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WEST LOOP — Out with the old, in with the new.
While some restaurants are calling it quits in the West Loop, a crop of new restaurants and bars are gearing up for their debut in the booming neighborhood soon.
Farewell to Honeygrow, BellyQ, Urbanbelly and Porkchop
After just over a year, the fast-casual chain Honeygrow is closing its three Chicago restaurants.
The Philadelphia-based chain, which serves up salads and healthy stir-fry dishes, closes its Fulton Market outpost at 179 N. Morgan St. on Friday.
Credit: HoneygrowAfter six years in the West Loop, BellyQ has closed and Urbanbelly will close soon.
Last week, Cornerstone Restaurant Group announced the property which houses the twin restaurants was sold and would be redeveloped. Urbanbelly will close its doors at the end of the year.
And late last month, barbecue restaurant Porkchop abruptly closed after seven years at 941 W. Randolph St. Other locations in South Loop, Midway and Hyde Park remain open, according to Eater.
Yūgen to serve up $100 Wagyu Sandwich
Helmed by executive chef Mari Katsumura, Grace’s awaited replacement plans to offer two different dining experiences with upscale Japanese Yūgen and more casual Kaisho at 652 W. Randolph St.
Daily specials at casual lounge Kaisho will include a tonkatsu ramen with a ravioli made from toasted rye ramen noodle dough. And for $100, guests can dig into an A5 wagyu sandwich served with giardiniera, Chicago-style Italian beef and sausages, Eater reports.
Credit: Yugen Chicago/ FacebookThe Darling Nears Debut
Hidden behind a tiny flower shop, WonFun Chinese’s replacement the Darling remains largely a mystery.
While details remain sparse, the team behind the new venture at 905 W. Randolph St. looks to wow guests when it opens its doors on Nov. 15.
Credit: Mauricio Peña/Block Club ChicagoChef James Martin will lead the kitchen at the two-floor venue. On the first floor, guests can expect bar bites ranging from garlic brioche to European sausage with potato rosti and aged cheddar. On the second floor, guests will find large platters like a seafood charcuterie board featuring whipped smoked trout, crab cakes and more. The Darling looks to dazzle guests with live acts, too — the Chicago Tribune has more details.
Food Hall coming to Fulton Market
Pittsburgh’s Galley Group is bringing its next food hall to Fulton Market in 2019.
The company, which has recently opened locations in Ohio and Pittsburgh, is slated to open its Chicago location at 1115 W. Fulton Market St. in the spring. It will feature five new restaurants and include communal seating, a 30-seat bar offering cocktails and craft beer, a coffee and wine bar and an event space.
Credit: Ohio City Galley/ Facebook
