HYDE PARK — With Clarke’s officially served an eviction notice on Aug. 16, Hyde Parkers are taking to social media to press for the type of restaurant they’d like to see replace it.
On Aug. 15, the University of Chicago said it was evicting the 24-hour diner at 1447 E. 53rd St. for only paying rent once since November. The university said it would announce a new tenant for the spot in the coming weeks.
Ahead of an announcement, Hyde Parkers said on Facebook and Neighborhood Square that they are hoping the university comes up with a new barbecue or breakfast restaurant for the storefront.
“Ribs 'N' Bibs — bring it back,” said Marty Billingsley on Facebook. “And while we're adding fast food joints, can we put in a half-dozen 15-minute parking spaces on that block of 53rd? It's impossible to park and dash in to fetch some food.”
Ribs ‘N’ Bibs had been a staple in Hyde Park for decades until its closure in 2014, leaving the neighborhood without an aquarium-style barbecue joint.
Several people said they hoped someone would finally take advantage of Lem’s Bar-B-Q House’s never-used franchise option and expand north from its longtime home at 311 E. 75th St. in Grand Crossing.
Like Ribs ‘N’ Bibs, Lem’s has also recently suffered the loss of its owner when James Lemons died in December at 87 years old.
The suggestion hit on a theme of people looking for a local African American-owned restaurant to expand to Hyde Park.
“What about Batter and Berries?” said Alicia Moten, one of three people to mention the popular Lincoln Park breakfast spot on Facebook.
For Hyde Parkers looking for a restaurateur with a successful breakfast spot and an interest in expanding into barbecue, Batter and Berries owner Derek Rylon seems to exactly who they’re looking for. But in late July, Rylon announced he was taking his own desire to start a barbecue spot to the South Loop, with Rylon’s Smokehouse expected to open in September.
Commenters were nearly unanimous that Clarke’s closing was not a major loss for the neighborhood, with many complaints about the service and food.
But people were split over whether another chain restaurant would be too much for the neighborhood.
At least eight people hoped for a Panera, with others suggesting Culver's and Corner Bakery Café.
“It depresses me so that folks just think of chains, not that Panera or Corner Bakery aren't good, but it's like we're beat down in what to expect on 53rd Street,” said Lawrence Rocke on Facebook.
Other suggestions included a tap room, Indian buffet, vegetarian soul food, Chinese dumplings, Ethiopian or Moroccan food.
There were also several calls for Dixie Kitchen and Bait Shop, the Cajun restaurant reviewed by Barack Obama on “Check, Please!” on WTTW and that closed in 2009, to reopen in the neighborhood.
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