Block Club Chicago
A new restaurant and bar is headed to this red-curtained storefront at the base of the historic Flat Iron Building. Alisa Hauser/Block Club Chicago

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

Former Schwa chef Brian Fisher, who previously helmed the kitchens at Saved By the Max and The Riot Feast, is involved in the project.

Wicker Park, Bucktown, West Town Primary category in which blog post is published
Alisa Hauser

Wicker Park, Bucktown & West Town reporter

See more

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.

Dorian’s and No Bones Beach Club are both underway in Wicker Park’s iconic Flat Iron building.
Alisa Hauser/ Block Club Chicago
Pilsen, Little Village, West Loop Primary category in which blog post is published

Hundreds Watch Stations Of The Cross In Pilsen As Via Crucis Good Friday Tradition ‘Brings People Together’

To celebrate Good Friday, hundreds of Catholics walked along 18th Street for the annual reenactment of the living stations of the cross in Pilsen.

Logan Square, Humboldt Park, Avondale Primary category in which blog post is published

Family Of Divvy Bike Rider Killed In 2016 Awarded $5.25 Million, Was Nation’s First Bike Share Death

Ginny Murray, 25, died at the intersection of Belmont and Sacramento avenues in 2016.

Wicker Park, Bucktown, West Town Primary category in which blog post is published

Happy Village Officially Sells For $1.5 Million — But Dive Bar’s Renovation On Hold ‘For One Last Summer’

"We're going to run it as-is for the next six months," said Andrew Miller, one of the bar's new owners. "We're cognizant of the connection people have with this place."