Otto’s Would Bring All-Day Restaurant, Bar To Vacant Ukrainian Village Auto Shop
New Business to Take Over Vacant Auto Shop at 820 N. Damen Ave.
A prominent local hospitality group plans to open a cafe, bar, and restaurant on the site of a closed Ukrainian Village auto shop, and the local alderperson is on board.
Heisler Hospitality’s Otto’s
Heisler Hospitality’s Otto’s would take over a building at 820 N. Damen Ave. that has sat vacant for several years. Previous plans for a milkshake and burger joint fizzled out after an extended planning and construction process.
Management Team
Otto’s would be managed by longtime employees from Heisler Hospitality, the group behind popular establishments such as Pizza Lobo in Logan Square and Andersonville, and Sportsman’s Club and Queen Mary in Ukrainian Village.
Restaurant Plans
Plans for the restaurant call for patio and indoor seating that will be open throughout the day and into the late evening, the management team told neighbors at a community meeting hosted by Ald. Gilbert Villegas (36th) at the Commercial Club Park field house.
Menu and Hours
A menu shared during the meeting listed items such as giardiniera dip and cheese curds, as well as handhelds including a Caesar wrap and meatball submarine sandwich, plus soups and salads. Coffee and pastries are also in the plans, as is a full bar program with seasonal cocktails, "coastal-inspired" wines, and non-alcoholic cocktails and drinks.
The restaurant’s operating hours and other details have yet to be nailed down, but management said Otto’s could open at 8 a.m. and close at 1 a.m. It would not offer takeout or delivery.
Community Support
Neighbors and West Town business owners expressed almost universal support for the Otto’s concept.
Conclusion
Heisler Hospitality’s Otto’s is planning to bring a new all-day cafe, bar, and restaurant to the previously vacant auto shop at 820 N. Damen Ave. The restaurant is expected to open in the spring, pending the necessary city licenses and permits.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What is the name of the new restaurant?
Otto’s - What is the concept of the restaurant?
All-day cafe, bar, and restaurant - What is the location of the restaurant?
820 N. Damen Ave. - What is the expected opening date of the restaurant?
Spring 2023, pending necessary city licenses and permits - Will the restaurant offer takeout or delivery?
No - What is the management team behind the restaurant?
Longtime employees from Heisler Hospitality