- Credibility:
WRIGLEYVILLE — A go-to gathering place for Wrigleyville neighbors is closing for good this weekend.
Houndstooth Saloon, 3369 N. Clark St., will close Sunday night, according to social media posts. The country bar opened in 2006, its name inspired by University of Alabama football coach Paul William “Bear” Bryant’s trademark houndstooth fedora.
“With heavy hearts and many beloved memories, we would like to share with you all, our loyal patrons, Houndstooth Saloon will be permanently closing,” bar owners wrote in an Instagram post.
A Houndstooth Saloon representative previously told Block Club the bar’s visibility and profit had declined due to nearby CTA construction. The bar had been throwing pop-ups and other events to bring in customers.
The bar also innovated during the early days of the pandemic by creating heated, wood-framed table pods so people could dine out while remaining isolated. Owner Stephanie Cook told Block Club at the time that the CTA’s Red-Purple Modernization Project had already been cutting off a key part of its operation.
The Lakeview East Chamber of Commerce posted a tribute to the bar on its website, calling Houndstooth a “legendary hangout spot.”
“Houndstooth Saloon was a gathering place for everyone,” chamber leaders wrote. “It brought our community together and played a vital role in making Lakeview East feel like home for many. From neighborhood events to fundraisers, Houndstooth Saloon was always there, doing its part to make our ‘hood a better place. Their commitment to the community is something we’ll always cherish.
“Houndstooth Saloon holds a special place in our hearts, and its closure marks the end of an era.”
Credit: Facebook/Houndstooth SaloonFans took to Houndstooth’s social media pages to express their sorrow about the news and share memories of the bar.
“We have been so fortunate to be a part of your kind, gracious, supportive community,” Houndstooth wrote on Instagram. “We watched our community come together during many trying times. We are enormously grateful for the years of support you gave to our small business.”
Neighbors are encouraged to stop by Sunday to celebrate the bar’s history. The bar’s regular hours are 12 p.m.-midnight Thursday, 11 a.m.-2 a.m. Friday and Saturday, and 11 a.m.-midnight Sunday.
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