was: Kristine Subidos Filipino chicken haven in Uptown was admittedly hit or miss, and the bizarrely shaped, nearly windowless space wasnt doing it any favors. We still miss the cloches and the gorgeous dessert cart. .prisna-gwt-align-right { I was going to go all inside-baseball and say the restaurant I really missed was Mistral, the John Hogan project that never quite got off the ground. The Green Mill served Al Capone in the famous booth where he and his henchmen could keep a wary eye on both of the clubs entrances. 16. Check out these old photos to see what Chicagos restaurants looked like in the 1950s. 6. (1967-19?? Regulars would mark their calendars for the two-week stretch in March when Pollin would feature bouillabaisse and cassoulet on the menu, and for Flori's occasional wine dinners, during which he played guitar. Trotter's incredible legacy has stretched all across the city, as alumni of his kitchen have opened some of the best restaurants in Chicago. What started as a small hot dog stand in Florida blossomed into a company with 400 franchises in the United States, including Hawaii. Though originally opened under a different name, the restaurant, purchased by George "Harvey" Schaller just on the heels of the Prohibition Era, is a short walk from U.S. Cellular Field. The opening chef in 1978 was the late Yoshi Katsumura (who would go on to open Yoshi's Cafe in Wrigleyville), followed by Kevin Shikami (a Food & Wine best new chef in 1991). But that didn't stop it from being a powerhouse in the early fast-food era. It took our breath away then, and it still does. (Far Eastern) This over-the-top tiki bar and restaurant out-tikid the competition with its Polynesian fare and exotic cocktails so potent, management set a two-zombie-drink limit. (1970-1983) Maxim's De Paris / 1300 N. Astor St. Chicago, IL. 1935-1983 // Gold Coast Need ideas? Urbis Orbis served as a social center where the artists and musicians moving in to the area could linger all day over a cappuccino (unlike at the neighborhood's old-school, low-rent diners) and put on performances at night. But if you grew up in California, you will know it well. Today, it has a modern speakeasy downstairs called The Drifter, where you can experience what it may have been like to come here in the 20s. 8. 10 Downing St. / Route 31 West Dundee, IL. (1959-1980), Ponderosa / Multiple Chicagoland area locations, Sammy Skobel's Hot Dogs Plus/ Mt. You'll undoubtedly think of many places I've overlooked. Tragically, chef Terczak died two years later from a rare liver disease. Built shortly after the Fire, one of the citys most well-known, long-standing establishments was one of the only wooden buildings left after a law was passed to prohibit them. Chicago is now a world-renowned restaurant city, but eateries come and go sometimes, very quickly. 28. Patrons could order martinis and Jell-o shots at a bar decorated with tinsel, nude murals and Mr. 25. Spiaggia Along with a map beautifully illustrated by Steve Shanabruchshowing the locations of the 75 top picks, I've created a. Gordon Ramsay North America has put out a number of listings for staff positions for the new restaurant, which it says will be located at 39 W. Jefferson St. It's changed so much since the 60s and 70s. (1924-1961). And when Marriott decided to sell off its restaurant business, Wag's didn't find an owner, and the locations all shut down in 1991. (The building is now a Cheetah Gym. 1997-present // West Loop We already have this email. This newfound interest, and a need to escape drudgery and horrors of WWII, led to the establishment of tiki bars across the country, including in Chicago, during the 1940s and 1950s, and all the way into the 1960s. 38. 39. Cafe Bonaparte Sheraton, Blackstone . The company's top-seller, a 1940s menu from a Chicago seafood restaurant, is also one of the most . (Mexican) Did Rick Bayless think we had never eaten tacos or enchiladas before? Merci, Jean Banchet. In 1941, Gene Michelotti and Alfredo Federighi opened the first steakhouse in Chicago called Gene & Georgetti. box-shadow: none !important; Henricis led to Earwax angrily closing its doors in 2011.What's taken its place: Heartland Caf, minus the good vibes.Hot Doug'sWhat it was: Doug Sohn is closing his revered hot dog temple on October 3, but we're mourning the end of our interactions with Doug as much as the sausages themselves. But, oh, that country bird chicken sandwich (fried chicken topped with Gouda, pimento mayo and shaved onion). Rush Street, Chicago ca. .goog-text-highlight { Helpful hints for your holiday party per Joan Crawford: The best parties are a wild mixture of people. A lifelong passion for writing (oddly foreshadowed by a tendency to live on streets named after dead British authors) is what drives her professional endeavors. View Website Earn 3X PointsSave. display: none !important; circa 1930-1978 // South Shore The stronghold of McDonald's, Pizza Hut , Burger King, and other giants of the '80s made the competition stiff. (photo courtesy of Cragin Spring Flickr). From the late-19th century to the 1970s, restaurants had one surefire way of standing out. And we think this matters. When shes not at her desk with headphones in, cranking out articles on Chicagos music, dining, and nightlife scenes, you can usually find her at concerts around the city, watching horror movies, psyching herself into going to the gym, or obsessing over scented candles. Although the oldest-standing Bob's Big Boy is still running in Burbank and various other locations are still open, the chain has never bounced back from its peak in the '70s. Pie-Pan Drive-In / 5950 N. Cicero Ave. Chicago, IL. They only served alcohol to men (ouch), that is, until 1969 when Gloria Steinem protested for womens rights. 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