The fast-food chain that wanted to popularize fish and chips in the United States was founded in 1969. Amidst the steak and potatoes of 1963, its pt, bouillabaisse, Wiener schnitzel, and Viennese tortes stood out as exotic. (1972-2000) image courtesy of Ute Nevara, Nate'sDeli (formerly Lyon's Deli) / 807 W. Maxwell St. Chicago, IL. Four current employees have been with the restaurant for over 50 years! The idea was quickly copied by national chains. 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. 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. It started on Franklin Street in 1991,and between the crispy pizzas and the rosemary-perfumed porchetta, there was nothing not to like. Among the Gordon chefs whose creative food I enjoyed were John Terzcak, Kornick, Ron Blazek, Michael Smith, Stewart Parsons and Don Yamauchi.) (1967-19?? 37. In the 1940s and 1950s, and even into the 1960s, tiki bars popped up all over the United States, including in Chicago, as people . The history of Chicagos restaurant scene and the characters who have populated it help tell the story of the city itself. Buffalo Ice CreamParlor / 4000 W. Irving Park Rd. The first 1,100 people to weigh in get a free four-pack of pizza . Skyline is visible through the windows to an end the vision of integrated remained. . She was best known for her Heavenly Hots (thin pancakes served with a compote of peaches, raspberries and blueberries), but we also loved the vanilla bean waffles. Operating together, the company had hundreds of locations throughout the United States in the '70s. 1970s Chicago: Fascinating Photos Show Streets, Landmarks and Everyday Life. } Le Titi de Paris chef/owner Pierre Pollin, center, stands with maitre d' Marcel Flori, left, and captain Claude Marcel, in 2002 as the restaurant was entering its 30th year. #mc_embed_signup{background:#fff; clear:left;width:100%;font-weight:normal;}, Beyond Chicago from the Air with Geoffrey Baer, The Great Chicago Fire: A Chicago Stories Special, Read the introduction to the book Lost Restaurants of Chicago, Participation in Dry January Continues to Increase as Individuals Look to Evaluate Their Relationship with Alcohol, All Is Still Merry and Bright: Holiday Events Going Strong Through New Years, Winter Storm Preparation and Holiday Shopping Collide at Chicago Grocery Stores: Crazier Than Expected, Ease Up on Food Worries During the Holidays, Nutritionists Say, From Carnitas to Barbecue, TikTok Creator Chris Dolo Harnesses Power of Social Media to Showcase Chicago Food Scene, Gifts that Give Back at Chicago Fair Trade Holiday Pop-Up Shop, More Chicago Families Turning to Private, Charter Schools as CPS Enrollment Declines, 58 Years After Martin Luther King Jr.s Campaign to End Slums, a Look at Affordable Housing in Chicago, Applications Open for Illinois Tax Credit Scholarship, In New Book, Last Surviving Witness to Emmett Till Lynching Seeks to Correct Narrative, Welcome to Chicago: Exploring What It Means to Be a Sanctuary City. When you think of ancient cities, Chicago is not typically the first to come to mind. RELATED: This 7-day smoothie diet will help you shed those last few pounds. So yeah, theyve seen it all. But due to various sales and franchises, the Big Boy chain has grown much smaller over the past few decades. And (of course) it operated for a while as a speakeasy. (Cantonese) No one has yet equaled its egg rolls, sweet and sour pork, chicken sub gum chow mein, and pan-fried noodles. . But if you grew up in California, you will know it well. Founded by a German immigrant who sold beer in Chicago at the 1893 Worlds Fair, this family-owned business has become a Chicago legend. After the ban ended, it was in the group of the first Chicago establishments to receive a liquor license. Gene & Georgettis 26. 7.7k Views 14. Elis Place for Steak 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. Trio was the brainchild of proprietor and sommelier Henry Adaniya, who recruited the redoubtable chef team of Rick Tramonto and Gale Gand, and the combination of skill, creativity and utter professionalism was marvelous to behold. Jakes has free popcorn, waiting to cure your munchies at a moments notice. The first location was opened in 1963 by three brothers. Mortons The Steakhouse 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. And some fan favoriteslike Burger Chef, G.D. Ritzy's, and Howard Johnson'sfell by the wayside. 1.4k Views. Never doubt Henry's eye for talent. No. 1941-present // River North There are still two Gino's Burgers and Chicken locations in Maryland today. Named after the corner of Burling and Wrightwood where it stands, this Lincoln Park dive is beloved by the neighborhood. Italian Village Photo Credit: Italian Village Est. Alexanders Steak House If you got to try these 1970s restaurants before they closed, consider yourself lucky. 1947-1972 // Loop (My Parents wedding reception was held here) Tuddi Toots / 6500 w. North Ave. Chicago, IL. We won't fault you for getting misty-eyed over these failed fast-food chain restaurants from the 1980s. Cafe Bonaparte Sheraton, Blackstone Hotel, Chicago. Fritzels 20. 1939-present // Glenview (1979-2004), Tast-e Hast-e Dog / Milwaukee 5446 N. Ave. Chicago, IL.(1946-???? Charlotte's Pizza / Route 14 Barrington, IL. ), Cock Robin Ice Cream / Multiple Chicagoland area locations (196?-2007). Vintage menus from some of Chicago's dearly departed restaurants, including The Eccdentric, Gordon and The Cottage, help tell the tale of what made them so great. Despite the controversy, though, there's still one Sambo's Restaurant location left in Santa Barbara. 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. (French) Well, maybe faux French, but the flower-bedecked courtyard was incredibly popular with the Ladies Who Lunch long before the phrase was coined. (steaks) This indie steak house nodded to its Jewish deli rootschopped liver, herringattracted celebs like Johnny Carson, and spawned a cheesecake empire. But like many burger joints, Henry's couldn't keep up with the competition, and locations started closing rapidly in the late '70s. Bob Elfman's Restaurant / 179 N. State St. Chicago, IL. 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. Having been frequented by a variety of personalities and iconic names throughout its history, visiting here will make you feel apart of something larger than life. And on and on. 1982-present // Lake View When most restaurants close, the Chicago eating public just shrugs its collective shoulders and sets its sights on the latest exciting opening in Logan Square. Kow Kow Restaurant /6755 N. Cicero Ave. Lincolnwood, IL. 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. View Website Earn 3X PointsSave. So said Bon Apptit, Julia Child, Jacques Ppin, Craig Claiborne, and Mimi Sheraton. 1898-present // Loop 4. Marriott rapidly expanded the franchise through the '80s, but under various names. 29. 1977-1992 // Skokie While it peaked in the '50s, White Tower was still fairly popular in the '70s. Ye Olde Leather Bottle Pub / 7353 W. Grand Ave. Elmwood Park, IL. 5. Ditka's City Lights / 223 W. Otario Chicago, IL. The intimate lounge wouldnt be slinging the delicious cocktails they are today without becoming the second place in the city to obtain a liquor license after Prohibition. 2020 Chicago magazine / A Chicago Tribune Media Group website. 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. In its heyday, the chain had more than 1,000 locations, which served fried clams and a whopping 28 ice cream flavors. But Chicago politicians wouldnt have it. But Hungarian bakery Vesekys in Berwyn at least makes sweets from that part of the country.The Dog HouseWhat it was: Occupying a 6-by-12-foot trailer that was purchased for $1,100, the Dog House opened in 1963 on North Ave in Villa Park, serving a simple menu of hot dogs, french fries and tamales. Irene Brown remembers taking trips with her mom to the Japanese market Toguri Mercantile when she was a kid in the 1990s. Greg Borzo's 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. The restaurant is located in River North and has a reputation for excellence. 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. Although younger generations may know of Howard Johnson's thanks to Mad Men, '70s kids will remember actually visiting the orange-roofed restaurant chain. Sporting a digital jukebox that might have replaced a vintage one from back in the day, you can dance all night long without judgment at a place like this. } 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. 9. Discreetly located underneath the Canterbury Courts apartments, this is the place to go when you want to sing the night away. Max's Italian Beef / 5754 N Western Ave, Chicago, IL. Sounds like an interesting combobut it worked. background-color: transparent !important; Light on the tongue pizzas, terrific pasta dishes and clever desserts helped Sole Mio to a very nice, nine-year run that ended in 1997. text-align: left !important; Edgewater Beach Hotel, Chicago, 1970. Dennis Terczak (brother of John) was the original chef at Avanzare (a Streeterville restaurant that almost made this list), and Terczak took that spirit with him to Lincoln Park, where Sole Mio (which he opened with Jennifer Newbury) became a quintessential neighborhood restaurant, chock-full of regulars who enjoyed hefty portions, approachable prices and some of the best Italian cooking in the city. ", 25 Beloved Restaurants That Are Gone for Good, the restaurant announced in June that it's changing its name. Printer's Row / 550 S. Dearborn St. Chicago, IL. Originally called El-Side Tavern for its location beneath CTA train tracks, Kellys Pub is a great spot to reminisce the history of Chicago. Thanks for subscribing! You can almost hear the sound in Michael Abramson's pictures of Chicago nightclubs in the 1970s. The Bakery 1927 | 71 West Monroe Street Treat yourself to not one - but three restaurants in a single, historic location. Vintage menus from some of Chicago's dearly departed restaurants, including The Eccdentric, Gordon and The Cottage, help tell the tale of what made them so great. 4802 N. Broadway St., Uptown. Roger W/Flickr. 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. (American) The Spinning Bowl salad: A waiter would lay out 21 ingredients and narrate the drama as he gently tossed and spun them. There were many homeless people living on the streets and the crime rates were . In its heyday, the chain had more than 1,000 locations, which served fried clams and a whopping 28 ice cream flavors. Chicago is now a world-renowned restaurant city, but eateries come and go sometimes, very quickly. (Italian) In a city with a proud red-sauce tradition, Tony Mantuano singlehandedly awakened us to the exquisite joys of Northern Italian cuisine. By the late '70s, though, the company had been sold. Antonio's Steak House at 1528 N. Wells Street, Chicago. 33. If you need Filipino food, like, right now, hit up Chrissy Cambas Laughing Bird.TerragustoWhat it was: BYOB with exceptional pastas, chef/owner Theo Gilberts Terragusto was an immediate hit when it opened in Roscoe Village eight years ago. 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. It closed in 2006 after 12 years,. It was called Flos, right on Randolph near State, and it had a young gal on a trapeze swinging back and forth outside in front of the restaurant to attract people in., Unfortunately, it went downhill from there. } What it was: Trio, owned by Henry Adaniya (who now operates a gourmet hot dog restaurant in Honolulu), was a much-lauded fine-dining restaurant in Evanston. 1974 - A Chicago food writer . There's still one White Tower location in Toledo, Ohio. (1950-2009), Down The Hatch / multiple Chicagoland area locations. But as protests over the name grew, some changed names; by 1981, the company had filed for bankruptcy. (1949-2015). This piano bar in the Gold Coast proudly totes thethird oldest liquor license in the city. You'll undoubtedly think of many places I've overlooked. 35. (Contemporary French) From day one, Carlos Nietos patented silver bow tie has said it all: Check your ideas about formal French dining at the door. 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? Same location or home to something new..?? Owner Joel Findlay was a brilliant chef, particularly when it came to fish, and his wife and partner, Catherine Findlay, created so many outstanding desserts that you'd have at least 15 to choose among every evening. Wing Yee text-align: right !important; (photo courtesy of, 6755 N. Cicero Ave. Lincolnwood, IL. (19??-2009). It took our breath away then, and it still does. And for more chains that didn't stand the test of time, don't miss these 17 Failed Chain Restaurants From the 1980s That Will Make You Feel So Nostalgic. From Grant Achatz's Alinea and Next to Real Kitchen, a take-out restaurant, you can still taste the influence Trotter left on the Chicago dining scene.Chimney Cake IslandWhat it was: This small Edgewater shop, which closed in June 2013, specialized in its namesake chimney cakes, a delicious Transylvanian pastry thats rolled onto a wooden pin and baked. 1985-present // Lincoln Park 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. 13. Hot Doug's / 3324N. California, Chicago, IL, Jonathan Livingston Seafood / (1975-1985), Sabrina / 660 N. Orleans, Chicago IL. Whats taken its place: When were craving perfectly al dente pasta, we head to Due Lire in Lincoln Square.Tizi MelloulWhat it was: Sumptuously designed in a hip Moroccan style, this Mediterranean restaurant in River North was a date-night go-to. Though the fried cheese dish is a staple of Greek cuisine, flambing it tableside in brandy is a touch created by Parthenon owner Chris Liakouras. Shangri-La Beef 'N' Barrel / Multiple Chicagoland area locations, Granato's Pizzeria / 907 W. Taylor St. Chicago, IL. 3253 W Lawrence Ave, Chicago, IL 60625. 1899-1970 // Old Town It was a riot, and if you were lucky, you'd catch a glimpse of Winfrey herself; 1989-Me was enthralled. This is one of the best historical restaurants you can find. (1960-2014), The Golden Point / Multiple Chicagoland area locations (1958-19??). (Contemporary) This treasure has delighted for three decades simply because Yoshi Katsumuras gentle fusion continues to sparkle and his wife, Nobuko, continues to charm. Everest / co-owned by Steve Dahl. 1973-2007 // Wheeling 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. That includedconstructing long-lasting, local haunts that would remain open for over a century, and then some, so even modern Chicagoans canfeel the history in the air when they frequent these places. (1961-1984), Burger Chef / Multiple Chicagoland area locations. 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. If youre interested in visiting some of the oldest bars and restaurants in Chicago, we put together a handybucket list for you to explore in the new year. The impact this place has on Chicago history speaks for itself just browse through their collection of memories submitted to their website by nostalgic patrons. The address remains in the Lettuce Entertain You family; the space now houses Il Porcellino, Ramen-San and the rooftop Studio Paris nightclub. 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. Subscribe to one or more of our free e-mail newsletters to get instant updates on local news, events, and opportunities in Chicago. Its easily one of the most laid-back, inviting places in the area somewhere youll always feel welcome. South Side pride runs deep here, given this Irish pub has been serving beer to the neighborhood since the late 30s. RELATED:10 Old-Fashioned Sodas You Forgot You Loved. The pattern was updated in the 1970s when Richard Melman and partners opened a series of casual dining restaurants in the Chicago area beginning with R. J. Grunts in 1971. circa 1930-1978 // South Shore (French) In its heyday, the best French restaurant in America. top: 0 !important; Images of the storybook, featuring a little boy of color, served as decorations in the store. 30. .goog-tooltip:hover { Don't miss these15 Discontinued Sodas You'll Never See Again. But, oh, that country bird chicken sandwich (fried chicken topped with Gouda, pimento mayo and shaved onion). Even as Beef Wellington lost its fashionability in the 1970s and 1980s, it continued as a Bakery mainstay. 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. Aside from one location in Nebraska that closed in 2017, all other Lum's had closed by 1983. An earlier version of this article was originally published on September 16, 2019. Ask Geoffrey: What Happened to Chicagos Most Famous Restaurant? La Strada / 1531 N. Wells St. Chicago, IL. Brought to life by a Swedish immigrant, this bar is one of the focal points of Andersonvilles deeply rooted culture. Some get accolades for being game changers, some for grandeur, and even a few for kitsch, but all for memorable dining. Cafe Ba-Ba-Reeba! (deli food) Where cops, aldermen, yuppies, old-timers, and multi- cultis have always stood shoulder to shoulder for massive potato pancakes and pastrami sandwiches. When American servicemen returned home from World War II, they brought with them stories and souvenirs from the South Pacific. Red Star Inn Long live the queen. 27. Open in Google Maps. Housed in a restored bank building, the split-level dining room offered soaring ceilings and bright-white .