Boka Restaurant Group opening three restaurants in the former Southport Lanes building

GG’s Chicken Shop is the first of three arrivals inside the 118-year-old building in Chicago's Southport Corridor
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Should the former Blue Bayou building be torn down?

A new listing brochure shows a new building rendering

The former Blue Bayou space has been vacant for years, and a new leasing brochure now shows a new concept for a future tenant. Is the old building worth saving or should it start from scratch to get a chance of a new life?

Comment below your thoughts, and see the full listing here.

Boka Restaurant Group leases Southport Lanes building

The Boka Group has officially leased the former Southport Lanes space, and is planning on bringing in a new restaurant concept to the Southport Corridor.

Move by Boka Signals Future Plans at Former Schlitz Tied House in Chicago's Southport Corridor neighborhood
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City Council Approves new rules and Dogs now allowed in Chicago bars

Dog owners will be allowed to bring their pups into some Chicago bars without the bar owner fearing a health citation under an ordinance approved by City Council Wednesday.

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Schoolyard Tavern’s not reopening; space for lease

Schoolyard Tavern closed in October, 2020 due to the Covid-19 pandemic, but some glimmer of light on Twitter appeared throughout the past year making us hopeful for a return.

This past week, Schoolyard Tavern’s space hit the market for lease, so it’s official that it is not coming back. Schoolyard joins other Southport favorites that are no longer here, including Southport Lanes, Mystic Celt, Justin’s and Newport Bar and Grill among others.

Highly desirable corner location near the center of the Southport Corridor. 2,500 SF of space with a large outdoor patio. Bring your concept to an area with numerous national tenants and to a location that is 2 blocks from the Southport L stop.”

See the full listing here, and the full brochure below:

COVID-19 Cases are up, so Chicago’s Mask Mandate will Remain

Ever since Gov. J.B. Pritzker teased the state that he’d like to eliminate the indoor mask mandate by Thanksgiving, restaurant and bar owners have awaited an update. With the thermometer sinking and the end of daylight saving time, patio business has predictably tanked. However, early fall stats from health experts show the mandate won’t be banished anytime soon. The mask mandate was reinstated in August.

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‘Squid Game’-Inspired Pop-up Bar Comes to Chicago at Replay Lincoln Park

Replay Lincoln Park, a bar located on Chicago’s North Side at 2833 N. Sheffield Ave., just announced its latest pop-up installment, Squid Arcade, which pays homage to the South Korean drama and popular Netflix series “Squid Game.”

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A look around the new development – 1111 W. Addison Street

1111 W Addison Street

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These Southport Corridor businesses are now hiring

Looking for work in the neighborhood? Plenty of places are hiring, and here is a direct link to all the opportunities in and around the Southport Corridor. Details at this link.

Epic Kitchens Opens 2nd Chicago Location in Lakeview

A new “ghost” kitchen has opened in Lakeview.

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Guthries Tavern Reopens, an in depth look around

Over $500K in renovations, there’s a bigger beer selection, new craft cocktails, and the same beloved board games

“Guthries Tavern, the Lakeview neighborhood bar that brought regulars to tears when it closed nearly 15 months ago, is back open under new management and $500,000 in renovations. The bar was packed on opening weekend with patrons who were delighted and grateful that apparently nothing had changed since they last visited in July of 2020.

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Shopping small on Southport Avenue

The news of Abercrombie & Fitch has been one of the biggest commenting events on our social media platforms, and one of the highest views on the blog. However, many of you have commented about chain stores taking over and that you would rather shop small. Here’s some of the favorite small businesses on Southport Avenue in Chicago. Which one is your favorite(s)?