If there is one thing that Chicagoans love to do, it is have a little sippy sip when not doing the commutes downtown and all around the area. There are many bars and restaurants in the area that are happy to quench that after work thirst. But the competition is fierce and these places can come and go over the years. Here is a list of fan favorites that are no longer around, but locals still love and reminisce about.

1. Tequila Roadhouse
Although most people barely remember going here due to blood alcohol level issues, Tequila Roadhouse was an absolute gem on the Gold Cost. Usually open until 4, you could easily crawl your way over here after you left another establishment and keep the part going. No one who has ever been will forget the shots that in the day would surely be outlawed by the health department.

2. Beer on Clark
Beer on Clark was close enough to the action in Wrigleyville, but still far enough away that you could stop in for a beer and not be a sardine. With cheap beer and Karaoke, Beer was always a good time. As they say , not everything was meant to last.

3. Gino’s East Lakeview
Gino’s is known for some of the best pizza in Chicago. Unfortunately it has been reported by Block Club Chicago that it will become Gotham Bagels by Day and an Italian spot by night. I mean, hey, if you’re a bagel or Italian cuisine lover, it may not be so bad after all.

4. Emmits Irish Pub
You’ve probably seen Emmit’s Irish Pub in movies such as Oceans 11, Uncle Buck and Backdraft. It’s been a staple in the River West community for 26 years. Every time was a good time at Emmit’s with the jukebox oldies and really good food for an Irish Pub. Unfortunately, as of June 2022 Emmit’s has closed up as reported by ABC7 Chicago.

5. Funky Buddha Lounge
Speaking of Emmits. Right across the street from Emmits stood the Funky Buddha Lounge. In recent years it garnered some pretty bad reviews from Yelpers, but in its prime Funky Buddha was an amazing experience of international and hip hop music and prided itself on a diverse clientele. RIP Buddha.

6. The Pumping Company
Located in Far North neighborhood of Edgewater, Pump Co was a laid back local establishment that many locals frequented after work and on weekends. Unfortunately, after a fire the Pump Company is no longer with us. The reviews on it varied, but not everything was meant to be rainbows and butterflies. Some places aren’t shiny and gold plated, but still loved by those who loved them.

7. Fat Willy’s Rib Shack
OK so technically this was a restaurant rib shack, but they did serve booze and were close to Regal City movies and other social venues. Unfortunately Covid did Fat Willy’s in with the constant closings and loss of business.

8. Toast
Unfortunately, Adored Bucktown and Lincoln Park Brunch spot Toast as shuttered its doors also due to constant covid closures. Toast was a very popular establishment that served some of the best brunch cuisines and will be missed by all that loved it.

9. Income Tax
Another Edgewater gem, Income Tax bar has also unfortunately shuttered. According to Yelp the 4 star rated establishment opened in 2016. Many folks far north loved Income Tax. It will be missed.

10. Ditka’s
Not even da coach can recover from constant shutdowns, limited seating capacity, etc, caused by covid.
It does appear that Oak Brook Terrace and Pittsburgh locations will be opening, however according to
Do312.

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LaRon
Editor
Contributor, LoveforCity.com / Chicago
Instagram @photosbylaron