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How Coronavirus Is Impacting Chicago’s Food Industry

Stories and news on how Chicago restaurants and bars are dealing with COVID-19

Contributors: Eater Chicago Staff

Many Chicago restaurants are working to swiftly pivot to delivery, carryout, and curbside pick-up dining options in the wake of Governor J.B. Pritzker’s order to help stop the novel coronavirus’s spread and close dine-in service for two weeks. The order dictates that customers won’t be allowed in dining rooms or bars through March 30.

A number of the city’s major food and beverage events have also seen canceled or postponed in response to the virus, known as COVID-19: the James Beard Foundation has delayed its annual black-tie awards gala until summer, organizers of the sixth annual Ramenfest announced they plan to reschedule, and businesses shut down a variety of pop-ups and festivals.

News about the novel coronavirus and its impact is coming fast, and Eater Chicago plans to track the affects of COVID-19 on the city’s restaurant scene.

This stream will continue to be updated with new stories.

Check the Illinois Department of Public Health website for further guidance and updates on COVID-19.

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February 20
Where to Find Outstanding Egg Sandwiches in Chicago

By Ashok Selvam and Eater Staff

Chicago’s best breakfast handhelds
August 21, 2023
Investors Claim Maple & Ash Owners Spent PPP Funds on a $2 Million Private Jet

By Ashok Selvam@Shokdiesel

Unsealed court records add more flames to the steakhouse’s legal saga
March 16, 2023
Chicago’s Essential Outdoor Dining Spots

By Samantha Nelson and Naomi Waxman

The city offers several great places to dine al fresco
January 13, 2022
Where to Order Takeout Food in Chicago During the COVID-19 Pandemic

By aimee.levitt, Naomi Waxman, and Eater Staff

Local restaurants keep their to-go game strong to feed customers who feel safer dining at home
December 7, 2021
The Chicago Restaurants and Bars Requiring Proof of COVID-19 Vaccinations

By Naomi Waxman and Ashok Selvam

A running list of restaurants and bars that have adopted new pandemic safety policies as coronavirus case rates rise again
September 9, 2021
Where to Order Meal Kits for Carryout and Delivery in Chicago

By aimee.levitt and Eater Staff

Recreate favorite restaurant dishes at home
August 23, 2021
Some Restaurant Workers Are a Step Closer to Mandatory Vaccines

By Ashok Selvam@Shokdiesel

Plus, the Trib tells the story of the city’s oldest hot dog stand
August 20, 2021
Chicago’s Mask Mandate Returns Today, Here’s What to Know

By Naomi Waxman and aimee.levitt

Meanwhile, local nonprofit Coffee, Hip-Hop & Mental Health aims to raise $50,000 by September for a new cafe
August 17, 2021
Chicago, Once Again, Requires Masks to Eat Indoors at Restaurants

By Ashok Selvam@Shokdiesel

The city’s indoor mask mandate returns Friday to bars and restaurants
August 16, 2021
Chicago’s Only Filipino Tasting Menu Coming to Ukrainian Village

By Ashok Selvam@Shokdiesel

Kasama has opened for indoor service for breakfast and lunch, but has delayed plans for dinner due to the delta variant
August 2, 2021
As Delta Rises, More Chicago Restaurants Require Vaccination Proof

By Ashok Selvam@Shokdiesel

Chicago isn’t issuing a mask mandate, but the city is urging diners to use facial coverings indoors
July 28, 2021
Illinois Restaurants May See COVID-19 Restrictions Return Next Week

By Ashok Selvam and Naomi Waxman

While not a mandate, the state health department now recommends folks in public places, like restaurants, to mask up indoors
July 8, 2021
Chicago’s First Major Food Festival Since 2020 Is a Celebration of Smoked Meat

By Ari Bendersky

Chicago is banking on Windy City Smokeout to be both a celebration of barbecue, and a celebratory sign of the city’s progress against COVID-19
June 11, 2021
Chicago Restaurants and Bars Fully Reopen After 15 Grueling Months

By Naomi Waxman and Ashok Selvam

Masks, capacity limits, and social distancing are no longer required
May 28, 2021
Illinois May Allow Bars to Serve Free Booze With Proof of Vaccination

By Ashok Selvam@Shokdiesel

It’s part of a bill that would keep to-go cocktails legal
May 25, 2021
Armed With $2.3 Million in Grants, Chicago Pushes Outdoor Dining to More Areas

By Ashok Selvam@Shokdiesel

Chicago Alfresco distributed 75 percent of its funds on the South and West sides
May 11, 2021
New York-Style Pizzeria Replaces Fabled Lakeview Bacon Den Paddy Long’s

By Naomi Waxman

Max and Issy’s represents a change after 14 years
May 4, 2021
Chicago Restaurants Fought to Survive — and They’re Ready to Face the Challenges Ahead

By Ari Bendersky

Business owners share the lessons they’ve learned throughout the pandemic
May 3, 2021
Chicago to Block Off State Street For Summer Pop-Up With Restaurants and Bars

By Naomi Waxman and Ashok Selvam

Meanwhile, a new chef de cuisine arrives at celebrated Mexican restaurant Mi Tocaya Antojeria
April 29, 2021
Chicago Announces Its First Outdoor Festival Since Pandemic Began

By Ashok Selvam and Naomi Waxman

It’s part of a "major loosening" of COVID-19 restrictions, including increasing indoor dining capacity
April 27, 2021
A 12-Year-Old Mexican Cafe in Ukrainian Village and Two More Closures

By Naomi Waxman and Ashok Selvam

Here’s which Chicago restaurants have announced they are temporarily or permanently closed
April 22, 2021
Chicago’s 15 Percent Delivery Fee Cap for Grubhub and DoorDash Has Expired

By Ashok Selvam@Shokdiesel

Ald. Scott Waguespack is pushing to extend the fee cap to the fall
April 19, 2021
As COVID-19 Disrupts Live Music, a DePaul Bar Boosts Non-Alcoholic Options

By Naomi Waxman

Golden Dagger, the former Tonic Room, features coffee, a "rap-brary," booze-free drinks, and alcohol
April 14, 2021
How FDA’s Johnson & Johnson Pause Affects Chicago’s Restaurants

By Naomi Waxman

Also: a suburban steakhouse can continue to sue Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzker over last fall’s indoor dining ban
April 5, 2021
S.K.Y. Chef’s Upcoming South Loop Restaurant Gets an Opening Date

By Ashok Selvam and Naomi Waxman

Reservations for Apolonia, the new restaurant from Stephen Gillanders, are live

How Coronavirus Is Impacting Chicago’s Food Industry

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