Wicker Park’s Getting A New Restaurant And Bar In Flat Iron Building, Permit Shows

WICKER PARK — A restaurant and bar named Dorian’s appears to be taking over the former Saved by the Max storefront in Wicker Park’s iconic Flat Iron building, according to a renovation permit.

Located at 1941 W. North Ave., the space has sat empty since pop-ups Saved By the Max and The Riot Feast closed last summer and fall, respectively.

On Monday, Steve Harris, who also owns Debonair Social Club on the Milwaukee-Avenue facing side of the triangular Flat Iron Building, was issued a permit for an interior restaurant buildout at the North Avenue-facing storefront, city records show. 

Harris confirmed the storefront would be a restaurant and a bar that aims to open sometime this fall. The permit said the renovations are for a space that will be doing business under the name Dorian’s.

Harris was unable to answer any questions about Dorian’s name or its inspiration but confirmed that former Schwa chef Brian Fisher, who previously helmed the kitchens for predecessors Saved By the Max and The Riot Feast, will be behind the kitchen at the new concept. The scope of Fisher’s involvement is not known yet; He’s currently at acclaimed restaurant Entente.

A public relations spokesperson whom Harris referred Block Club to declined to divulge any details but said more information will be available next month. It’s unclear if Dorian’s will be a permanent spot or another pop-up.

When Dorian’s opens, it will be next to an outpost for No Bones Beach Club, a Seattle-based meat- and dairy-free restaurant and bar that is also underway.

Credit: Alisa Hauser/ Block Club Chicago