ANDERSONVILLE — The city has closed neighborhood favorite Edgewater Lounge for allegedly operating with expired liquor and food licenses and for owing the city nearly $5,000 in "various fines."
The owner of the business, however, said he was "screwed" by the city.
The lounge, which includes a bar and dining space, is known for solid, affordable food, a lengthy beer list and cozy summer patio. It sits at 5600 N. Ashland Ave., at the corner of West Bryn Mawr Avenue and Ashland.
An orange sign outside the business said it was shuttered by the city on Thursday.
Co-owner David Butler said "we're re-opening soon," but wouldn't answer questions Friday about how his business ended up closed.
"It's not for health or anything stupid, it's just closed," said Butler, who owns the lounge along with his wife, Donna. "I don't really feel like it's anyone's business why it's closed."
But later Friday afternoon, Mika Stambaugh, a spokeswoman for the city's Department of Business Affairs and Consumer Protection, said in a statement that the Edgewater Lounge "was operating with expired food and liquor licenses and has roughly $4,800 in outstanding debt with the City Of Chicago."
The business' licenses expired August 15, 2013 according to Stambaugh.
Owners of the bar now have an April 14 court date with the city. Stambaugh said her department "doesn't comment on pending litigation."
Reached via telephone following the city's statement, Butler argued that the city's crackdown on his business was unfair.
"I paid it and they screwed me...they didn't issue the license," he said, refusing to say anything else on the matter.
Quinn Ford contributed to this report.
