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The Bluebird's Final Night Packs in Regulars at Busy Bucktown Staple

By Alisa Hauser | June 27, 2014 8:34am
 After seven years at 1749 N. Damen Ave., The Bluebird closed its doors Thursday.
The Bluebird Final Night June 26, 2014
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BUCKTOWN — A wine bar and gastropub that has attracted a loyal crowd for seven years served its final dinner Thursday, and after word of the shuttering spread, not a table or bar stool was open.

"It's a loss for the neighborhood. Reasonably priced, delicious food and great beer. I'm bummed," said Scott Goldstein, a Bucktown resident who was among dozens of fans who flocked to The Bluebird at 1749 N. Damen Ave.

"The neighborhood is devastated," said Mara Yorizzo, a Ukrainian Village resident who previously lived in Bucktown and considers The Bluebird to be her "go-to" place.

"Anybody that lives around here has probably been coming here for seven years too," Yorizzo said.

Bucktown resident Ginna Ryan and her husband Carmen Maugero recalled being at The Bluebird on its opening day in 2007. 

"We love this place," said Ryan, who operates an advertising agency around the corner from the eatery. 

Co-owner Tom MacDonald told Eater.com that the decision to close The Bluebird was prompted by being approached by an interested buyer — whom he declined to reveal —  as well as Chef Dave Ford's departure to Kansas City to open his own restaurant. 

MacDonald is part of the ownership group that also owns Webster's Wine Bar, which recently closed and is  being relocated into the former Telegraph Wine Bar at 2601 N. Milwaukee Ave. in Logan Square.

MacDonald, who was busy hanging out with his family and customers on Thursday, told DNAinfo Chicago that the decision to close "is sad" but quickly added: "It's going to be a good thing."

On Thursday afternoon, The Bluebird posted the following message to its Facebook page.

"Very bittersweet news - after a fantastic 7-year run, tonight's service will be our last. We'd like to thank our AMAZING team, who made the place what it was. And a huge thanks to all of our customers, especially our loyal regulars!"

 

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