Introduction to Barba Yianni Grecian Taverna
LINCOLN SQUARE — Barba Yianni Grecian Taverna has been evicted from its longtime home in the heart of Lincoln Square.
Notice of Eviction
People walking by 4761 N. Lincoln Ave. Wednesday morning appeared surprised to see the restaurant’s windows and front door covered with metal panels blocking the interior from view. Messages left with the owners of the restaurant were not immediately returned.
Details of the Eviction
The business was removed via a “commercial eviction” Monday, a spokesman for the Cook County Sheriff’s Office told Block Club. The spokesman referred further questions to the Cook County Circuit Court Clerk’s office. A spokesperson with the clerk’s office was not immediately able to provide more information about the eviction. Messages left with the company that installed the metal panels, Dawgs Vacant Property Security, were not immediately returned.
Current State of the Restaurant
The interior of the now-closed Barba Yianni Grecian Taverna, as seen through metal barricades blocking the restaurant’s windows on Aug. 27, 2025. Credit: Alex V. Hernandez/Block Club Chicago
History of Barba Yianni Grecian Taverna
Barba Yianni Grecian Taverna has been a staple of Lincoln Square since 1989, according to its website. “Our passion for amazing Greek food started back in 1989 when our Greek cooking traditions inspired us to share our delicious food with the community of Lincoln Square in Chicago, which gave birth to the best authentic taste of Grecian Cuisine in Chicago and has carried us all the way to what we offer today,” reads the bio on the website, which was still up as of Wednesday.
Menu and Events
Barba Yianni was known for traditional Greek dishes like moussaka, dolmades (stuffed grape leaves) and the flaming cheese appetizer saganaki, as well as performances by belly dancers during its weekly Ladies Nights. The restaurant’s food and liquor licenses had last been renewed Nov. 15, 2024 and were not set to expire until Jan. 15, 2027, according to city records.
Sudden Closure
Peering through the metal barricades Wednesday, the interior of the restaurant appeared fully stocked with liquor and furniture, as if the business had closed suddenly. Attempts to reach the landlord Wednesday were unsuccessful.
Conclusion
The eviction of Barba Yianni Grecian Taverna from its home of 36 years in Lincoln Square has come as a surprise to many. The sudden closure of the restaurant has left many questions unanswered, including the reason for the eviction and the future of the business.
FAQs
Q: What happened to Barba Yianni Grecian Taverna?
A: Barba Yianni Grecian Taverna was evicted from its longtime home in Lincoln Square via a commercial eviction.
Q: How long was Barba Yianni Grecian Taverna in Lincoln Square?
A: Barba Yianni Grecian Taverna was in Lincoln Square for 36 years, since 1989.
Q: What was Barba Yianni Grecian Taverna known for?
A: Barba Yianni Grecian Taverna was known for traditional Greek dishes and performances by belly dancers during its weekly Ladies Nights.
Q: Are the restaurant’s food and liquor licenses still valid?
A: Yes, the restaurant’s food and liquor licenses were renewed in November 2024 and are not set to expire until January 2027.
