Introduction to the Humboldt Park Boathouse Cafe Proposal
HUMBOLDT PARK — Developers want to bring a cafe to the Humboldt Park Boathouse, saying it could bring in more foot traffic and increase visibility for the underused space. The team behind the North Pond restaurant in Lincoln Park, which is also on Park District property, has proposed opening an all-day cafe — which could have a beer garden — at the Humboldt Park Boathouse. The spot has been without a food concessionaire since 2020, when the Boathouse Cafe closed.
Background of the Boathouse
The boathouse also lost its swan boats and rentable bicycle concession stand earlier this year. It had operated there since 2018 but closed amid slow business since the pandemic. Since 2021, the Park District has searched for a new operator to use the kitchen and patio at the boathouse. The proposed concept by North Pond chef César Murillo and operations manager Alexander Gonzalez could be it, the two said at a Wednesday community meeting at the fieldhouse hosted by the Humboldt Park Advisory Council.
Proposal Details
“I’ve been in Chicago for 14 years, and the more I progress in my career, the more I just feel the need to give back to the community,” Murillo said.
Alexander Gonzalez and César Murillo from North Pond restaurant in Lincoln Park present their cafe plans to operate a concessions business at the Humboldt Park Boathouse during a community meeting at the fieldhouse on Oct. 1, 2025. Credit: Ariel Parrella-Aureli/Block Club Chicago
The proposal, called Cafe Valera, would be a grab-and-go cafe with pastries and drinks as well as hand-held items like empanadas, sandwiches, wings, Cubano sliders and hot dogs. But it would be rooted in sustainability and use ingredients from local farmers and businesses, Murillo said.
Beer Garden and Renovations
The proposal also calls for a beer garden, and the applicants would apply for a liquor license from the city if the plan is approved. The cafe would use about a third of the veranda and patio space, with chairs and tables and a small space for live music. As part of the plan, the North Pond team would renovate the kitchen, which has not been touched since 2020 and needs new flooring, wall upgrades and new equipment. It also would need a new HVAC system and lighting upgrades but its design won’t change, the team said.
Community Involvement and Events
Advisory council members said one of the issues that arose from the previous concessionaire was foot traffic and visibility. Gonzalez envisions the cafe hosting events like farmers markets, art pop-ups, small music shows and collaborations with local chefs for pop-up residencies to bring people to the area. “What we want for this area is some sort of market that brings people into the space and draws attention to it to help fuel the motivation,” he said.
The Humboldt Park Boathouse patio is seen at nighttime on Oct. 1, 2025. Credit: Ariel Parrella-Aureli/Block Club Chicago</
