LINCOLN PARK — King Crab, a seafood restaurant that called Halsted Street home for more than three decades before abruptly closing in 2014, might be reopening soon.
In June, the owners of the restaurant, 1816 N. Halsted St., applied for a liquor license at the location, according to city records.
About a week later, the owners posted a message on Facebook that reads: "King Crab House Opening Soon! Stay tuned for updates from our website!"
The owners didn't respond to multiple messages seeking comment.
After 32 years, King Crab closed suddenly in May 2014. At the time, the property owner — developer Golub & Co. — was trying to knock down the King Crab building and the historic building next door, which housed restaurant Black Duck, to build a mixed-use development.
Even though the developer ultimately withdrew its proposal, both restaurants reluctantly shut their doors when the property owner refused to renew their leases.
King Crab tried to bounce back by opening a new location in River West under a longer name, but that location didn't last very long.
If the recent activity at King Crab is any indication, the seafood restaurant and its neighbor, Black Duck, appear to have a second chance.
Over the last few weeks, crews have been putting the finishing touches on the new restaurant replacing the Black Duck, 1800 N. Halsted St.
Signs up at Willow RM, the restaurant replacing Black Duck, 1800 N. Halsted St. [DNAinfo/Mina Bloom]
When it opens, Willow RM will serve American continental food that's a "step above" Black Duck, according to co-owner Dan Allen, who was also a co-owner at Black Duck.
It's unclear when the restaurant, originally called The Marc 1883, will open to the public. The owners couldn't be immediately reached for comment.
Built in the 1880s, the Black Duck building originally housed Schulien Tavern, which was routinely packed with politicians, actors and celebrities who went to see magician Matt Schulien perform. The tavern is regarded as the birthplace of Chicago-style magic.
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