An earlier version of this article was originally published on September 16, 2019. .prisna-gwt-align-right { 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). View Website Earn 3X PointsSave. I narrowed my list to 15 restaurants, which wasn't easy. But, oh, that country bird chicken sandwich (fried chicken topped with Gouda, pimento mayo and shaved onion). (1970-1983) Maxim's De Paris / 1300 N. Astor St. Chicago, IL. Market Plaza Mall Rolling Meadows, IL. 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. text-align: left !important; 1933-present // Gold Coast In its heyday, the chain had more than 1,000 locations, which served fried clams and a whopping 28 ice cream flavors. 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. "Ramsay's Kitchen" in Naperville is expected to open this . Along with a map beautifully illustrated by Steve Shanabruchshowing the locations of the 75 top picks, I've created a. 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. Jakes has free popcorn, waiting to cure your munchies at a moments notice. (deli food) Where cops, aldermen, yuppies, old-timers, and multi- cultis have always stood shoulder to shoulder for massive potato pancakes and pastrami sandwiches. Treat yourself to not one but three restaurants in a single, historic location. The decor was all over the map (including a cunning street map that seamlessly linked Chicago to London and Paris), using mixed floor materials, abrupt color shifts on the walls, and art that included a picture of Charlie Brown rendered as a Romanesque bust. With Carolyn running the kitchen and Jerry as affable host, a delightful experience was all but assured. .goog-tooltip:hover { Patrons could order martinis and Jell-o shots at a bar decorated with tinsel, nude murals and Mr. (He famously banned cellphones from the dining room in 1991.) (American) Some pretty hotsy-totsy chefs have discovered hamburgers lately, but time was when the half-pounder on dark rye and fried onion loaf at Hackneys had no peers. Club Lucky opened in the early 1990s, and it's meant to resemble an old 1940s Italian supper club. Rohr passed away in 1999, leaving a wonderful legacy. (French) Well, maybe faux French, but the flower-bedecked courtyard was incredibly popular with the Ladies Who Lunch long before the phrase was coined. 8. Chicago magazine newsletters have you covered. Founded by a German immigrant who sold beer in Chicago at the 1893 Worlds Fair, this family-owned business has become a Chicago legend. 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. 1944-1968 // Loop Originally part of the Pillsbury Corp., the restaurant was founded in 1976. 30. ( 19? 302 West was one of the finest restaurants the western suburbs ever produced. Know what else is crazy? It's changed so much since the 60s and 70s. Roger W/Flickr. Same location or home to something new..?? Look out for your first newsletter in your inbox soon! Chicago has made countless contributions to global food culture, from the obvious (deep dish pizza) to the less-so (chicken a la king). No wonder it felt like an affront when MTV turned the building into the first Chicago Real World house in 2001, even though Urbis had closed three years earlier; it was a sign of the next wave of gentrification coming with condos. Some of the restaurants Borzo highlights had some pretty remarkable ways of attracting customers. I included some big names, but also quite a few lesser-known restaurants that appealed to me personally. The home of jazz legends Von Freeman, Franz Jackson, and Wilbur Campbell, The Green Mill is still operating today as one of the best jazz clubs in Chicago. Named after the corner of Burling and Wrightwood where it stands, this Lincoln Park dive is beloved by the neighborhood. Chicago misses these closed restaurants but, in most cases, you can find something similar to sate your longing. The late Jimmy Rohr, veteran restaurateur and opera devotee, ran this refined, sophisticated restaurant in Avondale. Experience a sliver of Chicago history at the oldest bars and restaurants in the city. (Chicago Tribune ). Elis Place for Steak You probably have a go-to favorite restaurant, whether it's a chain or just a local eatery in your town. When Frank Sinatra is one of your regulars, you know youve made history. Open in Google Maps. If you got to try these 1970s restaurants before they closed, consider yourself lucky. Henry's Hamburgers first opened its doors in the 1950s. P: 630.864.5270,