5 Recent Chicago Restaurant and Bar Closures to Know

"AVONDALE - Kitchen 17, the restaurant celebrated for vegan deep-dish pizza, has shuttered after 13 years. Owner Jennie Plasterer says rising expenses and incidents of violence against staff ultimately pushed the business to close, according to Block Club. The menu also offered items like cauliflower wings, spinach artichoke dip, nachos, and burgers. Plasterer indicated that the pizzas might become available again for shipping in the future. 2554 W. Diversey Avenue."

"LOGAN SQUARE - Beloved vegan institution the Chicago Diner will close its Logan Square outpost on Friday, December 12. "We are sad to be leaving a great community and have loved being part of such a unique neighborhood of Chicago, but despite our best efforts, we are no longer able to keep this location open," ownership said in a press release. The restaurant is popular for its meat-free diner fare like burgers, chili, country-fried steak, and milkshakes. The original Lakeview location will remain open. 2333 N. Milwaukee Avenue."

"THE LOOP - Native Foods in the Loop has closed, according to Block Club. The fast-casual vegan restaurant cited the closure of nearby businesses and a decrease in foot traffic as factors leading to the decision. This marks the end of Native Foods' run in Chicago; the plant-based chain previously operated locations in Hyde Park and West Loop as well. Since 2023, the Loop outpost had been an employee-owned establishment following the shutdown of the company's corporate office. 218 S. Clark Street."

Several Chicago restaurants announced permanent or upcoming closures across neighborhoods including Avondale, Logan Square, the Loop, and the West Loop. Kitchen 17 closed after 13 years; owner Jennie Plasterer cited rising expenses and incidents of violence against staff, and indicated pizzas might return via shipping. The Chicago Diner will close its Logan Square location on December 12 while keeping its original Lakeview site open. Native Foods in the Loop closed amid nearby business shutdowns and reduced foot traffic, ending the chain's presence in Chicago. Proxi plans to close after service on December 31.

Read at Eater Chicago