WICKER PARK — Though the city's schools are closed Monday and several companies are encouraging their employees to work from home, there are plenty of shops and cafes that plan to stay open during the cold snap.
"We'll be the unofficial neighborhood 'warming center.' That's right, we're going to brave one of the coldest days in decades with anyone else who dares to leave home," wrote Ipsento Coffee House, 2035 N. Western Ave., in a Facebook update.
Late Sunday, Buzz Killer Espresso, at 1644 N. Damen Ave., said on its Facebook page, "We plan to be open normal hours [Monday] ... horrendous weather be damned!"
Early Monday, Stefan Hersh, owner of Buzz Killer Espresso, said "people are in the cafe."
"We have a reputation for hanging in there regardless. The only time we weren't open was when we were remodeling the shop," Hersh said.
Also open is The Wormhole, 1462 N. Milwaukee Ave., which posted an update late Sunday indicating that it would be open Monday.
Gallery Cafe, 1760 W. North Ave., is open until 5 p.m. Monday, too, according to a worker.
At Ready Coffee, 1562 N. Milwaukee Ave., owner John Grbac said the cafe was about one-third full as of 10 a.m. Monday.
"It's steady. People are coming in because they're telling us their Comcast is out and they are using the Internet [here]," Grbac said.
For shoppers, there's plenty of options, well, unless you are looking for a rugged jacket in which to battle the elements or Levi's jeans.
Carhartt at 1518 N. Milwaukee Ave, is closed as of 2 p.m., as is Levi's at 1552 N. Milwaukee Ave. which closed at 3 p.m. Monday.
Urban Outfitters at 1521 N. Milwaukee Ave. closes "only when the CTA does" and will remain open, according to a worker.
American Apparel was still open but a worker there could not confirm if it would close early.
Eric Williams, owner of The Silver Room, announced on Facebook that his apparel and jewelry shop at 1442 N. Milwaukee Ave. would be open from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday.
For those looking for furniture, both Lubinski Furniture, 1550 N. Milwaukee Ave. and Continental Furniture at 1425 N. Milwaukee Ave. are open until 6 p.m. Monday.
Several restaurants plan to stay open, some with reduced hours:
"Due to the bad road conditions we will not be offering delivery service today! Stay safe and warm today," tweeted Club Lucky, an Italian restaurant at 1824 W. Wabansia Ave. in Bucktown.
Club Lucky also tweeted that it would be closed Monday afternoon due to the temps, but will open for dinner at 4 p.m. Monday.
Big Star at 1531 N. Damen Ave. tweeted, "Due to the snow-pocalypse, we will be open tomorrow [Monday] from 4:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. We apologize for any inconvenience."
Cumin, a Nepalese and Indian restaurant at 1414 N. Milwaukee Ave. plans to be open from 5 to 10 p.m. Monday.
Native Foods Cafe at 1484 N. Milwaukee Ave, is open until 10 p.m. Monday.
Pint at 1547 N. Milwaukee Ave. will be open until 2 a.m. Tuesday.
Craving a pizza? Piece Pizzeria and Brewery at 1927 W. North Ave. is open Monday.
"Hey Chicago, @DivvyBikes will be closed [Monday] but Piece will be open. Come in or call Piece Out for delivery," Piece tweeted late Sunday.
