Before Crosby’s Kitchen became a Southport Corridor staple, the corner of Southport and Cornelia had a very different look. Longtime Lakeview residents may remember Chinalite, the neighborhood Chinese restaurant that once occupied the space.
First, Chinalite
Chinalite operated at 3457 N. Southport Avenue, at the corner now associated with Crosby’s Kitchen. Its exact closing date has not been independently confirmed, but the restaurant was gone before Leo’s Coney Island arrived in 2010. We originally shared this Chinalite photograph in a 2015 Southport Corridor throwback.
Then Came Leo’s Coney Island (2010–2011)
In 2010, the Michigan-based Leo’s Coney Island chain brought its Detroit-style hot dogs and diner fare to 3455 N. Southport Avenue. A May 2010 neighborhood food review documented the Chicago location, its Coney dogs, and photographs of the food. The restaurant closed on September 28, 2011, after a relatively short run.
Crosby’s Kitchen Arrives in 2012
The next chapter began in 2012, when the restaurant group behind Dunlay’s and other Chicago favorites took over the former Leo’s space. According to Chicago magazine’s March 2012 report, the renovation included new woodwork, a bar, and street-facing windows. Crosby’s Kitchen opened later that year, bringing American comfort food and a family-friendly atmosphere to the corner.
Three very different restaurants, one familiar Southport corner—and a reminder of just how much the neighborhood has changed.
Do You Remember Chinalite?
Did you ever eat at Chinalite or Leo’s Coney Island? What do you remember about the food, the storefront, or the old Southport Corridor? Share your memories in the comments—and if you have an old photo of either restaurant, we’d love to see it.
Crosby’s Kitchen on Southport
