Here are some recent Chicago restaurant (and bar) openings and closings.
OPEN:
Manee Thai — The popular Thai spot rises from the ashes, returning to Avondale after a fire.
The Vault — This “upperground lounge” above Vivo offers cocktails, personal pizzas and more in an old bank vault.
Blue Frog 22 — Kick back and have some fun at this River North spinoff of the popular Blue Frog Bar & Grill that looks more like a basement rec room. Board games and karaoke rule this bar.
Sushi Para M — The Sushi Para all-you-can-eat sushi empire moves into Bucktown with this new BYOB location on Milwaukee.
Deca Restaurant + Bar — The Ritz-Carlton opened this new restaurant with brasserie-inspired cuisine.
Cloud 9 — This Taiwanese “snow ice” spot in Lakeview serves what can be described as a mix between ice cream and shaved ice, with fresh fruit and fruit purees.
CLOSING:
Tizi Melloul — You’ve only got another week to get Middle Eastern fare in a modern environment, as this River North staple closes May 15.
CLOSED:
Follia — West Loop Italian spot had great food, but not enough crowds.
Bar Louie (Little Italy) — Don’t worry, there are plenty of other locations to visit in the area.
Paris Cafe — The short-lived River North spot was replaced by the generically named Chicago Bar & Grill.
Check back here every week for more openings and closings, and be sure to check out Centerstage Chicago’s lists of new restaurants and bars.