South Barrington, IL. Another Marriott story: The famous burger chain Bob's Big Boy merged with the corporation in 1967 (the chain had first opened in 1936 in Burbank, California). But, oh, that country bird chicken sandwich (fried chicken topped with Gouda, pimento mayo and shaved onion). 11. Perched atop the Macys flagship on State is The Walnut Room the first-ever restaurant to open inside a department store. Just take a look around sophisticated and classy is what this place is all about. Sign up for our morning newsletter to get all of our stories delivered to your mailbox each weekday. 7. Aruns 8. Arthur T. LaBar/Flickr. College Inn 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. We gathered them from experience, of course, but also from Chicagos voluminous files, avid conversations, and old guidebooks. Children of the '70s will remember defunct chain Sambo's not for the food, but for the controversial name that ultimately led to its demise. Owned by the same family for three generations, it began as a totally innocent (ahem)soda shop during the tail-end of the nations dry years. . Theres something about Italian food that it just seems to taste better if its made with generations of family tradition behind it. (Cantonese) No one has yet equaled its egg rolls, sweet and sour pork, chicken sub gum chow mein, and pan-fried noodles. Never doubt Henry's eye for talent. Originally called El-Side Tavern for its location beneath CTA train tracks, Kellys Pub is a great spot to reminisce the history of Chicago. But due to various sales and franchises, the Big Boy chain has grown much smaller over the past few decades. (E. Jason Wambsgans / Chicago Tribune ). Experience a sliver of Chicago history at the oldest bars and restaurants in the city. 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. Savarin was the 1998 restaurant chef Hogan did open, a gorgeous space with walls treated to resemble green leather, ornate chandeliers and linen-draped tables. Among the Gordon chefs whose creative food I enjoyed were John Terzcak, Kornick, Ron Blazek, Michael Smith, Stewart Parsons and Don Yamauchi.) 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. Housed in a restored bank building, the split-level dining room offered soaring ceilings and bright-white walls, and the bar, located in an open loft, let imbibers watch the goings-on below. Frontera Grill RELATED: This 7-day smoothie diet will help you shed those last few pounds. Amidst the steak and potatoes of 1963, its pt, bouillabaisse, Wiener schnitzel, and Viennese tortes stood out as exotic. 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. Phil's 50: Chicago's top restaurants rated, reviewed, mapped , 25 Chicago restaurants earn Michelin stars in 2017 , Craving: Italian -- a month of Chicago's best pastas, antipasti, pizza, secondi and more . display: none !important; 23. 1970-1983 // Old Irving The restaurant chain became an American favorite, thanks to dishes like Hawaiian chicken and herb-roasted prime rib. (Italian-American) In 1948, Fanny Bianucci said no to $75,000 from Kraft Foods for her salad dressing recipe. Helpful hints for your holiday party per Joan Crawford: The best parties are a wild mixture of people. 20. 1987-present 21. ), Golden Bear Family Restaurant / Multiple Chicagoland arealocations (19??-1984). We've rounded up a list of nostalgic restaurants that have either gone out of business completely or have greatly reduced their operations. Similar to Dairy Queen and Burger King, the restaurant served up burgers and shakes. By the late '70s, though, the company had been sold. (French) This bastion of haute owes its successfour stars for 19 straight yearsto Jean Joho, the anti-trend chef who shows no signs of letting up. (1979-1991), Silver Stallion Restaurant / 1275 Lee St. Des Plaines, IL, 6401 W. Addison St. Chicago, IL. (Continental) Home of the three-hour lunch for columnists, models, and moguls: Irv Kupcinet described Fritzels as Chicagos version of Toots Shors. 1984-present // Gold Coast (Contemporary French) From day one, Carlos Nieto's patented silver bow tie has said it all: Check your ideas about formal French dining at the door. 30. Chef and owner Pierre Pollin (who bought the restaurant from original owner Christian Zeiger) was a masterful chef, aided in no small measure by maitre d' and sommelier Marcel Flori. Located in the Old Town Triangle, this place was once a real-deal speakeasy, back when alcohol was a no-no. 2020 Chicago magazine / A Chicago Tribune Media Group website. Also obvious, perhaps, but impossible to ignore. But if you grew up in California, you will know it well. Yoshis Caf (Contemporary American) Rick Tramonto and Gale Gand (Tru), Shawn McClain (Spring, Green Zebra), anddrumroll pleaseGrant Achatz (Alinea) all passed through Trio. Four current employees have been with the restaurant for over 50 years! Luckily, in most cases there are alternatives that fill the void these restaurants left butsighnever completely.RECOMMENDED: Chicago businesses we missBanquet on a BunWhat it was: The hungry, horny and high pouring out of Faces, the discotheque with a membership card, could stumble across Rush Street and scarf down greasy burgers at this diner. 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. View Website Earn 3X PointsSave. 1980-2007 // Lincoln Park In its heyday, the chain had more than 1,000 locations, which served fried clams and a whopping 28 ice cream flavors. Patrons could order martinis and Jell-o shots at a bar decorated with tinsel, nude murals and Mr. 1973-2007 // Wheeling 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. But Chicago politicians wouldnt have it. With Carolyn running the kitchen and Jerry as affable host, a delightful experience was all but assured. And children of the '70s will remember that time well. Helmed by a complicated chef, the restaurant was open for 25 years and, by the time it closed in 2012, had changed the face of Chicago dining. Gene & Georgettis 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. 32. 10. / co-owned by Steve Dahl. . 38. 1982-present // Lake View Serving the people of Chicago since the end of the Gangster Era, this Irish saloon is a North Side gem ready to quench your thirst for the Glascott special: Stoli O vodka, cranberry juice, and Red Bull. Although it didn't hold up against Chili's, TGI Fridays, and Applebee's, there was a time when it was fairly ubiquitous throughout the states. In 2012, the big news was the closing of Charlie Trotter's after 25 years, but out in the northwest suburbs, Le Titi de Paris called it a career after a remarkable 40-year run, which began in Palatine and ended in Arlington Heights. Similar to Denny's or Shoney's, the family eatery was a 24-hour establishmentsome were even built into the drugstore. Le Franais What was the name of the Chinese restaurant on 26th street across from the pet store in the 1950s and 1960s owned by Charlie Bing? Fast-food chain Burger Queen began in Florida in 1956. (pizza) In the beginning, there was Chicago-style thin-crust pizza, and it was good. Ditka's City Lights / 223 W. Otario Chicago, IL. But for '70s kids, they might be a nostalgic part of your childhood memories. (soul food) Long after visits from Martin Luther King Jr. and Aretha Franklin, this landmark spot remained the go-to for corn bread, smothered chicken, grits, and cobbler. The area has been gentrified, which began in the 80s. Then Brasserie Jo debuted (at 59 W. Hubbard St.) with sub-$15 entrees and a menu featuring choucroute, tarte flambee, Joho's shrimp bag and other delights. (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. (773) 478-9129. Cal's Creemy Whip / 4354 N. Central Ave. Chicago, IL. Try another? But there's no one in Chicago who so embodies a restaurant the way Sohn embodies Hot Doug's.Ina'sWhat it was: Ina Pinkney ran Ina's, a charming breakfast restaurant in the West Loop, for 12 years before closing it last New Year's Eve. Subscribe to one or more of our free e-mail newsletters to get instant updates on local news, events, and opportunities in Chicago. Too obvious? Greg Borzos new book Lost Restaurants of Chicago celebrates departed eateries, from those lingering in recent memory to the nearly forgotten class, from high-end to bizarre, and spots serving everything from standard American fare to ethnic cuisine. Mantuano was forced out in late 1999 by his money partners, and the space went through a few name changes before closing for good in 2009. All-day breakfast is one way to make people happy, and that's what Minnesota chain Happy Chef aimed to do. 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. (Mexican) Did Rick Bayless think we had never eaten tacos or enchiladas before? French cuisine, sometimes with Japanese accents, was the menu's stock in trade, opera music played discreetly overhead and, due to Rohr's severe allergies, Jimmy's Place was the first Chicago restaurant with an outright ban on smoking (along with perfumes and scents; Rohr often said the overly cologned male customers were most problematic). Petricca's Restaurant & Banquet Hall / Chicago IL. Ownership changed hands many times throughout the '80s, and the company eventually went bankrupt. I narrowed my list to 15 restaurants, which wasn't easy. The Walgreens, Chicago, circa 1970s. Discreetly located underneath the Canterbury Courts apartments, this is the place to go when you want to sing the night away. Housed in a restored bank building, the split-level dining room offered soaring ceilings and bright-white . From Chicago Film Society Wednesday, a Sunrise you cant afford to miss, Rick Armstrongs Aurora, Elgin, Naperville boys basketball rankings and player of the week for Thursday, Jan. 19, 2023, Little progress in R. Kelly cases as defense requests more information on Cook County charges, Do Not Sell/Share My Personal Information. Still as sophisticated as it was in its prime during the 30s and 40s, this jazz club-turned-cocktail bar maintains its vintage charm and excellent service in todays world. By entering your email address you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy and consent to receive emails from Time Out about news, events, offers and partner promotions. Although its the youngest on this list, this Irish pub in Lincoln Park has still had a pretty impressive lifespan, having been around since the late 40s. 7.7k Views 14. 1920-1984 // Loop 1899-1970 // Old Town For 23 years running, all hail the chef. We won't fault you for getting misty-eyed over these failed fast-food chain restaurants from the 1980s. By the late '70s, the chain was sold a number of times, and all closed by the late '80s. )What's taken its place: Though the crowd is less singer-songwriter, more graphic designer, Filter has a lock on the all-day camping set in the Wicker Park of today. 1993-2006 // Evanston } Avec It had all the musts a secret entrance, an antique wooden bar that still stands to this today, and gin a-brewin in a bathtub upstairs. By the mid-'70s, the chain was spread throughout the East Coast and attempting to open in the Midwest. 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). ), House Of Pies / Multiple Chicagoland area locations. Calumet City's contribution to the fine-dining scene was a formidable one. text-align: left !important; But not with these restaurantsthese are the places we truly miss, and not always because the food was so great or the atmosphere was so alluring. We're far too young to have firsthand experience, but we still dream of sitting on the chrome stools in the pink neon glow every time we watch Risky Business, when Tom Cruise and Rebecca De Mornay enjoy a bite after some slo-mo CTA shagging.What's taken its place: Still seeking a gastrointestinal lube job at 4am with a side of nostalgia? So they must be doing something right. 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 chain's demise was because of another chain: Taco Bell, which bought all of the Pup 'N' Taco locations in 1984. The stronghold of McDonald's, Pizza Hut , Burger King, and other giants of the '80s made the competition stiff. The Berghoff Although younger generations may know of Howard Johnson's thanks to Mad Men, '70s kids will remember actually visiting the orange-roofed restaurant chain. Savarin showed Hogan's mastery of French technique; the menu interspersed bistro classics with sturgeon-wrapped crab mousse and a knockout composition of sea urchin and crabmeat in lobster sauce with a sabayon gratin. We uncover the best of the city and put it all in an email for you. He's cheerful and funny and he takes every single order, so everyone gets a few minutes to chat with him, long line be damned.What's taken its place: If you want a creative hot dog, you can go to Hoppin' Hots or Franks 'n Dawgs. Lockwood Castle / 5400 W. Devon Ave.Chicago IL. I included some big names, but also quite a few lesser-known restaurants that appealed to me personally. It started on Franklin Street in 1991,and between the crispy pizzas and the rosemary-perfumed porchetta, there was nothing not to like. 1986-present // South Loop The restaurant dished out hamburgers, and the staff members went by the nickname "Towerettes." Chef Michael Short whipped up offbeat flavor combinations (scallops and pasta bathed in mint-Montrachet sauce, skate wing in wasabi beurre blanc in 1992, mind you) and was using Sichuan peppercorns long before they became a thing. Gene & Georgetti (500 N Franklin Street) Facebook/Gene & Georgetti Chicago. I'd take extra time every visit to read through the wine list, written by Joel Findlay and peppered with informative and sometimes humorous commentary. They were probably funny but rebellious. The president of the National Restaurant Association reported that the country's half million restaurants enjoyed rising sales throughout the mid-1970s, with 1975's take 16% higher than the year before. But what sometimes seemed like capricious ingredient pairings always made sense on the plate. 1950s, Joan Crawfords Tips for a Great Party: Everyone Welcome, Except Hippies With Unwashed Feet, Before Google Maps, There Was a Navigation Hotline You Could Call for Directions, 1963, Antonio's Steak House at 1528 N. Wells Street, Chicago, Bamboo Inn Restaurant and Cocktail Lounge at 11 N. Clark Street, Chicago, Cafe Bonaparte Sheraton, Blackstone Hotel, Chicago, Camellia House Restaurant, Drake Hotel, Chicago, Club El Bianco at 2747 West 63rd Street, Chicago, Elizabethan Room, Congress Hotel and Annex, Chicago, Fireplace Inn at 1448 N. Wells Street, Chicago, Glass Hat Restaurant, Congress Hotel, Chicago, Henrici's Restaurant at 67 West Randolph, Chicago, Honolulu Harry's Waikiki at 204 Wilson Avenue, Chicago, Jacques French Restaurant at 900 N. Michigan Avenue, Chicago, Kon-Tiki Ports Restaurant, Sheraton-Chicago Hotel at 501 North Michigan Avenue, Chicago, Kon-Tiki Ports Restaurant, Sheraton-Chicago Hotel at 505 North Michigan Avenue, Chicago, Kon-Tiki Ports Restaurant, Sheraton-Chicago Hotel at 605 North Michigan Avenue, Chicago, Kungsholm Scandinavian Restaurant at 100 E. Ontario Street, Chicago, Martinique Restaurant and Drury Lane Theatre, Chicago, Myrtlewood Bar, Indian Room, Blackhawk Restaurant, Chicago, Porterhouse Room, College Inn, Sherman Hotel, Chicago, Sayat Nova Armenian Restaurant at 6465 N. Sheridan Road, Chicago, Shangri-La Restaurant at 222 N. State Street, Chicago, Southwest Inn at 4501 South Cicero Avenue, Chicago. The name was a contraction of "tutto a posto," roughly meaning "all is as it should be" (we might translate it to "it's all good" today), and the Mediterranean restaurant with the Italian name was the brainchild of Tony Mantuano, who created it in between his two terms running Spiaggia (where he's running things today). Trio (by then renamed Trio Atelier) closed in 2006 after more than 12 years in business. RELATED:9 Old-Fashioned Recipes From the Back of Iconic Product Boxes. Bridal gowns in the 1960s mostly featured high-waisted empire silhouettes and up-styles were definitely in. (The restaurant's namesake is the English actor who played the butler in the Shirley Temple films.). When American servicemen returned home from World War II, they brought with them stories and souvenirs from the South Pacific. Michigan and Washington, Chicago, 1970. ("86" is restaurant shorthand for a dish no longer available that night.) The first location was opened in 1963 by three brothers. Our newsletter hand-delivers the best bits to your inbox. That's what Bennigan's, an Irish-themed bar and grill, offered in the 1980s. Craving even more throwback content? Bamboo Inn Restaurant and Cocktail Lounge at 11 N. Clark Street, Chicago. Fortunately, the restaurant announced in June that it's changing its name. Shangri-La The history of Chicagos restaurant scene and the characters who have populated it help tell the story of the city itself. In its heyday, the . ), Cock Robin Ice Cream / Multiple Chicagoland area locations (196?-2007). Dont be fooled by its somewhat nondescript appearance. .prisna-gwt-align-left { Originally a penny candy store-turned-liquor store on the other side of Prohibition, Jakes Pub is cash-only and loads of fun. (1899-1970) & 4179 W. Irving Park Rd. This was the perfect fall restaurant, I thought; the menu offered game (chutney-glazed grilled quail, grilled venison with mustard sauce), and Carolyn's voluptuous soups were not to be missed. Buffalo Ice CreamParlor / 4000 W. Irving Park Rd. I raved about the eclectic, but utterly professional, gem in Wilmette, a very pretty space done in aqua and salmon hues and dishes like Jarvis' wild turkey breast stuffed with truffle mousse. Serving up fried chicken, fish, and chips, Arthur Treacher's peaked with more than 800 stores in the late '70s. } News? (Chicago Tribune ). Tags: Design Controls - Google AMP, Dining & Drinking, Dining News, I remember going to Tamborine a favorite years ago where Id go with friends does it still exist.?. And some fan favoriteslike Burger Chef, G.D. Ritzy's, and Howard Johnson'sfell by the wayside. When Frank Sinatra is one of your regulars, you know youve made history. We already have this email. 27. Cape Cod Room It closed in 2006 after 12 years, but the restaurant launched the careers of Grant Achatz, Rick Tramonto, Gale Gand and Curtis Duffy, among other important Chicago chefs.What's taken its place: Through December, Next Restaurant is serving a version of a Trio menu from 2004. 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. And while we're feeling nostalgic, here are 25 Beloved Restaurants That Are Gone for Good. Chicago, IL. There were eight-course tasting menus with dishes like roasted Muscovy duck with bitter melon and duck consomm, but no matter what was on the menu, dining at Trotter's was an experience.What's taken its place: These 14 restaurants. This family business has worked for decades upon decades to provide top-notch, regional Italian eats, and has one of the most impressive collections of wine in the city to back it up. Best of all was brunch, an assortment of American dishes served dim-sum style from wheeled carts a gimmick that would inspire restaurants such as State Bird Provisions in San Francisco. } } Although younger generations may know of Howard Johnson's thanks to Mad Men, '70s kids will remember actually visiting the orange-roofed restaurant chain. Trotter's incredible legacy has stretched all across the city, as alumni of his kitchen have opened some of the best restaurants in Chicago. If youre a White Sox fan, youll feel right at home here. There were about 170 restaurants in the U.S. at that timebut 10 years later, all of those were bought out by Dairy Queen. .prisna-gwt-align-right { When it became part of a larger restaurant chain in 1976, there were more than 100 locations. But like many burger joints, Henry's couldn't keep up with the competition, and locations started closing rapidly in the late '70s. 14. 1985-present // Lincoln Park The new location is expected to open . Chambers Seafood Grille & Chop House / 6881 N. Milwaukee Ave. Niles, IL. 2003-present // West Loop Then there was chef David Burke's menu, which included now-ubiquitous pastrami salmon and Burke's signature swordfish chop. The party came to an abrupt end in 2002 when the restaurant closed its bright yellow doors for good. 35. Edgewater Beach Hotel, Chicago, 1970. circa 1930-1978 // South Shore All of that disappeared the following April, however, when a roof fire in the Plaza del Lago center destroyed Melange and other businesses. Linn Burton's Steak House / 744 Rush St. Chicago, IL. On Diversey Pkwy and Halsted St. there used to be all kinds of small family-owned businesses. The idea was quickly copied by national chains. the chain sold to the Marriott Corporation in 1988, English actor who played the butler in the Shirley Temple films, 9 Old-Fashioned Recipes From the Back of Iconic Product Boxes. To dishes like Hawaiian chicken and herb-roasted prime rib N. 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