VERVE WINE’S CHICAGO BISTRO AND FIVE MORE RESTAURANT CLOSURES

Summer is generally a bustling season in Chicago hospitality, though bars and restaurants close for myriad reasons, even during the balmiest time of year. Below, Eater is cataloging both temporary and permanent restaurant closures in Chicago. If you know of a restaurant, bar, or another closed food establishment, please email [email protected]. We will continue to update this post.

For spring closures, go here.

Bucktown: Yolk Test Kitchen, a six-year-old outpost of brunch restaurant chain Yolk, permanently closed on Sunday, June 23 at 1767 N. Milwaukee Avenue, according to Block Club Chicago. A roomy, industrial-style space favored by fans for plentiful plates of eggs Benedict and red velvet French toast, the test kitchen also provided the company a place to try out new recipes and get feedback from patrons. Yolk, originally founded in 2006 in Chicago’s South Loop, has grown significantly over subsequent decades. It now operates nearly a dozen locations in the Chicago area and spots in Indiana, Florida, and Texas.

Lakeview: Aquarium-laden cocktail spot Lost Reef will permanently close on Saturday, June 19 after a year and a half, owners announced in early June on social media. Founded by the team behind Cheesie’s Pub and Grub, Lost Reef brought fancy cocktails — not to mention 2,500 gallons of fish and coral inside eight saltwater fish tanks — to the former home of Slice of Cheesies at 964 W. Belmont Avenue. On Instagram, reps encourage fans to “drink the bar dry” ahead of the closure with deals on reserve wines and premium liquor.

Lincoln Park: Argot, an intimate French bistro inside the Chicago outpost of retail mini-chain Verve Wine, is permanently closed after less than a year in business at 2349 N. Lincoln Avenue, reps announced Wednesday, June 19 via Instagram. The wine shop remains open and the team plans to use the former Argot space for public and private events. “We have the utmost gratitude for all of the love and support of our amazing guests over these last nine months,” they write in part. “Unfortunately, the level of business that we have been experiencing simply cannot support continued operations.”

Humboldt Park: Booze-free drink retailer Bendición Bottle Shop closed its permanent location on Saturday, June 15 after two years inside the Succulent City plant shop at 2540 W. Division Street, according to Block Club. Owner Cristina Torres tells reporters that she’s moving the business online with local delivery and pickup after struggling through low sales and foot traffic over recent months.

Evanston: 527 Cafe, a suburban restaurant specializing in bubble tea, Taiwanese food, and Chinese dishes, permanently closed in early June at 527 Davis Street after 15 years in business so its owners can retire, they announce on Facebook.

Evanston: Suburban Thai stalwart Cozy Noodles & Rice will permanently close at the end of June after over two decades at 1018 Davis Street, according to Evanston Round Table. Owners Bee Nanakorn and Yee Muenprasittivej founded the restaurant in 2001 and filled it with an extensive collection of eclectic memorabilia, including vintage lunchboxes, Pez dispensers, and a life-size statue of Elvis. Nanakorn tells reporters that rising rent costs forced the closure, though she and Muenprasittivej are interested in reopening in a new location.

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