Burgundy Inn closing

I like Burgundy Inn. I've gone there for ten years, and each and every filet mignon I have is perfect. Soups, sides, salads are nothing to write home (or LTH Forum) about, but that filet is why I go. I had a craving for it after seeing BodyWorlds (though I think it should have had the opposite effect) Tuesday night, and I knew exactly where to go - the place where, until recently, boasted "Casual dining in a Wisconsin-like atmosphere."

Now, after decades in business, the owner/chef is retiring, and Burgundy Inn is closing their doors. The exact date isn't set yet, but it may be as soon as September 18.

http://burgundy-inn.com/

This is disappointing but I knew it was coming for a while. I have been holding out hope that someone would step in and keep it going. I sincerely doubt that the city will let the liquor license continue to a new owner for that location (middle of a mostly residential block).

When I lived closer to Ashland, The Burgundy Inn was a common spot for a decent, cheap dinner in a great environment. It's an unassuming neighborhood bar that most people just pass right by without noticing it. I've had more than my fair share of prime rib at the BI and I was also surprised to find that I always loved their trout almondine.

It will be missed.

Burgundy Inn
2706 N. Ashland
773-327-0303

Best,
Michael

I remember going here with my parents and grandparents when I was 10 or so. My grandparents lived nearby and were frequent patrons, we lived in Algonquin and this is were we would go when we came to visit. Sad to see the old neighborhood type places go.

The Burgundy Inn was the site of a first date i had with a fella about 12yrs ago (tho a short lived relationship). it was my first time there, and i've loved it since. it's one of those little places you can go and have a good dinner and not worry about running into anyone you know. i loved the little bar too. nothing spectacular, but just a great neighborhood place.

leesh

Sorry to hear about the impending closing as I have fond memories of the place when it was on Clark Street (2300 block) back in the 70's.

When Wife #1 had one of her rare steak cravings we went to The Burgundy Inn for a very enjoyable meal. She's still wife #1 and we hope we can go there again before it closes.

Having lived not too far from it for 15 years, I had only eaten at the Burgundy Inn once, when I sat in a half-empty back room and had a perfectly decent old school steak and dug the fish lodge atmosphere.

Well, quite a difference last night as the place was full of people like me who had insufficiently appreciated Burgundy Inn until it announced its leaving. (I'd say we were coming out of the woodwork, except that that seems misleading for a place with so much actual woodwork.) I was going to try the prime rib but by 8 pm it was already sold out, so I had my second Burgundy Inn steak in 15 years. It was... perfectly decent.

Open since 1934 (though apparently not always in this location), run by these owners since 1964, Burgundy Inn won't be a huge culinary loss, perhaps, but it is one of those classic Chicago neighborhood places that made Chicago a town of a certain character, and are now a dying breed. It joins Math Igler's Casino, Zum Deutschen Eck, Little Bucharest and others which have departed this area in the mere blink of an eye that I've lived here. I think they said it's open till the 22nd. You should stop by and catch it on its way out.

Mike G's description is spot on. We were there Tuesday evening and had a similar experience. My son & I each had the steak which was also perfectly decent. Had it with steak fries which are not my preference for fries, but these were done right -- nice and crispy so there was plenty of bite.

My wife liked her Cajun style shrimp which were quite spicy.

The bread tray included rye sticks - an old favorite which I haven't seen in a while.

As Mike G said, it's a classic neighborhood place that should be experienced. Prices are reasonable and service is pleasant.

If you go to the Burgundy Inn's website, you can print out coupons for one free entree (max value $12.95) good on Mondays and Tuesdays. Also an early bird coupon. With the coupons the value is very good.