The Eastern European bistro closes for good on April 30.
Little Bucharest Bistro, the family-owned restaurant in Avondale, first opened its doors in 1970. Half a century later, the restaurant will close permanently. And while many restaurants across the country are closing due to the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, that’s not entirely the case for this restaurant.
“We are sad to announce that after 50 year in business we are closing out doors. This was a very difficult decision but with all of the struggles and uncertainty right now it was the right time for us to step back,” the restaurant wrote in a Facebook post.
Little Bucharest Bistro was initially located on Ashland and Wellington avenues, where it remained for over three decades before moving to Avondale. There it served authentic Eastern European, Mediterranean, and American food, as the area’s culinary scene began to develop.
On Sundays, the bistro would roast a pig or lamb.
Branko Podrumedic intended to close the bistro last year, but remained open after a partnership with chef Phillip Martinez didn’t pan out.
The restaurant will continue offering pick-up and delivery services until May 11. In a last gesture of giving back, the restaurant offered Chicagoans free stuffed cabbage over the weekend.
“We want to celebrate Chicago and the many years and memories we made…Please join us FRIDAY, SATURDAY, AND SUNDAY and everyday until May 11th. THANK YOU CHICAGO,” they wrote on their Facebook page.
Mis Moles, a Mexican restaurant that specializes in a variety of different moles, will take its place when officials give it the green light.
[Featured image via Little Bucharest Bistro on Facebook]