La Sardine, a West Loop institution, permanently closes because of coronavirus

After a 22-year run, La Sardine, the noted French bistro in the West Loop, will close because of the coronavirus.

The restaurant, located at 111 N. Carpenter, called COVID-19 “an extinction event for restaurants.” Without outdoor seating or parking, La Sardine struggled with the coronavirus restrictions. The closing announcement was posted Thursday on Facebook.

“It has been a true blessing serving you all, and we are so honored that you chose to spend so many of your life’s special moments with us. Truly.”

The restaurant was founded in 1998 by chef Jean-Claude and Susanne Poilevey. It was their second Chicago restaurant after Le Bouchon, 1958 N. Damen, which opened five years earlier. Le Bouchon will remain open.

Jean-Claude Poilevey, who was at the forefront of French cuisine in Chicago beginning in the ‘70s, was killed in 2016 in a 15-vehicle crash on the Eisenhower Expressway. His wife Susanne Poilevey died in 2019. The couple’s oldest son, Oliver, was the executive chef for both restaurants.

Until 2014, La Sardine was across-the-street neighbors with Oprah Winfrey’s Harpo Studios, which boosted the lunch crowd during tapings of “The Oprah Winfrey Show.” After Harpo Studios was torn down, the site is now headquarters to McDonalds.

The Facebook post noted the neighborhood’s transformation.

“We have seen the west loop change completely but we have tried to remain consistent, delicious, but most of all that old school place that knows your name and is excited to see you again! These philosophies were laid by our late founders, Jean-Claude and Susanne Poilevey. We were so blessed with the best staff past and present, too many to name everyone but you know who you are! You guys made this place special and you should be so proud.

“Covid is an extinction event for restaurants, so please support small family owned places like ours. If we all disappear we will be left with a city of soul-less chain restaurants. @bouchonchicago isn’t going anywhere so please come see us there! RIP La Sardine 1998-2020”