Blink and You’ll Miss It: New Businesses Opening in Lakeview East
Things move fast in Lakeview East. Blink and suddenly a storefront has a new sign, the lights are on, and something exciting is opening. We’ve been keeping our eyes on a few spots around the neighborhood that have quietly opened, are getting ready to debut, or are starting to generate a little buzz. Here’s what we’re hearing (Please note, this blog was written March 11th, 2026)
Coming Any Day
Aura Coffee Bar & Roastery | 2833 N. Broadway
Another coffee spot is getting ready to join the Broadway lineup. Aura Coffee Bar & Roastery is moving into 2833 N. Broadway, and the space has started coming together behind the windows. Lakeview East has become a bit of a coffee playground lately, and every new café seems to bring its own vibe. Whether Aura ends up being the next latte stop, work-from-home hideout, or weekend catch-up spot, we’re definitely curious to see what they bring to the neighborhood.
Pop/Culture Chicago | 2937 N Clark
One of the more playful new additions to Clark Street is Pop/Culture Chicago at 2937 N. Clark St. The shop mixes nostalgia, pop culture, and craft soda into one very browseable little space. Inside you’ll find a curated mix of artwork, apparel, collectibles, and quirky gifts alongside a rotating lineup of craft, vintage, and regional sodas you probably won’t see anywhere else in the neighborhood. In other words, it’s the kind of place you pop into “just to look” and suddenly you’re leaving with a bottle of soda you haven’t seen since childhood and a gift for someone you didn’t plan to buy for.
Hooley Market | 2947 N. Broadway.
Another interesting addition is headed to Broadway with Hooley Market, opening at 2947 N. Broadway. The shop is expected to focus on artisan international goods, bringing specialty items and unique products from around the world to the neighborhood. If you’re the kind of person who loves discovering ingredients, snacks, or pantry finds you don’t see at the typical grocery store, this one could become a fun little stop to explore once it opens.
Level Sporting Club | 3343 N. Clark St
One of the most interesting concepts heading to Clark Street is Level Sporting Club at 3343 N. Clark St. The new sports bar, led by Clarissa Flores, is set to focus on women’s athletics. With women’s basketball, soccer, and other leagues exploding in popularity right now, the idea is to create a space where those games actually get the spotlight on the big screens. In a neighborhood full of sports bars, this one could bring something genuinely new to the mix. In other cool news, they’re planning live music in the basement and full out sing along vibes with pianos and cocktails!
Millie’s Pizza in the Pan | 3409 N. Broadway
Detroit-style pizza lovers, take note. Millie’s Pizza in the Pan is moving into the former Sugar Blow space at 3409 N. Broadway, bringing its thick, square pies with crispy caramelized cheese edges to the neighborhood. If you’ve had Millie’s before, you already know the drill. If you haven’t, get ready for a very good excuse to add another pizza spot to your regular rotation. They’ve also recently been dubbed one of the 19 Best Pizzas in the World, ranking at #11 world wide, so there is that!
The Face Foundrie | 3407 N. Broadway
Right next door, The Face Foundrie is also getting ready to open at 3407 N. Broadway. The brand has been popping up in cities across the country with its “facial bar” concept, offering quick, affordable skincare treatments that feel more like a beauty stop than a full spa day. Think glow-ups on a lunch break or a quick refresh before a night out.
Burger Factory | 3467 N. Clark St
Another new food spot is heading to one of the busiest corners in Wrigleyville. Burger Factory is planning to open at 3467 N. Clark St., right where Clark, Sheffield, and Newport all meet. That location alone makes it a prime stop for game-day crowds, post-bar snacks, and anyone wandering Clark Street looking for something quick and satisfying.
Apothecary Lounge | 3242 N. Clark St
Clark Street is about to get a little mysterious. Apothecary Lounge, opening at 3242 N. Clark St., looks like it’s leaning into a speakeasy-style cocktail bar vibe with a nod to old-world apothecaries. Think moody lighting, interesting cocktails, and the kind of place you duck into for “just one drink” and suddenly it’s midnight. Construction has been moving along and the space is starting to look nearly ready, so this one might not be too far off from opening its doors.
El Bar | 3209 N. Halsted St.
Over on Halsted, El Bar at 3209 N. Halsted St. is getting ready to jump into the neighborhood nightlife scene and appears to be aiming for a St. Patrick’s Day opening. The bar is leaning hard into agave spirits, with tequila, mezcal, and other agave-based cocktails expected to take center stage. Between the drinks and the timing, it wouldn’t be surprising if this one quickly becomes part of the late-night rotation around here.
House of William Barbershop | 812 W Diversey
Over on Diversey, House of William Barbershop is preparing to open at 812 W. Diversey Ave. A fresh barbershop is always a welcome addition to the neighborhood, and this one looks like it’s aiming for a classic, polished grooming experience. Word from the owners is that they are working to fully re-invigorate the space and they are going If you’re someone who takes their haircut seriously, this might be one to keep on your radar.
No Matter What Recovery | 3153 N Halsted
A new community-focused resource is also on the way near Halsted and Briar. No Matter What Recovery will offer recovery services and support programming, bringing an important wellness resource to the neighborhood. Spaces like this play a big role in strengthening communities, and it’s great to see services like this expanding locally.
Rounders | 646 W Diversey Pkwy.
Something new is taking shape under the Hotel Versey at 646 W. Diversey Pkwy. A concept called Rounders is rumored to be opening there in the coming weeks, and early signs suggest it’s leaning hard into a baseball-themed pub vibe. Which, honestly, feels pretty on-brand for this corner of the neighborhood. With Opening Day right around the corner and Wrigleyville already warming up for another baseball season, this could quickly become one of those spots fans duck into before or after a game.
Tilly Bagel Shop | (Coming Soon… Somewhere on Broadway 
)
Here’s a little neighborhood whisper we can share. Tilly Bagel Shop is planning to open somewhere on Broadway later this year. We know the exact address, but we’re sworn to secrecy for now. What we can say is they’re aiming for a summer opening, and if you’re a bagel person, you’ll probably want to keep this one on your radar. Give them a follow, keep your ear to the ground, and stay tuned. The bagel news will reveal itself soon enough.
Kohi | 2904 N Broadway
This is looking to be another coffee shop! Renovations are still underway, so we will be sure to update as soon as there is more information out there, but there is currently no website or social media.
Recently Opened
Da Vinci Gallery by Arthur J. Williams Jr. | 644 W Diversey Pkwy
If you haven’t popped into Da Vinci Gallery by Arthur J. Williams Jr. yet, consider this your reminder that it quietly opened back in October. The space showcases the work of Chicago artist Arthur J. Williams Jr., whose story is almost as fascinating as the art itself. After learning to paint while incarcerated, Williams went on to build a successful career, often incorporating currency imagery into his work as a nod to his unusual past. The gallery brings a fresh arts presence to the Diversey corridor and adds another creative layer to the neighborhood’s growing mix of businesses.
Élevé Aesthetics | 2835 N. Halsted.
Another recent addition on Halsted is Élevé Aesthetic, which has opened at 2835 N. Halsted St. in the former Lash & Company space. The studio focuses on aesthetic treatments and wellness services and has been easing into the neighborhood, but the lights are on and appointments are happening, so consider this your little neighborhood heads-up that they’re officially here.
Jujin Broadway Breakfast & Coffee | 2845 N Broadway
Meanwhile, Jujin Broadway Breakfast & Coffee has already opened at 2845 N. Broadway and is quickly making waves. The new breakfast and coffee spot has been drawing attention for its menu and welcoming vibe, giving neighbors another great option for a morning coffee, a quick bite, or a relaxed breakfast meet-up. Judging by the early buzz, this one is already finding its footing as a new neighborhood favorite.
Wrigleyville Convenience Store | 3444 N. Clark St
A new neighborhood stop quietly popped up on Clark Street with the opening of Wrigleyville Convenience Store at 3444 N. Clark St. The shop recently opened its doors and is already filling a very important neighborhood need: last-minute snacks, drinks, and game-day essentials just steps from Wrigley Field. Whether you forgot sunscreen before a Cubs game or need a quick grab-and-go last minute necessity before heading out for the night, this spot is quickly becoming one of those convenient little additions you don’t realize you needed until it’s there.
Panda Express | 1027 W. Addison St.
One of the bigger openings around Wrigleyville recently was Panda Express at 1027 W. Addison St., right next to Wrigley Field. The fast-casual Chinese American favorite celebrated its grand opening last week and marked the occasion with a $1,000 donation to local nonprofit Nourishing Hope. The new location is perfectly timed for baseball season, offering a quick bite for fans heading to the stadium or anyone wandering through the Gallagher Way area looking for orange chicken and chow mein. Consider it another easy pre-game food option in the neighborhood.
Galata | 3345 N. Clark St
If you’ve walked past the former PS Bangkok space recently and wondered what moved in, the answer is Galata. The restaurant quietly opened in January at 3345 N. Clark St., bringing Mediterranean and Turkish flavors to the neighborhood. Early feedback from neighbors has been pretty positive, with people already talking about the menu and the welcoming atmosphere. It’s one of those openings that didn’t make a huge splash at first but is starting to build its own word-of-mouth momentum.
Hattie B’s Hot Chicken | 3649 N. Clark St.
Yes, that Hattie B’s. The Nashville hot chicken spot officially opened its first Chicago location at 3649 N. Clark St. near Gallagher Way, and it’s already drawing crowds. If you’re unfamiliar, their whole thing is fried chicken with heat levels ranging from “totally manageable” to “you might regret this tomorrow.” With baseball season around the corner, it’s safe to say plenty of Cubs fans are about to discover it
Kincaid’s | 3660 N. Clark St
The space at 3660 N. Clark St., formerly home to Lost Never Found, has quietly entered its next era as Kincaid’s. If the name rings a bell, you might be thinking of the Kincaid’s in Lincoln Park, known for its easygoing neighborhood bar vibe. Think a solid spot to meet friends, watch a game, grab a drink, and hang out without anything feeling too over-the-top. The Clark Street location keeps that same laid-back energy while giving the longtime Wrigleyville address a fresh start.
Naz’s Halal Food | 907 W. Belmont Ave
If you’ve been walking along Belmont recently, you may have noticed Naz’s Halal Food at 907 W. Belmont Ave. The popular halal chain opened late last year and has already started building a following. Known for its platters piled high with chicken, lamb, rice, and sauces, it’s the kind of spot that quickly becomes a go-to late-night or quick dinner option.
Apartment Guys | 1137 W. Belmont Ave
Apartment hunting in Chicago can feel like a full-time job, which is where Apartment Guys comes in. The new business at 1137 W. Belmont Ave. helps renters find apartments around the city without spending hours scrolling through listings and chasing down showings. If you’ve got a friend who’s currently deep in the “I swear there were more listings yesterday” phase of apartment searching, you might want to send them here.
Taste of Egg | 2850 N. Clark St
Here’s a fun little twist for Clark Street. Taste of Egg, which opened earlier this year at 2850 N. Clark St., is actually serving up Indian street food with a huge vegetarian and vegan lineup. The menu mixes things like frankies (Indian street wraps), paneer dishes, chaat snacks, and other bold, spice-packed comfort food inspired by Indian street markets. And despite the name, it’s not all eggs. The restaurant offers plenty of fully vegetarian and egg-free options, making it a pretty unique addition to the neighborhood’s food scene. In other words, if you’re looking for something a little different than the usual brunch lineup around here, this might be the spot to check out (plus, they are BYOB!)
Other Movement
At 2865 N. Clark St., it looks like a new lease may be in progress, though the future tenant hasn’t been announced yet.
Next door at 2863 N. Clark St., the former Bluebird space has construction activity underway and the for-lease sign has disappeared, which usually means something is happening behind the scenes.
Over at 2913 N. Clark St., the former Duke of Perth building is also showing visible construction work, suggesting a possible redevelopment could be in the works.
The long-vacant Irish Oak space at 3511 N. Clark St. may finally have a new chapter ahead, with word around the neighborhood that a Chicago operator with several existing concepts is expected to take over the location.
Meanwhile, Get in the Kitchen at 3617 N. Broadway is closing and currently looking to sell the business, leaving the future of the space to be determined.
