One reader writes:
It's come to my attention that Cafe Mediterra (formerly the Gourmand coffee house) will close it's doors this Sunday night . . . making this the third business in a row (on that block) to go dark. GNC closed maybe two years ago and the Doggie Bath House folded last month. I've heard that the owner of this property block has been really jacking-up the rent on these businesses despite the down economy. |
With another bar/restaurant on Dearborn you could almost argue that this area is a legitimate 'nightime' destination that rivals other neighborhoods. We had a poll a couple of months ago asking which corridor in the South Loop would be the best bar/restaurant/shopping corridor and Printer's Row came in second to Motor Row. Although that might be the case in 10 years, in our opinion Printer's Row beats Motor Row currently. Printer's Row has Hackney's, Kasey's Taver, Bar Louie, the Jazz Showcase, Villians Bar & Grill and Blackies. We will keep our fingers crossed for this new place as well!
In other restaurant news, another reader writes:
In other restaurant news, another reader writes:
Thought I'd drop you a tip and let you know something's going into the old Sam's location at Wabash and Roosevelt. It's gonna be a restaurant/lounge. From my contact: they purchased the furniture/appliances from the old Blue Water Grill that was at 520 N. Dearborn that has since lost it's lease and closed down...maybe a bit upscale? I'll let ya know if I hear any more!
That location would be a great spot for a restaurant, however it's a large amount of space. It seems like it would be better suited for a sports bar due to its proximity to soldier field, but something is better then nothing in our opinion.
Maybe the owner of the building is willing to split up the space. If that's the case then a upscale restaurant could fit. Good news if this one is true.
UPDATE: We walked by the old Sam's space and it appears that there are a lot of chairs and tables stacked up. Does this give more validity to the email above? Maybe. Take it for what it's worth.
UPDATE: We walked by the old Sam's space and it appears that there are a lot of chairs and tables stacked up. Does this give more validity to the email above? Maybe. Take it for what it's worth.
(Hat Tip to JC & KG)
Not sure I could picture another bar moving into this area. I'm just not sure there is a demand for it. Especially during the night and weekend hours. However, if a bar were to move into this particular space, I would hope it would be either a Dunlay's or a Four Corners Tavern venture.
ReplyDeleteThis rumor sounds good. Also, I agree with the Motor Row statement. I live near Motor Row, but currently Printer Row certainly has a better bar/restaurant corridor.
ReplyDeleteI would love to see a real nightlife corridor in South Loop develop.
ReplyDeleteLove to have another good option in the area. I like that Hackney's caters to regulars with their daily specials and economy box. But it would be fun to have something a little different to try. Looking forward to seeing what happens.
ReplyDeleteNo way would anything even remotely "high end" set up shop in that space. It's going to be either fast food chain (e.g., another Potbelly-type) or a convenience/liquor store. The foot traffic outside that eL station would scare any entrepreneur away (there's a reason a flashing CPD camera sits at that corner!).
ReplyDeleteAnonymous 122109 2:33, What foot traffic are you talking about? Please elaborate and briefly describe the appearance of individuals making up this "foot traffic". The Addison Red Line stop has that same blue light camera. Last time I checked, Cub fans and all those yuppies that frequent the bars near that stop doesn’t look they need to be monitored by blue lights.
ReplyDeleteMore Anon/Trolls chiming-in on subjects they know nothing about.
ReplyDeleteHigh-end, fine dining restaurants only open in neighborhoods with a plethora of "uptight caucasian douchebags."
ReplyDelete